Auction Highlights: The Enola Gay & The Dawn of the Atomic Age

Auction Highlights: The Enola Gay & The Dawn of the Atomic Age

Auction Highlights: The Enola Gay & The Dawn of the Atomic Age

Our current History & Culture Auction presents a powerful selection of WWII artifacts connected to one of the most consequential moments in human history: the atomic bomb mission carried out by the Enola Gay. This B-29 Superfortress and its crew forever changed the course of the war in the Pacific when, on August 6, 1945, it dropped the first atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima. Items tied to the men who flew that mission stand as rare and poignant collectibles, offering today’s collectors an opportunity to hold pieces that bear witness to the dawn of the atomic age.

The Enola Gay’s mission was the culmination of the Manhattan Project, the secret U.S. program that brought together brilliant scientists, military leaders, and immense resources to develop the world’s first nuclear weapons. From laboratories in Los Alamos to airstrips on Tinian, this effort reshaped both science and global politics. Artifacts tied to this history—autographs, documents, and memorabilia—capture not just the story of military might, but also the weight of innovation, secrecy, and the sobering consequences of technological power.

Atomic Age Highlights

Robert Lewis – Co-Pilot of the Enola Gay – Autographed 8.5 x 11” Typed Page – Hiroshima Bombing Lot 89: Robert Lewis – Co-Pilot of the Enola Gay – Autographed 8.5 x 11” Typed Page – Hiroshima Bombing

Robert Lewis autographed 8.5 x 11” typescript page featuring his personal reflections written shortly after the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Signed “Capt Bob Lewis” in bold blue ink at the bottom.



Robert A. “Bob” Lewis – Enola Gay Co-Pilot – Scarce Autographed 8 x 10 Photo – Crew Group Portrait Lot 88: Robert A. “Bob” Lewis – Enola Gay Co-Pilot – Scarce Autographed 8 x 10 Photo – Crew Group Portrait

Bob Lewis autographed 8 x 10” glossy photograph depicting the crew of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima, posed in front of their aircraft. Lewis, the co-pilot, has signed in bold blue ink next to his image.



Bockscar Crew: Fred Olivi, Charles Albury & Fred Bock – Triple Autographed 7 x 5” Color Photo Lot 67: Bockscar Crew: Fred Olivi, Charles Albury & Fred Bock – Triple Autographed 7 x 5” Color Photo

Fred Olivi, Charles Albury, and Fred Bock autographed 7 x 5” color photograph depicting the nose art of Bockscar, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945. Each veteran has signed boldly near the aircraft artwork in black ink.



Norris Bradbury – Manhattan Project Physicist & “Fat Man” Bomb Director – Dual-Signed 10 x 8 Photo Lot 68: Norris Bradbury – Manhattan Project Physicist & “Fat Man” Bomb Director – Dual-Signed 10 x 8 Photo

Norris Bradbury autographed 10 x 8” glossy photograph depicting the iconic “Fat Man” atomic bomb casing, as displayed in a museum setting. Bradbury has boldly signed on the photo in blue ink beneath the identification placard, and again on the reverse with his full name and notation “N.E. Bradbury” in matching blue felt tip. Also signed on the photo’s left side by James Van Pelt, navigator of the B-29 Bockscar, which dropped “Fat Man” over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.



Norris Bradbury – Manhattan Project Physicist & Lab Director – Dual-Autographed Photo – Los Alamos Lot 69: Norris Bradbury – Manhattan Project Physicist & Lab Director – Dual-Autographed Photo – Los Alamos

Norris Bradbury autographed 8.5 x 11” black and white portrait photograph, boldly signed in ink on the front and reverse. The verso also bears a stamped Los Alamos National Laboratory attribution and “COMMUNITY RELATIONS – P3553.” A fine formal portrait of Bradbury in military uniform and tie.



George R. Caron – Tail Gunner, Enola Gay – Autographed 8 x 10” Photo – Hiroshima Mushroom Cloud Lot 71: George R. Caron – Tail Gunner, Enola Gay – Autographed 8 x 10” Photo – Hiroshima Mushroom Cloud

George R. Caron autographed 8 x 10” glossy photograph depicting the historic mushroom cloud rising over Hiroshima following the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Caron has signed in blue ink in the upper right corner, adding the inscription: “Tail Gunner – Enola Gay, Hiroshima 6 Aug, 1945.”



David M. Critchlow – Bikini Atoll Baker Shot Aircraft Commander – Autographed 10 x 8" Photo Lot 74: David M. Critchlow – Bikini Atoll Baker Shot Aircraft Commander – Autographed 10 x 8" Photo

David Critchlow autographed 10 x 8” glossy photograph depicting the powerful underwater atomic detonation known as the “Baker Shot” at Bikini Atoll on July 25, 1946. Boldly signed along the lower margin in blue ink: “David M. Critchlow, Colonel, USAF, Retired / 1 August 1981.” Reverse bears the original U.S. Air Force stamp identifying the image: “34318 – AC – Baker Day at Bikini Atoll – 25 July 1946.”



