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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.
Country of Origin
Japan
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Dimensions
3-D: 11.4 x 2.5 x 8.9cm (4 1/2 x 1 x 3 1/2 in.) Materials
Overall, probably tin; ports for sparks, plastic Inventory Number
A19970788000
Credit Line
Gift of Michael O'Harro. Restrictions Unknown.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.