This complete graphite block from the Chicago Pile 2/3 (CP-2/CP-3) project is an extraordinary and historically unparalleled artifact—the only complete block from these reactors known to exist in private circulation. CP-2, constructed in 1943 as the rebuilt version of the world’s first nuclear reactor (Chicago Pile 1), was relocated from the University of Chicago to the Argonne Forest (now Argonne National Laboratory) in Palos Hills, IL. As the first reactor to operate outside a city, CP-2 featured substantial shielding—concrete, lead, and wood—to allow higher power operation for Manhattan Project research, including early plutonium production. CP-3 followed as a larger, cube-shaped facility using the same graphite and uranium, operating until 1954 before being decommissioned and buried at Site A, now a historic nuclear site with a memorial marker.

This block is a tangible piece of pioneering nuclear history, representing humanity’s first steps into controlled chain reactions beyond the laboratory scale. Its provenance directly ties it to the early atomic research that shaped the Manhattan Project and the development of nuclear energy. For collectors, historians, or museums, this is a singular opportunity to acquire an artifact of unmatched rarity and significance—both a scientific and historical treasure.

AUCTION PRICE: $3,000

These smaller graphite segments from the Chicago Pile 2/3 (CP‑2/CP‑3) site are authentic remnants from one of the earliest nuclear reactors in the United States. CP‑2, built in 1943 as the relocated and shielded successor to Chicago Pile 1, and CP‑3, its larger cube-shaped companion, were critical facilities for Manhattan Project research, including early plutonium production. These segments represent tangible pieces of that pioneering nuclear history.

Each segment is a unique fragment of reactor graphite, showing the characteristic texture and composition used in these early reactors. While smaller than a complete block, these pieces still carry immense historical value, making them ideal for collectors, museums, or enthusiasts of nuclear and Manhattan Project history. They provide a direct, physical connection to the birth of controlled nuclear chain reactions outside the laboratory scale.

AUCTION PRICE: $500 per piece

These assorted nuclear power plant belt buckles are authentic collectibles from some of the most notable nuclear facilities. Each buckle features unique design elements reflecting the plant it represents, making them a distinctive piece of industrial and energy history. Perfect for collectors of nuclear memorabilia, these belt buckles combine both historical significance and visual appeal.

Each buckle is priced at $125, or you can purchase the complete set of four for $350. Whether displayed, worn, or added to a broader collection of nuclear artifacts, these buckles offer a tangible connection to the culture and identity of nuclear energy operations.

AUCTION PRICE: $125 each or 4 for $350

This Three Mile Island Unit 1 1989 Safe and Record Generation Award is an authentic piece of nuclear history, commemorating a milestone in operational excellence at one of the most well-known nuclear power plants in the United States. Awarded to personnel for achieving outstanding safety and generation records, this piece represents both the technical achievement and the human dedication required to operate a nuclear facility safely and efficiently. 

AUCTION PRICE: $100

This Vogtle Construction Project pewter mug is a rare collectible commemorating one of the most significant nuclear power projects in the United States. Produced during the construction of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, this mug was issued to workers, engineers, or project contributors as a keepsake marking their involvement in the development of the facility.

Crafted from durable pewter and featuring project-specific markings, it serves as both a functional item and a tangible piece of nuclear history.

AUCTION PRICE: $125

This rebar collectible from the first nuclear concrete pour at Vogtle Unit 3 in March 2013 is an authentic piece of modern nuclear history. It originates from the initial concrete pour, a milestone marking the beginning of construction for one of the most significant nuclear projects in the United States in recent decades. Vogtle Unit 3, part of the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, represents the first new nuclear reactor construction in the U.S. in decades, making this collectible a tangible link to a pivotal moment in contemporary energy development.

This piece of rebar serves as a unique memento of the dedication, engineering, and teamwork behind a large-scale nuclear project. Ideal for collectors of nuclear industry artifacts, construction milestones, or modern engineering history, it offers a direct connection to a landmark event in 21st-century nuclear energy.

AUCTION PRICE: $100

This security sign from the West Lake Landfill is an authentic relic from a federally recognized EPA National Priorities List (NPL) Superfund site. Featuring “No Trespassing” warnings, this sign once served to protect one of the most environmentally and historically significant waste management sites in the United States. The West Lake Landfill is well-known for its complex history and ongoing remediation efforts, making this sign a tangible piece of industrial and environmental history. 

AUCTION PRICE: $100