Manhattan Project collection of photographs to exceed $60,000?

A collection of photos from the Manhattan Project could see bids in excess of $60,000 on May 16

A collection of original photographs taken from the infamous Manhattan Project will appear at auction on May 16 with an estimate of $60,000-90,000.

An image from the Manhattan Project collection

The Manhattan Project was the research program conducted by the United States which led to the development of the first atomic bomb during the second world war and ended with the horrific bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The series, which comprises 650 images, features a range of letters, schematics and negatives as well as aerial shots of both bomb sites. The comprehensive collection also features images of the Bikini Atoll test and the surrender of the Japanese forces in 1945, including shots from former LIFE magazine photographer, Fritz Goro.

The Manhattan Project collection comes with impeccable provenance, having been provided from the archives of one of the scientists who worked on the first atom bomb in New York and a friend of Fritz Goro. The photographs will provide a superb, yet harrowing, item for any collector of memorabilia from the second world war.

Collectors will want to view Paul Fraser Collectibles' excellent range of military photographs, including this iconic image of the first flag raise at Iwo Jima, signed by Charles Lindberg.

Also featuring in the auction will be a series of 12 Von Baun gelatin prints of the World Trade Centre buildings before their collapse in 2001. The atmospheric shots of the imposing buildings give a stark reminder of what New York's skyline looked like prior to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. They are estimated to sell at $10,000-15,000.

Be sure to check back with Paul Fraser Collectibles for the results of this important sale. You can find more news on art and photography here.

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Images: Kaminski Auctions