The “world’s most dangerous” toy, which is nearly 74 years old, is being auctioned off. This unusual object, called the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory, was created in the early 1950s and includes real radioactive materials, such as uranium.
The Atomic Energy Lab was promoted as an instructional kit for budding young scientists and was created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, an American inventor best known for the Erector building toy. It appeared when the world was still dealing with the aftermath of World War II and atomic energy was a new idea.
The package includes scientific instruments like an electroscope to monitor radiation levels, a spinthariscope to view radioactive breakdown, and a cloud chamber to study alpha particles. Radioactive mineral samples such as carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite were among them. But in 2010, Radar Magazine named it one of the “10 most dangerous toys of all time,” citing the radioactive components.
The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab was considered a revolutionary educational tool in its day, despite its risks. It included a comic book called “Learn How Dagwood Splits the Atom!” that combined knowledge of atomic energy with fun. However, after less than 5,000 units were sold, safety concerns and regulatory regulations forced its discontinuance in 1951.
A review by IEEE Spectrum in 2020 clarified that radiation exposure from the kit was minimal, akin to a day’s UV exposure, provided users adhered to instructions. However, removing the radioactive samples from their containers posed significant risks.
This old toy is a sought-after collector’s item due to its rarity and historical relevance. This fascinating piece of history, which comes with a 1953 letter from the A. C. Gilbert Company outlining the difficulties in creating it because of material shortages and regulatory restrictions, is currently for sale by RR Auction, an auction company located in Boston.
This artifact from a bygone period reminds us of a time when atomic energy curiosity triumphed over safety concerns.
