00) and its sophistication were the explanation Gilbert gave for the set’s short lifespan. Its relatively high price for the time ($50. ), 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. 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? Today, it is so highly prized by collectors that a complete set can go for more than 100 times the original price. “

This was the most elaborate Atomic Energy educational set ever produced, but it was only only available from 1951 to 1952.

Relive the 1950s with the Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab.

Folks who want to pick up a Geiger counter can do so separately if their budget permits. You can also opt for other Gilbert sets that come with the spinthariscope, ore and a manual.