Object Details
Summary
This toy "space gun," was manufactured in China for export. The words "Space Gun" appear on the toy's box in English. Toys like this were created to capitalize on the popularity of outer space themes in toys in the late 20th century.
Ray guns appear in most space science fiction stories, television programs, and movies. As a result, generic toys like this one, which is not modeled on any particular example, simply combined design elements that looked futuristic.
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.
Credit Line
Found in collection. Donor unknown at this time. Found on NASM premises.
Inventory Number
A20020424000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Materials
plastic, metal.
Dimensions
3-D: 22.2 x 11.4 x 10.2cm (8 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 4 in.)
Country of Origin
China
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Hangar
James S. McDonnell Space Hangar
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A20020424000