3 STEVENS ATOMIC JET SPACE GUNS

[tikidoc]

Greetings Everyone.

  I am sure many are aware that there are 3 Stevens Atomic Jet Space Guns on eBay. I find it interesting that the Stevens guns are becoming plentiful these days. I have noticed an influx in availability of all 3 Stevens guns.

The same seller has 3 in various conditions and finishes.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255465085987?hash=item3b7ae7dc23:g:OIkAAOSwi7piRlfK

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265623708906?hash=item3dd86824ea:g:VngAAOSwiGViRle9

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265623708880?hash=item3dd86824d0:g:jtQAAOSwx5NiRlez

 

I don't doubt the authenticity of these at all. It seems like more and more of these are coming out into universe for sale. Nick Danger found the 2 Neutron Blasters a few weeks ago. And the Jet Jrs. Are always coming up. I guess more of these are being found or it's time for the owners to pass them along. 

 

[Nick Danger]

Hello Alphadromers,

 

I am the winner of the gold-finished version of the Atomic Jet.  Not to disagree with Tikidoc, but I had a smidgen of doubt on these.  The three Atomic Jets were from the same seller as the two Neutron Blasters I posted about, and all of them were in sensational condition, which concerned me.  The seller said they all came from a former employee who worked at the company (J&E Stevens, I presume) for a few decades.  I was skeptical, but when I searched the seller's other auctions, there were a number of other cowboy cap guns from that same period, which made me less suspicious.  In any event, I paid an excellent price for this piece, assuming the finish is genuine.  I assume it is, but I would welcome the opinion of more learned collectors.

 

For what it's worth, I had a devil of a time working out the cap chamber.  I do own a nice Neutron Blaster, so I know how these chambers are meant to release.  It took several squirts of WD-40 and some gentle prying and pushing, but it popped out and now works in and out much easier.  I take that as a good sign; what I would expect from a cap chamber that hasn't been removed for several years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tikidoc]

Congratulations Nick! That is a really nice example! I actually bid on 2 of the three myself. I didn't win one, basically because I am cheap.  I have been watching Stevens cap guns for a while, I have a great boxed example of the Jr. which to me is the coolest of the 3, ( only my design opinion) the next one would be Atomic Jet. As of yesterday I believe there is another one up on the bay.

I am really happy you won this gun, it is a very fine example to add to your very impressive collection.

Personally I feel that the Stevens designs are very important in the history of Ray Guns especially the JR. and the Atomic Jet.

   

[Nick Danger]

Thanks, TD.  I feel good about this, but I can't shake a lingering doubt that this might have been re-plated.  I'd really appreciate it if the heavy-hitter raygun collectors would chime in with their opinions.  

 

There was a thread in 2015 that sums up my concerns:

 

 

[tikidoc]

You're welcome Nick.

If it's any help, there is another gold one up on the bay from New York,NY

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224926396346?hash=item345ea86fba:g:J9EAAOSwIL5iLm5u

 

The Jet Jr. I have at home is pretty much in the same condition that your Atomic Jet is, I knew in my gut it was original, I had our Metallurgist at work confirm for me. Also, In the past I have restored jukeboxes, I have had countless parts replated and you can tell the difference between old and new and it can be quite costly. I read the Nickel Plated Buck Rogers Gun story ( thank you for sharing ) you can see the new in the finish be it replated or polished it looked plastic. Your Atomic Jet looks and from the Photos feels right. The cap chamber is untouched, doesn't look sandblasted or polished. It was stubborn to get out , has just enough small minor wear and aging on the main body, and most importantly I don't see any bubbling in the finish, on something that is not the smoothest and has hard to reach or clean areas I would expect to see some bubbling. I don't see any discoloration from new chemicals on the inside. I see a factory finish because you can see the imperfections in the casting.

That is just my opinion, I would like to see what others have to say as well. I just get good vibes off of your purchase. If I am wrong I will give you what you paid for it for my collection.

 

[Nick Danger]

Thanks for the professional opinion, TD.  That goes a long way toward alleviating my doubts.  Funny that you used to restore jukeboxes; I own a 1956 Wurlitzer 2000.  My grandparents owned a soda joint that closed in the 1960s, and it sat in storage until the 1990s when my mom inherited it.  She gave it to me about ten years ago, and I spent some money getting it restored.  I guess I have a thing for chrome.

 

I worry that the other collectors aren't offering opinions because they disagree with me and Tikidoc.  Honestly, if you're seeing something in the photos that is setting off alarms, please let me know.  I really want to learn about this stuff.

[tikidoc]

1 hour ago, Nick Danger said:

Thanks for the professional opinion, TD.  That goes a long way toward alleviating my doubts.  Funny that you used to restore jukeboxes; I own a 1956 Wurlitzer 2000.  My grandparents owned a soda joint that closed in the 1960s, and it sat in storage until the 1990s when my mom inherited it.  She gave it to me about ten years ago, and I spent some money getting it restored.  I guess I have a thing for chrome.

 

I worry that the other collectors aren't offering opinions because they disagree with me and Tikidoc.  Honestly, if you're seeing something in the photos that is setting off alarms, please let me know.  I really want to learn about this stuff.

Hey Nick,

  You're welcome. The Wurlitzer 2000 is a very beautiful machine. I mostly restored Seeburg and AMI boxes. They are fun to restore and fun to play with!

I would also like to hear input from others opinions. I believe in my heart that you have a great original from someone who worked at the factory and that maybe others agree with us so no comment is needed.  If I am wrong I do like to be told because that's how I learn.  Maybe @Brian.. or @bigbang  have input on this gun?

[Nick Danger]

I was hoping we'd get more opinions before we continued this discussion, but maybe more people will chime in.

 

As had been mentioned, the seller from whom I purchased my Atomic Jet had a lot of Stevens cap guns (space and otherwise), and among them was this Neutron Blaster in gold chrome.  I have never heard of such a thing before, and Big Bang has said as much to me as well.  If there is a consensus that the gold-chrome Atomic Jet I purchased is genuine and un-monkeyed-with, does that make this a heretofore unknown variant of the Neutron Blaster?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/224865830626?hash=item345b0c46e2%3Ag%3A3LYAAOSwFMFiID-f&nma=true&si=m0W6gaoB1rV87E2%2FBlmw8g%2FUCi8%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[bigbang]

Hi Nick,  I thought that there might be fakes but looking them over and getting information I believe that they are original.   Some are a bit different but possibly in the factory there might have been some changes.  I bought the gold Atomic Jet about a week ago that has no S marking on the handle.   I also have one in silver plating without the S and another one that I bought about 30 years ago hand painted.