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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.

 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 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
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