One of the ‘most dangerous toys of all time’

[Dog]

A highly coveted children's toy from the 1950s is going on sale—and it contains real uranium.

The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory, which was released in 1950, was dubbed one of 'the 10 most dangerous toys of all time' in 2006 by pop culture publication Radar Magazine.

The kit contains four samples of uranium ores—autunite, torbernite, uraninite, and carnotite—along with a Geiger–Mueller radiation counter and several other tools.

Only around 5,000 of the kits were ever sold, but now, Boston-based RR Auction is selling one of the vintage toys as part of their Fine Autographs and Artifacts event.

The kit was created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, who also created a number of other science kits for children at the time.

It includes an electroscope to measure radiation levels, a spinthariscope that allows radioactive decay to be seen on a fluorescent screen and a cloud chamber that enables the user to watch alpha radiation particles flying past at 12,000 miles per second by creating condensation trails.

The original kits were sold for $49.50 at the time, which is the equivalent of nearly $650 in today's money.

Autunite, carnotite, torbernite and uraninite and are all minerals containing uranium. Uranium is a radioactive element, meaning its atoms are unstable and decay over time, emitting ionizing radiation. This radiation can damage living tissues and DNA, leading to radiation sickness with high exposure, and increased cancer risk over time.

Uranium-238 (U-238) is the most abundant isotope of uranium, making up about 99.3% of natural uranium. A different isotope, uranium-235, is used in nuclear reactors and weapons, as U-238 cannot sustain a nuclear chain reaction on its own.

The auctioned kit also includes an original "Gilbert Atomic Energy Manual," a guide published by the US Atomic Energy Commission and US Geological Survey titled "Prospecting for Uranium", and a comic book called "Dagwood Splits the Atom".

The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory was discontinued by 1951 due to poor sales, difficulties sourcing materials and growing safety concerns—and has since become a popular collector's piece.

The auctioned kit also includes a letter dated September 25, 1953, from the from the A. C. Gilbert Co., which states: "We regret exceedingly to advise you that we have discontinued manufacturing this Laboratory and it was very difficult to obtain some of the materials and also due to Government Restrictions."

Despite these safety concerns that led to the kit being pulled from shelves, a 2020 review in the magazine IEEE Spectrum revealed that the uranium-238 in Gilbert's U-238 Atomic Energy Lab was about as risky as UV exposure from spending a day in the sun, provided the samples stayed in their containers.

The auction, which ends on December 12, currently has a bidding price of $3,045.

Apparently it sold yesterday for $13,200

 

[DrunkenSailor]

For some reason I want this.

 

[Rajobigguy]

I had one but it was a second hand set and missing some of the pieces so I was limited on what I could do with it. Still it was fascinating learning about atomic energy.

 

[bonesfab]

Some Iranian probably bought it.

 

[500bbc]

Some Iranian probably bought it.

Shintoo needed to power his carpet...

 

[Maw]

My favorite was the chemistry set I was given for a Christmas present, probably around 1963, that contained among other things Potassium Nitrate, Sulfur, and Charcoal. Refills were available at the local toy store.

 

[H20 Toie]

My favorite was the chemistry set I was given for a Christmas present, probably around 1963, that contained among other things Potassium Nitrate, Sulfur, and Charcoal. Refills were available at the local toy store.

that thing was awesome. made a huge mess one time had splatter all over my room. mom was not impressed never saw it again

 

[500bbc]

Small rock collection with samples glued to a cardboard backing and a summary on the rocks/minerals.
You could pull long fibers off the asbestos sample and watch them float around the room.

 

[Paradox]

I had lawn darts when I was a kid. Seems to me that these would rate right up there as one of the most dangerous toys.

 

[Javajoe]

Yep I thought Lawn Darts or 3 Wheel ATV’s

 

[Javajoe]

I had lawn darts when I was a kid. Seems to me that these would rate right up there as one of the most dangerous toys.

Worst toy by far. Crazy they would sell that lol

 

[jeteater1]

Yep I thought Lawn Darts or 3 Wheel ATV’s

Me too

 

[bilz]

Super dangerous: playing with lawn darts on a 3 wheel atc.

 

[callbob]

While playing with klick klacks

 

[spectras only]

Had a super cool cannon for christmas in the 50's. Was all brass, I wish I still have it. It came with cap charges.
What I had that was dangerous is a couple of vintage swords for me and my best buddy.They were rejects for the military museum in Budapest where my two older brothers worked in part time. My brother Charley brought them home without my Mom knowing about it.Low and behold, me and my buddy had an enactment of a duel and I stll have a scar on my leg as a reminder. My mom was livid and the swords went away somewhere. Good times. My fond memory as a kid is. building a fort in the backyard with my buddy, Dug a hole in the dirt with an island the middle of it, making a moat around it. We made a draw bridge to cross. It didn't last long cause we had to have a garden hose running steady, keeping it filled and my buddy's Dad was the caretaker of our 6 stories apartment building. Some tenants started bitching about water use.

 

[rmarion]

I thought of this, before I opened the thread

 

[Ziggy]

View attachment 1459108

I thought of this, before I opened the thread

100% my first thought too

 

[RadMan]

My most dangerous toy was a random simple fiberglass bow and one arrow with a 3 or 4 bladed metal broadhead. We would shoot it straight up and you had to make sure it wasn’t coming down on you. We stopped only after it landed in my bmx bike tire and cut right through the side of it. After requesting a new tire, Dad asked what happened, that’s when it all disappeared. I was probably 10-11 years old.

I guess that bmx bike was most dangerous too, I ended up in the hospital 3 times from it, 2 big crashes requiring internal and external chin stitches and one hit by motor vehicle incident in front of my house. After I was hit by the truck, the bike lived on my roof for 2 months as a sign to all the other neighborhood kids to be more careful.