Description:

Jacob Beser
Maryland, July 16, 1976
Enola Gay's Jacob Beser Signed Check! Only Man To Fly Both Atomic Missions!
DS

Maryland National Bank personal check, drawn on the account of Jacob Beser and Sylvia R. Beser. Dated July 16, 1976, and made payable to "Sun Life Ins. Co." for the amount of $72.00. The check is neatly filled out and boldly signed in blue ink by Jacob Beser in the lower right corner. Bank cancellation stamps are present, including a prominent red ink mark across the center, without significantly affecting the clarity of Beser's signature. The check measures 6.25" x 2.75" and is encapsulated to an overall size of 4.5" x 9.5".

Jacob Beser (1921–1992) was a U.S. Army Air Forces officer during World War II and the only man to serve as a crew member on both atomic bomb missions—Hiroshima and Nagasaki—in August 1945. As radar specialist aboard the Enola Gay and later Bockscar, Beser's role was critical to the missions' navigation and bomb release timing. After the war, he pursued a civilian career, including work in engineering and insurance, which contextualizes this 1976 check payable to Sun Life Insurance Company. Beser's unique wartime distinction has made his signature a sought-after and historically significant collectible.

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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  • Dimensions: 4.5" x 9.5"
  • Medium: DS

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October 8, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000