Toy, Ray Gun, Tin Toy, Atomic Gun, Sparking

National Air and Space Museum

Object Details

Summary
This lithographed tin “Atomic Gun” was made in Japan in the 1950s, and it sparks and makes a whirring noise when the trigger is squeezed. Atomic themes of the post-war era were channeled through toys like this ray gun which suggests the use of nuclear power and the emission of radiation waves as concepts for the playful imaginations of mid-century children.
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.
Collector Michael O'Harro donated this toy ray gun to the Museum in 1993.
Credit Line
Gift of Michael O'Harro. Restrictions Unknown.
Inventory Number
A19970788000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Materials
Overall, probably tin; ports for sparks, plastic
Dimensions
3-D: 11.4 x 2.5 x 8.9cm (4 1/2 x 1 x 3 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_A19970788000
Metadata Usage (text)
Not determined
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv92814381a-01d2-4b7d-80a3-010148f54839
Silver toy gun with words "Atomic Gun" on both sides in red, yellow and black leading to an exploding stylized atom; red and black lattice panel on grip; red window ports at front of gun.
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Silver toy gun with words "Atomic Gun" on both sides in red, yellow and black leading to an exploding stylized atom; red and black lattice panel on grip; red window ports at front of gun.
Silver toy gun with words "Atomic Gun" on both sides in red, yellow and black leading to an exploding stylized atom; red and black lattice panel on grip; red window ports at front of gun.