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Charles W. Sweeney Signed Nagasaki Mitsubishi Steel Works Photograph
Black-and-white photographic print showing the bomb-damaged Mitsubishi Steel and Arms Works at Nagasaki, hand-signed and inscribed in blue ink: “Charles W. Sweeney, Pilot ‘Bock’s Car,’ Nagasaki 8/9/45.”
Sweeney (1919–2004) was the aircraft commander and pilot of the B-29 that carried the “Fat Man” atomic bomb to Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Photo measures approximately 7.75 × 8 inches and is printed on semi-gloss Kodak photographic paper. Repeating backprint style dates the print to approx 1972-1989. Photo comes with original certificate of authenticity from Todd Mueller Autographs, a specialist autograph dealer operating for more than 40 years and still in business today. We purchased this from them in roughly 2003.
Condition
- Clean and well-presented, with light handling wear visible under close inspection.
- Blue ink signature and inscription remain strong and clearly legible.
- The faint horizontal line across the upper portion is two-dimensional and part of the photo image, not a crease.
- Small gray transfer relic is present near the upper-left corner of the reverse. No effort has been made to remove it.
- Certificate has fold marks and light handling wear.
Fulfillment
This piece is fitted in an archival Mylar sleeve with an acid-free backing card for long-term storage or until next displayed. It will ship by USPS between rigid cardboard backers inside a protective rigid mailer. Typically ships within 1 business day. Rates to Alaska and Hawaii differ from continental US; please message for quote. International shipping available through 's Global Shipping Program.
Historical Notes
The underlying 1945 image was published by the United States Strategic Bombing Survey and documents machine tools exposed after the surrounding structures at the Mitsubishi Steel and Arms Works collapsed. Although the aircraft’s name is now generally standardized as “Bockscar,” Sweeney used the divided form “Bock’s Car” in this inscription and on other signed memorabilia. That wording reflects the aircraft name’s original pun on its regularly assigned commander, Captain Frederick C. Bock.
