BUCK ROGERS SONIC RAY GUN - NORTON-HONER - USA

USABlack plastic battery operated flashlight space gun that also makes buzzing sound-7-1/2". This is the first appearance of this long-lived space gun design. The gun had a long run. In 1953 other colors were introduced: red, yellow and green with knobs and lens covers in various color combinations from this range. Two box variations are shown; the die-cut version is also a 1953 innovation. Maker's name varies: some are Norton-Honer Mfg. Co., others are Commonwealth Utilities Co. Box. The gun has been seen in a Buck Rogers comic strip for 9/22/1948.

Some examples have a brass adjustment knob fitted at the back. It is thought that this would silence the buzzer to save battery life.

First seen in a newspaper ad in September 1948. A patent for the design was registered in 1946 in the name of John F. Dille.