MARX CAPTAIN SPACE SOLAR SCOUT ATOMIC RAY GUN. COMPLETE. WORKING. EXCEPTIONAL.

Description

Captain Space Solar Scout Atomic Rifle Ray Gun
Produced in 1953 by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York.
This is one of the most beautiful science fiction weapons ever created. It’s a true masterpiece,
invented and designed by Mahlon Hirsh in 1953. Hirsh had previously designed the Tom Corbett
Space Cadet Atomic Rifle clicker gun and Atomic Pistol flashlight, in 1952, also for Louis Marx.
The fluid, sinuous lines and integration of the imposing sighting tech still look advanced today.
Looking as if it came right out of the pulp illustrations of Wally Wood, this exotic rifle blows away
most contemporary visual concepts of a futuristic weapon.
When loaded with two D Cell batteries, the rifle has a nice heft. When the trigger is pulled, the
main sight sends out various colors of light, which can be selected at will. The colors appear to
represent the sight’s ability to probe in various spectrum frequencies of light for target acquisition.
The scope can also be used for signaling via coded pulses. When fired, the muzzle flashes.
The entire effect looks awesome. A buzzing sound is also emitted from a nicely detailed gizmo
on the stock. The buzz is very wicked and direct, because it’s a real magnetic mechanical buzzer,
not a speaker. It has just the right quality of sound.
This is an exceptional example of this toy. It looks and works great. The finish is excellent.
It’s molded in metallic red-maroon, the color of newly cast bronze, which is one of the most desirable
colors the rifle was molded in, because it comes the closest to matching the box art.
The rifle is 26 1/2 inches in length. Unlike the Pyro Pyrotomic Disintegrator Rifle, another highly
desirable Fifties Era space toy which is scaled for a child, the Marx Solar Scout rifle is scaled for a
full-sized adult. Cool.
The Box: Wow. Simply stunning hand drawn images.  Brilliant solid colors. This example is in great
shape considering it’s age, and has some minor flaws, creases, a small hole with tear, but overall, it’s
in fantastic condition. The box has a block of solid blue styrofoam inserted into it, to re-enforce its shape.
It’s also sealed in a thin film of plastic to further protect it.
The toy also includes the ultra-rare printed “Trouble Shooter Information Sheet," which details additional
info on maintaining the rifle in working order.
Needless to say, a complete, functioning toy such as this is extremely scarce, exceptional, and of
interest to serious vintage space toy collectors.
Shipping and insurance are no extra charge. Shipping within the continental U.S. only.