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 293

Welding Helmet: Nuclear Experiments.

Estimate: $400 - $600
Starting Bid
$200

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

Welding Helmet: Nuclear Experiments. GE Pipeliner fiberglass welding helmet from the 1940s. The hood was engineered as heavy-duty Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). During the Manhattan Project, this type of heavy-duty welding helmet was worn by skilled laborers to safely construct massive, airtight nuclear infrastructure—such as uranium enrichment facilities and specialized stainless steel piping networks. Measures 7' x 13". 

 

Condition

Light wear from use.

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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.

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.