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E. Ingraham Company produced this child's pocket watch set featuring space heroes Buck Rogers and Wilma Deering in 1935.

Buck Rogers first appeared in the pulp magazine Amazing Stories in August 1928 as Anthony Rogers in Philip Francis Nowlan’s story “Armageddon 2419 A.D.” Knocked unconscious, the blond hero awakened in the 25th century to find America under attack from “Mongol” hordes, a reflection of contemporary anxiety about Asian immigration.

National Newspaper Service president John F. Dille saw a potential comic strip—with one small change. Renamed “Buck Rogers,” Nowlan’s strip (illustrated by Dick Calkins) debuted in 1929, followed by a color Sunday strip in 1930 and a radio program in 1932. Licensed playthings came on the market in the 1930s and remained popular for years.

Collector Michael O'Harro donated this watch to the Museum in 1993.

 Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Manufacturer E. Ingraham Company
 Dimensions Diameter, 2 inches; height, 0.5 inches; length, box, 3 inches; width, box, 2.5 inches
 Materials Metal
 Inventory Number A19970744000 Credit Line Gift of Michael O'Harro. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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