Description:

Atomic Bomb Physicist Lawrence H. Johnston Signed Photo

A small archive relating to atomic bomb physicist and Manhattan Project contributor Lawrence H. Johnston (1918-2011), including an autographed photograph of the physicist signed as “Lawrence Johnston.”

Johnston worked as a Scientific Consultant of the Manhattan Project, the Allied operated scientific program tasked with developing a nuclear weapon, after 1944. Johnston had transferred to the University of California at Berkeley to complete his undergraduate degree in physics in 1940; this was the same institution that fueled much of the brain power behind the Manhattan Project.

Johnston’s contributions to the Manhattan Project were significant. First, he co-invented the exploding-bridgewire detonator which enabled plutonium bombs like “Fat Man,” deployed over Nagasaki, to implode. Second, Johnston was the only person to personally witness all three atomic bomb explosions at three sites: Trinity Test Site in New Mexico on July 16, 1945; Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945; and Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. Third, Johnston co-developed technology used to measure energy outputted during atomic explosions.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A black and white photograph of a young Johnston standing in front of a military installation on Tinian on the Mariana Islands, signed and inscribed by him as “Lawrence Johnston / Scientific yield / measurements / Great Artiste / Alamogordo July 16 / Hiroshima August 6 / Nagasaki August 9 / 1945 / Great Artiste” at right. Near fine. 7” x 5.” Johnston had measured the atomic blast over Nagasaki while aboard the B-29 bomber “Great Artiste."

Interestingly, this autograph seems to suggest that Johnston prioritized his role in measuring the energy released during the atomic bomb blasts rather than his co-discovery of the exploding-bridgewire detonator.

2. Images of Johnston’s Manhattan Project-era identification badges, showing his picture, name, designation as a “Scientific Consultant,” physical description, and fingerprints, printed on a modern 8.5” x 11” glossy sheet of photograph paper. Near fine.

3. A photocopy of an original letter on “University of Idaho” letterhead dated May 11, 1994. The original letter signed by Johnston addressed to historian Robert Krauss described his wartime achievements as: “Briefly, I invented the ‘exploding Bridgewire Detonator’ which was used on all models of the ‘Fat Man’ plutonium bomb.” Gentle paper folds.

4. A photocopy of an original letter on “University of Idaho” letterhead dated November 23, 1994 in which Johnston may refer to the 7” x 5” photograph of the “Tinian Club” included in this lot.

5. A photocopy of an original letter on “University of Idaho” letterhead dated October 3, 1995, mentioning the recent reunion of the 509th Composite Group.

Provenance

6. An autograph letter signed by Robert Krauss dated April 8, 2014 describing the items in the lot and establishing their provenance.

7. A business card belonging to Robert Krauss signed by him at center.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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September 29, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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