Description:

Atomic Bomb
n.p., n.d.
Enola Gay Signed Collection Including Tibbets, Van Kirk, Doolittle
Signed poster

Three signed items relating to the mission of the Enola Gay in World War II. Includes a color poster showing the Enola Gay's navigation log signed by Thomas Ferebee and Van Kirk, an autograph note signed by J.H. Doolittle, and a check signed by Paul Tibbets. Also included is a black and white photographic print of Paul Tibbets in the Enola Gay.

1) A color poster reproducing the August 6, 1945 navigation log of the B-29 bomber Enola Gay, signed by Bombardier Thomas Ferebee (1918-2000) and Theodore J. "Dutch" Van Kirk (1921-2014). 1p, measuring 18" x 24", Reynoldsburg, Ohio, n.d. Printed by the Buckeye Aviation Book Company. Signed at the lower left corner "Tom Ferebee" and "Theodore J Van Kirk" in blue felt tip pen. Supplemented by a schematic showing Enola Gay's route inset at lower right, and Van Kirk's comments about local time, geography, and navigational calculations inset at lower center. With very tiny tears along the edges, else fine and boldly signed.

2) James Harold Doolittle (1896-1993). Autograph note on J.H. Doolittle stationery signed "J.H. Doolittle" and inscribed "To Lisa: With sincere best wishes." 1p, 6.5" x 4". Lightly toned with a small smudge of red ink in the lower right, affixed with tape to card backing with dealer's notes in pencil. Beautifully and boldly signed with paraph.

3) Paul Tibbets (1915-2007). A check signed by legendary Enola Gay pilot Paul Tibbets, 6" x 2.75", Columbus, Ohio, July 2, 1995. Fine condition.

Enola Gay's 12-person crew left their home base at Tinian, in the Northern Mariana Islands, at 2:45 am Tinian time on August 6, 1945. Their objective was to drop an atomic bomb, called Little Boy, on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, located some 2,500 km to the northwest. The reproduction navigation log documents Van Kirk's notes as they passed landmarks, such as Iwo Jima and Mishima, Japan. The plane gradually gained in altitude until it passed over its target of Hiroshima. At 9:15 Tinian time, at an altitude of 31,060 feet and an air speed of 200 mph, Van Kirk listed "Bomb Away" in the Position column. Enola Gay gradually descended and turned south, arriving in Tinian at 2:58 pm Tinian time. Little Boy had enough force to wipe out 90 percent of the city and immediately killed 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure. The Japanese surrendered nine days later.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 24" x 18"
  • Medium: Signed poster

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

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

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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