Potter & Potter Auctions
Live Auction

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.
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Lot 294

Specialized Vintage Laboratory Glassware, Mercury Diffusion Pump. [N.p., ca. 1940s].

Estimate: $150 - $300
Starting Bid
$80

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$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

Specialized Vintage Laboratory Glassware, Mercury Diffusion Pump. [N.p., ca. 1940s]. This is a rare glass mercury diffusion pump manufactured during the 1940s. These glass mercury diffusion pumps were critical to the development of the atomic bomb which relied heavily on gaseous diffusion and electromagnetic separation to isolate Uranium-235. Approximately 36 x 8". A fine and unusual item, used in the Chicago Pile atomic laboratory. Third - party shipping or customer pick-up required.

Condition

Light rubbing, occasional moisture, soiling visible inside. 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 Nuclear Power Collection.