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Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500
(OPERATION CROSSROADS--BAKER & ABLE TESTS) A trio of panoramic photographs documenting atomic bomb explosions from Bikini Island. In January 1946, a U.S. nuclear weapon mission dubbed Operation Crossroads began testing atomic bombs on the remote lagoon of Bikini Atoll. Automatic cameras were mounted in towers on the lagoon and Crossroad pilots flew photo specific planes at a safe distance to capture the detonation stages of two atomic explosions, the Baker Day, and Able Day blasts. This selection of three panoramic images taken from Bikini Island depict both the Able and Baker atomic tests. Silver prints, the images measuring 8 3/4x17 3/4 inches (22.2x45.1 cm.), and slightly larger, the sheets slightly larger, flush mounted, with Commander Frederick Spencer's signature and inscription as "atomic photo director," in ink, on recto. 1946
In January 1946, a plan to employ Hollywood film technicians to create a photographic record of the atomic explosions at Bikini Atoll was presented by Commanders William Parks, Frederick Spencer (inscribed in image), and W.W. Emerson.
