1442

SPECTACULAR FAMILY GROUP CONTAINING AN AUTOGRAPHED

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
SPECTACULAR FAMILY GROUP CONTAINING AN AUTOGRAPHED
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LETTER FROM ROBERT OPPENHEIMER TO WILLIAM STEWART WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, & MORE. A rare hand-signed typewritten letter from J. Robert Oppenheimer as Director of the Atomic Bomb Project at Los Alamos. The letter has a pre-printed centered heading that reads "P. O. BOX 1663 SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO". The letter is dated "1 October 1945" and is to T/3 William Stewart. The letter commends Stewart for his contribution to the Los Alamos Atomic Bomb Project. He is especially commended for his work with the Explosive Division prior to the test at Alamogordo. Apparently, Stewart’s work was of singular importance developing assembly techniques on the bomb as well as related work that Oppenheimer states, "for reasons of security, cannot be mentioned". Supporting documentation to this letter includes a Western Union telegram stating that without William Stewart’s draft board release, the Atomic Bomb Project will be delayed; a photograph taken by Jack Aeby at the test sight of the atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico, July 16, 1945; a certificate from a grateful nation for service in the armed forces to Stewart, auto-pen signed by Lyndon B. Johnson; a 331-page book titled "ATOMIC BOMBS THE TOP SECRET INSIDE STORY OF LITTLE BOY AND FAT MAN" by John Coster-Mullen; a certificate from the War Department, signed by the Secretary of War, expressing the appreciation for Stewart’s work on the atomic bomb; a photograph of Stewart standing on top of "Fat Boy", holding reigns as if he were riding a horse. It is interesting to note that, despite the gravity of their work, the scientists and workers did manage bouts of levity; a photograph of Stewart at his desk, and several more candid shots of atomic bomb testing; Stewart’s gas ration card for a 1941 Ford; Stewart’s 1944 diary, with entries from January until early July, giving a unique day-to-day insight in the life of a soldier stationed in Arizona to work with the Atomic Bomb Project; lastly, the group includes a coffee cup that reads "50th Anniversary WWII Manhattan Project Insignia 1945 (insignia) Los Alamos Historical Museum Los Alamos, NM". Signed letters from Robert Oppenheimer are coveted collectors' items for those interested in the Atomic Bomb Project, but to acquire a letter with supporting material from the recipient is a rare and likely unique opportunity. CONDITION: the letter signed by Oppenheimer is exceptionally clear with a bold signature. The paper is lightly toned with a small rust stain in the upper left-hand corner from a paperclip. Related material generally shows light wear. The Western Union telegram has darkened a bit with age. (02-23131/BF). $5,000-15,000.