World's deadliest toy with uranium up for auction
The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory set is referred to as the "world's most dangerous toy," according to the Interesting Engineering portal. The set has just been put up for auction, which will last until December 12. It's a truly unique toy that is now very rare and sought after by collectors. Before it was withdrawn, fewer than 5,000 units were sold.
In the 1950s, when atomic energy was new, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory set hit the market as an educational toy for young scientists. Created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, the inventor of the iconic Erector Set (a toy that allowed for the construction of various objects), the set included real uranium samples and tools for observing alpha particles and measuring radiation levels. Although the set was intended for educational purposes, it was quickly withdrawn due to safety concerns.
a toy with radioactive elements
This toy, now over 70 years old, contains several elements designed to introduce nuclear energy. The creators included a chamber for observing alpha particles moving at a speed of 12,000 miles per second, a spinthariscope displaying the result of radioactive decay, and an electroscope to measure the radioactivity contained in carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite included in the set.
Today, the Gilbert U-238 set is considered extremely rare. It was only manufactured in 1950 and 1951, with a total of fewer than 5,000 units sold. The set is not only exceptionally rare but also very dangerous.
Set put up for auction
Interesting Engineering explains that the Gilbert U-238 set emits a level of radiation that is "minimal, roughly equal to daily UV radiation exposure from the Sun," but only as long as the radioactive samples are not removed from their containers, according to warnings in the instructions.
It should be noted that the production of this set was halted in 1951. The manufacturer cited "government restrictions" and "difficulties in accessing materials" at the time. The toy from the '50s is now on sale on the RR Auction site. The auction ends on December 12, and at the time of publication, the price is $4,400.
