Strange Old Toys

There were some really strange toys around in the States in the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies. So strange that I've always been fascinated by them. You might even think them ugly. Did you have anything like these or any other strange toys?

First up is Vincent Price's Shrunken Head set! You could dry out apples and attach hair and key chains. I didn't have one but oh I wish I had! A classic from the late monster craze.

Next up and the first in an atomic theme is this incredible Atomic Reactor with battery. Made by Marx Linemar it involved heat, steam, a battery and fuel tablets. Not sure where atomics came in. My Mums Prestige pressure cooker was probably more dangerous. You can read all about Marx's reactor here

https://www.atomictourism.us/2019/12/24/atomic-reactor-steam-plant/

Gilbert got there Atomic Energy Lab in first though, in 1950. Just 5000 were sold. With it cloud chamber and uranium ores the set allowed kids to see alpha particles collide. Not a great seller but what a toy! I'd have blown my room up! 

You can read more on Wiki 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_U-238_Atomic_Energy_Laboratory

Dark Shadows has always been on my bucket list of shows I missed and want to watch. One of the odder playthings to emerge from it in 1970 was Josette's Music Box. I've listened to the tune and can imagine it giving young kids the creeps to be honest. Still, a fabulous bit of Dark Shadows kit and I for one would have loved it! 

Back to atom splitting, this Lone Ranger Atom Bomb  toy ring is from the 1940s and maybe the first toy to dabble in nuclear physics.

On my target list for my collection, I'm unlikely to ever own this beautiful oddity.

The 'bomb' on top allowed kids to peer through a spy hole to gawp at the thrilling mysteries of polonium.

You can find out more - if you can take it - here:

https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/spinthariscopes/lone-ranger-atom-bomb-ring-spinthariscope.html

Perhaps my favourite odd toy is Horsman's Self Propelled Action Bed, released on the success of the film Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

The bed had mystery non-fall action and came with a doll which was supposed to look like Angela Lansbury but didn't. A strange item for a toy don't you think? 

Beneath the bed lay the battery case, motor and non-fall device.

I wonder if the Action bed sold well?

Oddly enough, I'd love one. You?

Which strange toys have you come across?