toy rocket launcher and model rocket
Date: circa 1955
Inventory Number: RS0100a,b
Classification: Toy
Subject:
Maker: German
Seller: F. A. O. Schwarz (founded 1863)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
box: 30.3 × 7.8 × 7.8 cm (11 15/16 × 3 1/16 × 3 1/16 in.)
Accessories: cardboard box, one end-flap broken
Description:
"BeBu V-X Satellit." RS0100a is the launcher for the rocket, RS0100b is the rocket itself. Both are in same (original) cardboard box.
Plastic rocket with hard rubber nose tip. Transparent purple-tinted plastic top third, clear plastic in middle third, and opaque red plastic on bottom third. Three tail fins. Hole in bottom for insertion of pump and release of air.
Pumps are metal cylinders with red-painted lacquered wooden handles on the pump shaft. The point of insertion into the rocket is a pin perpendicular to the shaft of the pump at its head. At the bottom of the pin is a rubber gasket to which the rocket is held fast by a stirrup-shaped clamp. The clamp pivots on two rivets on either side of the pump's head. Connected to the clamp is a plastic cord that runs through a hole through a red plastic sphere kept on the string by a knot at the other end.
Plastic rocket with hard rubber nose tip. Transparent purple-tinted plastic top third, clear plastic in middle third, and opaque red plastic on bottom third. Three tail fins. Hole in bottom for insertion of pump and release of air.
Pumps are metal cylinders with red-painted lacquered wooden handles on the pump shaft. The point of insertion into the rocket is a pin perpendicular to the shaft of the pump at its head. At the bottom of the pin is a rubber gasket to which the rocket is held fast by a stirrup-shaped clamp. The clamp pivots on two rivets on either side of the pump's head. Connected to the clamp is a plastic cord that runs through a hole through a red plastic sphere kept on the string by a knot at the other end.
In Collection(s)
Signedon end flap of box: Made in Germany / West
on rocket: MADE IN GERMANY WEST
on sales sticker on other flap of box: F.A.O. Schwarz / New York, N. Y.
on rocket: MADE IN GERMANY WEST
on sales sticker on other flap of box: F.A.O. Schwarz / New York, N. Y.
Inscribedon box end flaps and rocket: PATENT PENDING
on end flaps: V-X / Satellit
on end flap: [torn] PT. NO. 40
on rocket: V-X Satellit
on end flaps: V-X / Satellit
on end flap: [torn] PT. NO. 40
on rocket: V-X Satellit
FunctionRocket is filled with water and attached to air pump by pin at end of pump. Holder clamps down on it. Air is pumped into rocket and user pulls the cord to release the clamp. Pressure of air on water propels rocket into the air.
Curatorial RemarksThis particular kind of rocket is now sold by Edmund Scientific at http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3110400. It is described as "1950s retro."
Our rocket has a store tag from FAO Schwarz.
Our rocket has a store tag from FAO Schwarz.
ProvenanceDavid P. Wheatland collection.