Actual Atomic Toys of Yesteryear

Atomic Toys: Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab (1950-1951)
Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab (1950-1951)

Reactions to yesterday’s post onĀ Randy Regier’s amazing imaginary toys vacillated from absolute awe to confused “huh?” Today’s post is then dedicated to both camps. For the former, it should provide continued amazement into the idea that yesteryear’s kids played with actual uranium. (And parents today are concerned with whether slankets are made of ‘organic’ cotton.) For the latter, you can now have a sense of the real, existing atomic toys upon which Regier’s imagined sculptural toys commented. All of the following info comes from the excellent Oak Ridge Associated Universities collection of Atomic Toys!

Above is Gilbert’s Atomic Energy Lab, considered to be the most elaborate atomic toys ever produced. In addition to the equipment, it came with four types of uranium and a comic book. Its short lifespan means that a complete set can go for more than 100 times the original price today.

Atomic Toys: Atomic Bunny, First Issue (1958)
Atomic Bunny, First Issue (1958)

The first issue of Atomic Bunny comic came out in 1958. After eleven issues of Atomic Rabbit, I guess the producers decided to rebrand it as a kinder, gentler atomic bunny.

Atomic Toys: Atomic Toy Guns (1950s-1960s)
Atomic Toy Guns (1950s-1960s)

The unifying characteristic of these toy guns is that they are all identified as “Atomic.” The top two, made of tin, were manufactured in Japan, probably in the 1950s or 1960s. When the trigger is pulled, sparks appear in the window on the barrel.

More below!

Atomic Toys: Atomic Robot Man (1990s reproduction of a 1940s robot)
Atomic Robot Man (1990s reproduction of a 1940s robot)

The Atomic Robot Man is usually considered the second toy robot, the first being the Lilliput robot. When wound up, the robot staggers forward in a jerky motion with his arms swinging back and forth. Amusing to us perhaps, but horrifying to any surviving citizens of the town pictured on the box who dare to look out their windows.

Atomic Toys: Uranium Rush Board Game (1955)
Uranium Rush Board Game (1955)

Uranium Rush is a Gardner Games product from the mid 1950s about prospecting for uranium and becoming a millionaire.

Atomic Toys: Atomic Train (1950s)
Atomic Train (1950s)

This atomic train ran on a square of lithographed sheet metal with a circular depression embossed into it. It was manufactured in West Germany.

Atomic Toys: Gilbert Geiger Counter (1950s)
Gilbert Geiger Counter (1950s)

“Developed at the Gilbert Hall of Science with country’s leading atomic energy scientists. Counter clicks rapidly when radioactive material is near; clicks are heard through earphone. Neon light indicator recessed in Geiger Counter top also indicates radioactivity by means of flashes.” Cool.