Buckley Bomb model

Buckley Bomb model

World War, 1939-1945

Models, Military

Model of the "Buckley Bomb," an airborne leaflet bomb, made of cracker tins. The model resembles a stubby, two-ended crayon with a central band painted red, trimmed with black, and exposed metal ends. The words "The Buckley Bomb" are painted in black on the red field. Doors open to reveal a series of rubber bands (representing bungee cords) that would expel paper leaflets and then close the doors. Three metal loops on the top of the cylinder were used to hang the real object under the wings of the bomber (as real bombs were hung). The model includes in miniature the method of attachment to existing bomb trigger mechanisms.

James Buckley, a sheet metal worker from Opportunity, MT, designed the Buckley Bomb for the U.S. Army. The bomb dropped propaganda over enemy targets. When the bomb burst, it distributed 30,000 leaflets encouraging enemy troops to surrender.

Buckley, James

ca. 1943

1997.02.01

/1997 02 01.tif

Metal/Paint

20

17.25

Montana Historical Society Museum Collection

Gift of Jim Buckley