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Political & Historical Americana

Thu, Nov 5, 2026 11:00AM EST
  2026-11-05 11:00:00 2026-11-05 11:00:00 America/New_York Potter & Potter Auctions Potter & Potter Auctions : Political & Historical Americana https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/political-historical-americana-23580
Join us on November 5th for an exciting Political & Historical Americana sale. The auction features material dating to the 18th and 19th century, including a rare George Washington free frank, and a desirable John Quincy Adams Pewter mirror. Collectors will also find a wonderful selection of three-dimensional campaign items, an amazing Howard Hughes signed photograph, important association items, campaign posters, Lincolniana, and historical autographs. Potter & Potter Auctions info@potterauctions.com
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Graphite Brick: Chicago Pile Nuclear Experiments.
Lot 287

Graphite Brick: Chicago Pile Nuclear Experiments.

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000
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Starting Bid
$1,500
[0 Bids]Bidding History
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Bid Increments

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$0 $5
$30 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

Graphite Brick: Chicago Pile Nuclear Experiments. In November 1942, Enrico Fermi directed the construction of CP-1 under the West Stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago. The reactor utilized ultra-pure graphite bricks to act as a "moderator" to slow down neutrons and sustain the nuclear chain reaction. When CP-1 was dismantled and moved to become Chicago Pile-2, leftover or fragmented blocks of this specialty graphite were frequently saved by the scientists and engineers on the project. They were often machined or cut down into small, smooth shapes—very commonly as semi-circular half-moons, rectangles, or paperweights. Measures 4" x 6 3/4" x 1".

 

Condition

Fine.

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If your bid is successful, as an alternative to in-house shipping, we can provide you with a list of shippers. We will not be responsible for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not recommended by us. Property will not be released to the shipper without the buyer's written consent and until payment has been made in full. Packing and handling by us of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the purchaser, and Potter and Potter Auctions, Inc. will have no liability of any loss or damage to such items. Packing and shipping expenses shall be added to buyer's invoice and will reflect a charge for labor, materials, insurance, transportation, as well as actual shipper fees.

From the John Erwood University of Chicago Atomic Collection. 

Erwood was a lab assistant to Enrico Fermi (September 29, 1901-November 28, 1954). Fermi was an Italian physicist renowned for being the creator of the world's first artificial nuclear reactor, Chicago Pile-1, and a member of the Manhattan Project.

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