Graphite Brick CP-1 Chicago Pile -1 Site of...
Graphite Brick CP-1 Chicago Pile -1 Site of the First Self Sustaining Nuclear Reaction Stagg Field - The University of Chicago Chicago Illinois, USA This unique and very rare piece of American history has a most interesting backstory. The material from the Chicago Pile, known as CP-1, includes a piece of the Graphite rods from the facility in Chicago where the first nuclear reaction was performed on December 2, 1942. As the precursor to the Manhattan Project, and the development of the first Atomic Bomb, this piece was part of the world's first, artificial nuclear reactor. Built in November of 1942, the reactor contained 45,000 graphite blocks where this offering was once installed and helped hold these blocks in place. Mementos such as this example of nuclear Americana were presented as gifts in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural self-sustaining nuclear reaction that took place at, or more precisely under, Stagg Field at the University of Chicago. This CP-1 Graphite "brick" is an almost 3 inch (7.6 cm) rectangular section encased in a clear acrylic block. The artifact displays a label indicating origin. This is a wonderful piece of scientific history that helped usher in the "Atomic Age" during the World War II era in America. This piece would likely test for low levels of radioactivity. Overall Measurements: 3.76 x 2.62 x 1.35 inches (9.55 x 6.65 x 3.44 cm) [Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]
HID09710052018
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
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Graphite Brick CP-1 Chicago Pile -1 Site of the First Self Sustaining Nuclear Reaction Stagg Field - The University of Chicago Chicago Illinois, USA This unique and very rare piece of American history has a most interesting backstory. The material from the Chicago Pile, known as CP-1, includes a piece of the Graphite rods from the facility in Chicago where the first nuclear reaction was performed on December 2, 1942. As the precursor to the Manhattan Project, and the development of the first Atomic Bomb, this piece was part of the world's first, artificial nuclear reactor. Built in November of 1942, the reactor contained 45,000 graphite blocks where this offering was once installed and helped hold these blocks in place. Mementos such as this example of nuclear Americana were presented as gifts in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the inaugural self-sustaining nuclear reaction that took place at, or more precisely under, Stagg Field at the University of Chicago. This CP-1 Graphite "brick" is an almost 3 inch (7.6 cm) rectangular section encased in a clear acrylic block. The artifact displays a label indicating origin. This is a wonderful piece of scientific history that helped usher in the "Atomic Age" during the World War II era in America. This piece would likely test for low levels of radioactivity. Overall Measurements: 3.76 x 2.62 x 1.35 inches (9.55 x 6.65 x 3.44 cm) [Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]
HID09710052018
© 2019 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate
Time, Location
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