Rare Gilbert U‑238 atomic toy sparks interest at auction
The Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory set has been dubbed the "most dangerous toy in the world", according to the Interesting Engineering portal. The set has recently been put up for auction, which will run until 12 December. It is a truly unique toy that is now very rare and sought after by collectors. Before its withdrawal, fewer than 5,000 units were sold.
In the 1950s, when atomic energy was a new concept, the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Laboratory set was introduced to the market as an educational toy for young scientists. Created by Alfred Carlton Gilbert, the maker of the iconic Erector Set—an educational toy allowing the construction of various objects—the set featured actual uranium samples and tools for observing alpha particles and measuring radiation levels. Despite its educational intent, the set was quickly withdrawn due to safety concerns.
A toy with radioactive elements
This toy, now over 70 years old, contains a range of elements designed to introduce users to nuclear energy. To achieve this, the creators included a chamber for observing alpha particles travelling at a speed of 12,000 miles per second, a spinthariscope displaying the result of radioactive decay, and an electroscope for measuring the radioactivity of the carnotite, autunite, torbernite, and uraninite included in the set.
Today, the Gilbert U-238 set is considered extremely rare. It was produced only in the years 1950 and 1951, and fewer than 5,000 units were sold in total. The set is not only exceptionally rare but also very dangerous.
Set up for auction
Interesting Engineering explains that the Gilbert U-238 set essentially contains radiation at a "minimal amount, roughly equal to the daily UV radiation exposure from the Sun", provided the radioactive samples are not removed from their containers (as stated in the instructions).
It is worth noting 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 has now been put up for sale on the RR Auction website. The auction concludes on 12 December, while the price on the day of publication of this article stands at $4,400.
