Space Patrol Cosmic Smoke Gun Advertisement on You Tube

In the early 1950s, Space Patrol was science-fiction television. At its peak, it aired every single day and drew millions of viewers -- both kids and adults. It also launched a zillion tie in products, more than enough to satisfy any space cadet.

One of the best was the Space Patrol Cosmic Smoke Gun, which I wrote about here. It's a bona fide classic; Leslie Singer, author of Zap!, the first book about ray guns, has publicly declared it his favorite gun. I know it's definitely high on my personal list, too.

Well guess what? While watching some old Space Patrol episodes on You Tube recently, I stumbled on an ad for this very gun! Yep, there it was, in stunning black and white, available for nothing more than a box top from some Rice Chex and "twenty-five cents in coin." Hot damn, that's the kind of deal you just can't pass up.

To see the ad, fast forward to the 2:37 mark.

By the way, this is the second part of a three part serial. Since Space Patrol is awesome, I suggest going back and watching the first episode.

Briefly Revisiting the Pow'r Pop Ray Gun

Not too long ago, I posted an article on the Atomic Pow'r Pop gun, made by a company called Glenn. It's an Australian toy, and I didn't know a whole lot about it -- including it's date of manufacture. Thankfully, a collector from Down Under named Steve Baker stepped up to shed just a bit more light on this wonderful space gun by emailing me photos of two old advertisements. One of them is from The Retailer, and is dated May, 1951. The other is some sort of toy catalog, with a few cowboy guns alongside the Pow'r Pop.

This is exactly the kind of information I'd hoped the Attic would produce through conversations with different collectors. Thanks so much, Steve.

Inside the box, the ad reads: "4 corks supplied with every gun, Shrill atomic whistle built into butt, Packed in bright 3-colour cartons."

This ad reads: "10840: Atomic power pop-gun of ultra modern design. Fires harmless cork ammunition with good loud pops. 8 ozs. 10/6." 

Steve began collecting space toys in the beginning of the century, and soon began focusing on those coming from Australia and New Zealand. He currently has about 45 different pieces, ranging from space ships to space jeeps to space guns. To see some of his space toys, check out Steve's flikr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/37407523@N06/

Also, stay tuned to the Attic of Astounding Artifacts; Steve will be guest writing an article on Australian space toys in August! Action-packed stuff!