This toy "Space Gun" was made in Korea in the 1950s. It is a lithographed tin ray gun which sparks and makes a whirring noise when the trigger is squeezed.
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.
Object Details
Country of Origin
Korea
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Manufacturer
MTU
Dimensions
3-D: 14 x 1.9 x 9.5cm (5 1/2 x 3/4 x 3 3/4 in.)
Materials
Overall, tin; windows for sparks, plastic
Inventory Number
A19970786000
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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