Toy, Tin Toy, Ray Gun, "Space Gun," Space 577001

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Manufacturer
Daiya
Summary
This brightly-colored metal toy gun was manufactured by the Japanese toy company Daiya, likely in the 1960s.
At the time, Japanese toy makers were having great success making inexpensive metal "tin toys," especially with outer space themes, for export. This toy came with four projectiles that could be shot via the mechanism in the toy.
Fictional space heroes often carried space-themed versions of the Western's ever-present six-shooter or rifle. As a result, for several generations, pretend gun play with ray gun toys formed a central part of many children's imagined space adventures. Exactly how one blasted space enemies often reflected the newest technologies. In the late 1940s, "atomic" guns proliferated. "Laser" guns followed the creation of the practical laser in 1960.
Credit Line
Found in collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises.
Inventory Number
A20010632000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Materials
Overall, metal, probably aluminum
Dimensions
3-D: 14 × 8.3 × 14cm (5 1/2 × 3 1/4 × 5 1/2 in.)
Country of Origin
Japan
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Hangar
James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
National Air and Space Museum
Record ID
nasm_A20010632000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9b42d7864-486c-468a-8228-479215fc8aab
Metal toy gun, blue body with green "Space Rescue" rocket launching in space and "Space Gun" written in yellow underneath. The barrel has alternating blue and red stripes leading up to a red tip.
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Metal toy gun, blue body with green "Space Rescue" rocket launching in space and "Space Gun" written in yellow underneath. The barrel has alternating blue and red stripes leading up to a red tip.
Metal toy gun, blue body with green "Space Rescue" rocket launching in space and "Space Gun" written in yellow underneath. The barrel has alternating blue and red stripes leading up to a red tip.