The most dangerous toy in the world was put up for auction: it contains radioactive uranium (3 photos)
The mini-laboratory with nuclear substances was conceived as a "manual for young nuclear physicists." Although scientists and the media advise against taking risks, a real fight for the Cold War rarity has already flared up at the auction. 
British auction house RR Acution has put up for auction a unique exhibit for Christmas - a miniature nuclear laboratory Gilbert U-238, which contains real radioactive uranium-238.
Journalists write that this laboratory was created in the late 1940s based on the idea of scientist Alfred Carlton Gilbert. At that time it was sold as an "educational toy for budding child scientists." In just a few years, they managed to produce almost 500 of these mini-laboratories for children. 
The "young nuclear physicist" kit includes a cloud chamber for observing alpha particles, a spinthariscope for observing radioactive decay, an electroscope for measuring radiation levels, containers with four samples of uranium-containing ores, a Geiger counter, and a number of other tools. Also included with the user manual is a US government guide to searching for uranium, game instructions for assembling a mini-reactor and a centrifuge.
The gift itself is packaged in a red metal case in the form of a suitcase, which makes it easy to move or transport. At the time of production in 1950, its cost was 50 US dollars (taking into account inflation over 74 years, this now costs $ 620) 
Journalists write that, according to scientists' analysis in 2020, these elements emit radiation and can harm the health of the owners of such laboratories for young nuclear physicists. However, the excitement at the auction for this item is not dying down - now the bidding for the unique mini-laboratory is ongoing and will last until December 12. The highest bid is currently $3045.
"We would like to advise all the children who grew up in the 50s and received such a laboratory for Christmas - do not give such a gift to your grandchildren. The half-life of uranium is 4.5 billion years, that is, almost equal to the age of the solar system. Radioactive ore is still radioactive," - the media representatives wrote ironically.
