Graphite Brick CP-1. Chicago Pile -1. Site of the First Self-Sustaining Nuclear Reaction. Stagg Field - The Univer...

Description

Graphite Brick CP-1
Chicago Pile -1
Site of the First Self-Sustaining Nuclear Reaction
Stagg Field - The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA

This rare example of American scientific and military history consists of an acrylic brick containing a rod of Graphite from the famed Chicago Pile, known as CP-1, where the first self-sustained nuclear reaction took place on December 2, 1942, under Stagg Field, at the University of Chicago. Representing a pivotal aspect of the Manhattan Project, the event symbolized by this piece, essentially, ushered in the nuclear age that culminated in the development of the atomic bombs which were dropped on Japan, effectively ending World War II. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the first artificial nuclear reaction, Graphite rods from the site were obtained by Argonne National Laboratory to make mementos of the historical event and were often given to employees upon retirement as a token of gratitude for their years of service to the Lab. The father of the consignor of this item worked at the Lab for 33 years and was presented with the commemorative piece here when he ended his career there as a draftsman designing parts used in the area of nuclear reactor safety. Suspended in a clear plastic rectangular form, with tiny rounded feet on the bottom, the brown section of Graphite rod was appropriately labeled and has the Argonne insignia.
Overall Measurements: 3.74 x 2.56 x 1.50 inches (9.50 x 6.50 x 3.80 cm)

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