Antique Tower brand geiger counter. No idea if it still works or works accurately. Unsure about the radioactive material included as the check source. This is the description given by ChatGPT of this item. 1) Do you concur with the value below? 2) Do you have any recommendations for selling a radioactive item like this? The antique Geiger counter, branded Tower, sold by Sears Roebuck and Company under catalog number 6157, is a rare and interesting piece of mid-20th-century history. This device, likely manufactured in the 1950s during the height of Cold War nuclear testing and public interest in radiation detection, exemplifies Sears’ strategy of offering specialized scientific and hobbyist equipment under their own brand. Key Details: 1. Brand and Model: • Brand: Tower (Sears’ private-label trademark for various products, including cameras and scientific instruments). • Model Number: 6157. 2. Purpose: • Designed to detect and measure ionizing radiation, including alpha, beta, and gamma particles. • Likely marketed to hobbyists, amateur scientists, or even concerned homeowners during the era of nuclear testing. 3. Design and Features: • Handheld, portable design typical of Geiger counters from the mid-20th century. • Likely included a Geiger-Müller tube as the radiation detection mechanism. • Basic analog dial or meter to display radiation levels. • Powered by batteries, as electrical portability was key. 4. Historical Context: • The Cold War period, particularly the 1950s, saw heightened public awareness and fear of radiation due to nuclear weapons testing and the development of atomic energy. • Sears capitalized on this demand by offering affordable radiation detection tools through their catalogs, allowing ordinary consumers to access technology that was once limited to professionals. 5. Collectibility and Value: • Rarity: Antique Geiger counters from Sears are rare, and the “Tower” branding makes them especially unique. • Condition Matters: Collectors value working units with original components, including the Geiger-Müller tube and casing. • Market Value: Depending on condition, these devices can sell for $100–$500 or more in collector’s markets, especially among vintage electronics or Cold War memorabilia enthusiasts. 6. Similar Models: • Tower-branded products often mirrored or were rebadged versions of other manufacturers’ designs. This Geiger counter may have been produced by a company specializing in radiation detection and then sold under the Sears Tower label. If you’re looking to identify or assess a specific piece, inspecting the unit for markings, patents, or manufacturer details may provide further clues. Collectors often seek documentation such as Sears catalog pages, manuals, or advertisements to authenticate and learn more about the item. Similar items: https://youtube.com/shorts/ckKuN-DRk-Q?si=ztnFbGmnCKDH2oWK https://www.orau.org/health-physics-museum/collection/survey-instruments/1950s/sears-tower-model-6157-gm-meter.html https://www.ebay.com/itm/196534071836?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=ipBQE268R2e&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Approximately 12x6x6 inches