3" Graphite Segment from First Nuclear Reactor, Fermi's CP-I, Encased in Lucite
Atomic Bomb
Chicago, IL, December 2, 1942
3" Graphite Segment from First Nuclear Reactor, Fermi's CP-I, Encased in Lucite
Relic
A rectangular segment from Chicago Pile-I nuclear reactor, measuring 3" x .75", Chicago, IL, ca. 1942. Etched on the surface: "Graphite from CP-I/ First nuclear reactor/ December 2, 1942/ Stagg Field- The University of Chicago". Expected wear includes light surface scratching throughout. Overall, good condition. Encased in a slab of Lucite and encapsulated to an overall size of 3.75" x 2.5" x 1.5".
On December 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and his team achieved the first human-made, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction at CP-1. This landmark experiment marked a major breakthrough in the Manhattan Project's development of the atomic bomb. Within the reactor, graphite blocks served as a structural framework, holding "hockey-puck" sized pieces of uranium in place. The reactor contained approximately 45,000 graphite blocks in total. Relics such as this one were likely presented as gifts to the scientists and dignitaries who contributed to making the reactor possible.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
Atomic Bomb
Chicago, IL, December 2, 1942
3" Graphite Segment from First Nuclear Reactor, Fermi's CP-I, Encased in Lucite
Relic
A rectangular segment from Chicago Pile-I nuclear reactor, measuring 3" x .75", Chicago, IL, ca. 1942. Etched on the surface: "Graphite from CP-I/ First nuclear reactor/ December 2, 1942/ Stagg Field- The University of Chicago". Expected wear includes light surface scratching throughout. Overall, good condition. Encased in a slab of Lucite and encapsulated to an overall size of 3.75" x 2.5" x 1.5".
On December 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and his team achieved the first human-made, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction at CP-1. This landmark experiment marked a major breakthrough in the Manhattan Project's development of the atomic bomb. Within the reactor, graphite blocks served as a structural framework, holding "hockey-puck" sized pieces of uranium in place. The reactor contained approximately 45,000 graphite blocks in total. Relics such as this one were likely presented as gifts to the scientists and dignitaries who contributed to making the reactor possible.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
