Lot 675
Aviation, WWII, 1946 Bikini Atoll atomic bomb test photograph - autographed by Paul Tibbets, Pilot of the Enola Gay. The photo is a sharp B&W 8"x10" showing the nuclear blast from an observation plane. The mushroom cloud is visible as are the ships positioned around the island. Paul Tibbets attended the Bikini Atoll tests in his role as Commander of the first Atomic Bomb Wing. To prepare the Atoll for the atomic tests the US government relocated the natives, then the Seabees established a base on the island. Derelict tanks, bulldozers, 150 aircraft and 250 naval vessels were positioned on and around the island to judge their ability to withstand a nuclear attack. The first bomb was dropped on July 1, 1946 at 8:45 am. Today it remains uninhabitable. Accompanied by a COA certifying the authenticity of the 3 autographs. Original photos from these tests are seldom available.
Estimated Value $250 - 350.
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| Realized $344 |