Enola Gay Crew – Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee & Beser – Autographed 10 x 8” Photo of Historic Aircraft Lot 77: Enola Gay Crew – Tibbets, Van Kirk, Ferebee & Beser – Autographed 10 x 8” Photo of Historic Aircraft

Paul W. Tibbets, Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk, Thomas Ferebee, and Jacob Beser autographed 10 x 8” cardstock photograph depicting the iconic nose of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The image shows a smiling Paul Tibbets in the cockpit, with each crew member having signed in blue and black ink. Tibbets has added the date “8-24-90” next to his signature, as have Van Kirk and Ferebee. Beser’s signature appears at lower left.



Frances Thornhill & Theodore Van Kirk – Enola Gay Crew – Autographed Commemorative Cover Lot 80: Frances Thornhill & Theodore Van Kirk – Enola Gay Crew – Autographed Commemorative Cover

Frances “Friz” Thornhill and Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk autographed commemorative cover honoring the crew of the Enola Gay and the historic atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The boldly signed cover, dated August 6, 1980, features striking printed graphics and commemorative postal markings including a bold “Enola Gay” illustration and a powerful excerpt from President Harry S. Truman’s public announcement. Accompanied by an original printed information card detailing the mission, full crew roster, and a background on the filming of the 1980 NBC television dramatization.



Lt. Ray Gallagher – Atomic Bomb Program – Autographed 8 x 10.5 Xerox Copy – Los Alamos Disclosure Lot 84: Lt. Ray Gallagher – Atomic Bomb Program – Autographed 8 x 10.5 Xerox Copy – Los Alamos Disclosure

Lt. Ray Gallagher autographed 8 x 10.5” Xerox copy of the historic front page of the Santa Fe New Mexican, dated August 6, 1945. The headline announces: “Atomic Bombs Drop on Japan” and “Los Alamos Secret Disclosed by Truman.” Gallagher has signed in blue ink at upper left.



Norris Bradbury & R.F. Bacher – Manhattan Project Scientists – Autographed Photo – Trinity Test Lot 90: Norris Bradbury & R.F. Bacher – Manhattan Project Scientists – Autographed Photo – Trinity Test

Norris Bradbury and R.F. Bacher autographed 11 x 8.5” original silver gelatin photograph depicting the Trinity nuclear test explosion at 0.100 seconds after detonation, marked with scale and orientation indicators. Both scientists have boldly signed along the lower margin—Bradbury in black ink and Bacher in blue ink. Verso bears the original Los Alamos Photographic Laboratory back stamp.



Philip Morrison – Manhattan Project Physicist – Autographed FDC – Thomas Edison 100th Anniversary Lot 94: Philip Morrison – Manhattan Project Physicist – Autographed FDC – Thomas Edison 100th Anniversary

Philip Morrison autographed commemorative First Day Cover honoring the 100th anniversary of Thomas A. Edison’s birth (1847–1947), featuring the original 3¢ Edison postage stamp postmarked February 11, 1947, in Milan, Ohio. Morrison has signed and dated the reverse in black ink: “Philip Morrison 1989.”



Paul W. Tibbets & Mark W. Clark – WWII Generals – Autographed V-J Day Commemorative Cover Lot 102: Paul W. Tibbets & Mark W. Clark – WWII Generals – Autographed V-J Day Commemorative Cover

Paul W. Tibbets and General Mark W. Clark autographed commemorative cover honoring V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day), postmarked September 2, 1945, in Washington, D.C. The illustrated cachet celebrates the end of World War II and features a vibrant design titled “Victory! Peace on Earth Again,” flanked by Allied flags and a symbol of military triumph. A 3¢ Iwo Jima stamp enhances the thematic significance. Boldly signed by Tibbets in blue ink and Clark in black ink along the lower margin.



Glenn Seaborg – Nobel Laureate & Atomic Energy Pioneer – Autographed 8 x 10” Portrait Photograph Lot 104: Glenn Seaborg – Nobel Laureate & Atomic Energy Pioneer – Autographed 8 x 10” Portrait Photograph

Glenn T. Seaborg autographed 8 x 10” glossy black and white portrait photograph, depicting the renowned nuclear chemist in a formal studio pose wearing a suit and tie. Boldly signed in black ink along the upper left edge.



Paul W. Tibbets – Enola Gay Pilot, Hiroshima Mission – Autographed 8 x 10” – Atomic Bomb Aftermath Lot 110: Paul W. Tibbets – Enola Gay Pilot, Hiroshima Mission – Autographed 8 x 10” – Atomic Bomb Aftermath

Paul W. Tibbets autographed 8 x 10” glossy photograph capturing the iconic aerial view of Hiroshima engulfed in smoke shortly after the atomic bomb detonation on August 6, 1945. Tibbets has boldly signed in black felt tip pen, adding the notation “CMH 10/25/79” referencing his Congressional Medal of Honor ceremony date.



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From WWII military history to aviation artifacts tied to the Enola Gay mission, these remarkable lots offer a rare chance to own tangible pieces connected to the dawn of the atomic age.
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History & Culture Auction: Bid Now!
350-Lot Auction of Autographs & Artifacts: Featuring World History, American History, Space & Aviation, Art, Culture, Science, Classic Entertainment & Sports.
30-Minute Extended Bidding Starts
Tuesday, September 23rd, at 8:00 PM, EST

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From signed documents to aviation artifacts tied to the Enola Gay and the Manhattan Project, WWII collectibles connected to the atomic bomb mission are highly sought after. If you’ve been considering selling your World War II items, contact us today for a complimentary appraisal and expert guidance on bringing them to auction.

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