Space Gun S-58
Ray Gun
1960s (manufactured)
1960s (manufactured)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This object came to the Museum from the Michael Buhler collection of tin toys. Tin toys cover a vast array of subject matters, although one of the most prominent ones being the subject of space. This subject matter allowed for the manufacturers of such toys to be imaginative and highly creative in their approach to designs. Japan is a prominent manufacturer of such tin toys, taking up every aspect from science fiction to science fact.
Japanese toy ray guns begun to enter the American market in the mid 1950s, generally fashioned of tin and usually thinner and less durable than the American designs. However, the Japanese guns were decorated with imaginative designs which were more sophisticated and interesting than others. This particular gun was made in the 1960s, when Japanese tin toy production was at its peak. Increased labour costs and the demand for die cast models affected the production of tin toys and contributed to its decline in both quality and quantity.
Japanese toy ray guns begun to enter the American market in the mid 1950s, generally fashioned of tin and usually thinner and less durable than the American designs. However, the Japanese guns were decorated with imaginative designs which were more sophisticated and interesting than others. This particular gun was made in the 1960s, when Japanese tin toy production was at its peak. Increased labour costs and the demand for die cast models affected the production of tin toys and contributed to its decline in both quality and quantity.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Space Gun S-58 (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Colour lithographed tin-plated pressed mild steel |
| Brief description | Ray gun, tin toy, made in Japan in the 1960s. |
| Physical description | A toy ray gun made from colour lithographed tin-plated mild steel. The majority of the gun is dark blue in colour, with silver stars dotted on it and various other 'space age' details. It has red highlights around the edge of the gun and light blue outlines in the middle. A planet, in yellow, is printed on the gun's forward sight, at the front of the barrel, on both sides. The words 'Space Gun' are printed across the main part of the body in yellow and 'S-58' is printed at the front in silver. Under the barrel is a silver metal trigger. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Style | |
| Production type | Mass produced |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Space Gun' / 'S-58' / 'T.N' / 'Japan' |
| Credit line | Given by Alexandra Buhler |
| Object history | This object was donated by Alexandra Buhler from the Michael Buhler collection. Buhler collected a vast array of tin toys and published a book on the subject called 'Tin Toys 1945-1975'. His collection covers a variety of subject matters ranging from space toys to more domestic objects. The collection contains tin toys from around the world including Japan, Europe, India and the USA. |
| Production | T.N. was a trademark of Nomura. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This object came to the Museum from the Michael Buhler collection of tin toys. Tin toys cover a vast array of subject matters, although one of the most prominent ones being the subject of space. This subject matter allowed for the manufacturers of such toys to be imaginative and highly creative in their approach to designs. Japan is a prominent manufacturer of such tin toys, taking up every aspect from science fiction to science fact. Japanese toy ray guns begun to enter the American market in the mid 1950s, generally fashioned of tin and usually thinner and less durable than the American designs. However, the Japanese guns were decorated with imaginative designs which were more sophisticated and interesting than others. This particular gun was made in the 1960s, when Japanese tin toy production was at its peak. Increased labour costs and the demand for die cast models affected the production of tin toys and contributed to its decline in both quality and quantity. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | B.102-2010 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | September 21, 2010 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
