children’s atomic lab, circa 1950

This was the most elaborate Atomic Energy educational set ever produced, but it was only only available from 1951 to 1952. Its relatively high price for the time ($50.00) and its sophistication were the explanation Gilbert gave for the set’s short lifespan. Today, it is so highly prized by collectors that a complete set can go for more than 100 times the original price.

The set came with four types of uranium ore, a beta-alpha source (Pb-210), a pure beta source (Ru-106), a gamma source (Zn-65?), a spinthariscope, a cloud chamber with its own short-lived alpha source (Po-210), an electroscope, a geiger counter, a manual, a comic book Dagwood Splits the Atom, and a government manual Prospecting for Uranium.

Thanks to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

living in stereo

Brionvega thinks the 60s and 70s are worth bringing back. The groundbreaking Radiofonografio, designed in 1965 by the Castiglioni brothers, Pier Giacomo and Achille, is making a new entrance as RR226. In 1965, the “musical component robot” was a home electronic marvel that in one sleekly designed device included a radio, amplifiers and a record player for both 45s and 33s.

The 21st century model has also a CD and DVD player but is as close as possible to the original. The amplifiers are moveable, making it possible to create different configurations both for visual and listening pleasure. Perfetto!