Autographs Paul Tibbets, Charles Sweeney, Jacob Becer

Photolithographs with signatures of the crew members of the B-29 Enola Gay

A group of three signed photographs related to the crew of the B-29 Enola Gay, which participated in the events of August 1945. The selection combines images of the aircraft and portrait materials of crew members whose names are associated with the history of aviation during the Second World War. Formats vary; condition is generally good, with minor signs of storage, typical of materials from the second half of the 20th century.

Lot composition:

1. Charles Sweeney (1919–2004)

Black and white photograph of the *Enola Gay* B-29, 10 × 8 inches. Signature: “Charles Sweeney Aircraft Commander 8/9/45” in blue ballpoint pen. Slight crease in upper right corner; otherwise unmarked. Sweeney was a United States Air Force pilot whose name is associated with strategic aviation operations in the Pacific Theater.

2. Paul W. Tibbets (1915–2007)

Black and white photograph of the *Enola Gay* B-29, 10 × 8 inches, side view. Inscribed and signed in blue marker: *“To Mary with best wishes, Pilot Paul W. Tibbets.”* Tibbets is associated with the history of American military aviation in the mid-20th century.

3. Jacob Beser (1921–1992)

Black and white photograph, 8 × 10 inches, showing Beser with the *Enola Gay* in the background. Signed “Jacob Beser” in black marker in lower right corner. Besser is known as a military specialist in radio electronics and radar systems; his service is associated with the crews of the *Enola Gay* and *Bockscar* aircraft.

The items are accompanied by a certificate issued by John Reznikoff, a specialist whose name is associated with the examination of autographs for a number of third-party authentication services and auction houses. The wording of the certificate is given in accordance with the practice of accompanying documentation of this type.

The materials in this group are related to the history of military aviation of the 20th century and to personalities whose names appear in sources documenting the final stage of World War II in the Pacific. Such items are usually considered historical memorabilia, combining documentary and personal dimensions.

The selection may be appropriate as a thoughtful gift for private collectors, researchers of aviation history, or individuals interested in the material culture of the war era. It is recommended that the design and further storage be carried out taking into account archival standards for photographic materials from the mid-20th century.