Inspection Mirror That Built the Atomic Bomb Used By Oppenheimer’s Foreman Gus Schultz. [with] Paul Tibbets and George Caron Signed Photograph.

SCHULTZ, Gus; Paul Tibbets; George Caron; J. Robert Oppenheimer.

$2,800.00

Item Number: 148078

Los Alamos, New Mexico:, c. 1943-1945.

Inspection mirror used in the construction of the atomic bomb by Gus Schultz, foreman of the drafting room and machine shop at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project. Schultz was a key member of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s team, earning high praise from Oppenheimer himself. The mirror was essential for use in hard to see areas, allowing for the user to look into an obstructed space without the need to dissemble parts. In fine condition. The tool measures 8.5 inches. Accompanied with a distinctive photograph of the Hiroshima mushroom cloud by two crew members of the Enola Gay. Black and white photograph of the Hiroshima mushroom cloud captured just after the release of the “Little Boy” atomic bomb. Boldly signed in blue felt tip by, “Paul W. Tibbets Pilot – Enola Gay,” and black felt tip by, “George R. Caron Hiroshima 8/6/45.” In near fine condition. The photograph measures 7.5 inches by 9.5 inches. Both items are mounted in gray matting with the inspection mirror in a recessed section beneath the iconic photograph. The entire piece measures 14.5 inches by 18 inches. Additionally accompanied by two copies of letters from Oppenheimer to Schultz, a diary entry written by Schultz’s wife about the bombs dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and a copy of Schultz’s Los Alamos ID card.

Gustav "Gus" Schultz was one of the many scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, the top-secret U.S. initiative during World War II that developed the atomic bomb. Under the leadership of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientific director of the project, a team of physicists, chemists, and engineers worked at Los Alamos Laboratory to harness nuclear fission for military purposes. Oppenheimer played a crucial role in overseeing the theoretical and practical advancements that led to the successful detonation of the first atomic bomb in July 1945 during the Trinity Test. He is often called the "father of the atomic bomb." The project culminated in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, events that reshaped global warfare and geopolitics. At 8:15 on the morning of 6th August 1945, the Japanese city of Hiroshima was devastated by the first atomic bomb to be used as a weapon of war. The bomb, nicknamed `Little Boy’, was dropped from the USAAF B29 bomber `Enola Gay’ and exploded some 1,800 feet above the city. Three days later, just after 11 on the morning of 9th August, a second atomic bomb nicknamed `Fat Man’ exploded above the city of Nagasaki. The two atomic explosions had the effects desired by the Allies. On 10th August the Japanese government indicated its readiness to accept defeat, subject to certain conditions. On 14th August it finally accepted the demand for unconditional surrender. The following day was declared `Victory over Japan’ or VJ Day, although it was not until 2nd September that the final Japanese surrender was signed, thereby bringing the Second World War to a formal close.