ROCKET SPACE SHIP 305 - AUTOMATIC TOY CO - USA

Red and white lithographed tin friction space rocket marked 305 on one wing, Rocket Space Ship on the other. Jet plane swallow shape with swept back wings. Friction action with spark. This rocket has window litho detailing. A much copied design. Similar to 306. First sighting: Toy Fair 1952-1953 Planet Toyfair catalog. On sale December 1952. "Shoots Sparks as it Speeds Along"

On sale November 1952 (Philadelphia Enquirer)