Images(3)

Buckle, Belt

Object number2016.14.1

Manufacturer Classic Buckles Unlimited

Date1982

OriginUnited States of America

MediumMetal

Credit LineGift of Christine Trimbur

DescriptionMetal belt buckle. Overall convex rectangle with curved top and bottom edges. Front features relief of Westinghouse Shippingport Atomic Power Station (SAPS) and text above and below the relief. On the back on the side there is a metal loop that folds left and right and on the right side there is a protruding metal "hook." Back has three rectangles with inscribed text describing the SAPS and the belt buckle maker.Dimensions2.563 x 3.188 x 0.75 in. (6.5 x 8.1 x 1.9 cm)
InscriptionsFront has raised text "SHIPPINGPORT / ATOMIC POWER STATION / 1957-1982".

Back has a rectangle at top center with inscribed text "SHIPPINGPORT ATOMIC POWER STATION / SHIPPINGPORT, PENNSYLVANIA / START DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 1953 / START COMMERCIAL OPERATION 1957 / REFUELED NUCLEAR CORE 1964 / COMPLETED INSTALLATION OF / LIGHT WATER REACTOR 1977 / DEVELOPED BY U S DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY / NAVAL REACTOR DIVISION, / DUQUESNE LIGHT COMPANY, and / BETTIS ATOMIC POWER LABORATORY / POWER OUTPUT 1957 - 1964 60 MEGAWATTS / 1964 - 1977 100 MEGAWATTS / 1977 - 1982 76 MEGAWATTS / Shippingport Atomic Power Station / was the first commercial operating / nuclear power facility, and the first / central station light water nuclear power / facility built in the United States."
MarksBack has two rectangles at bottom center with inscribed text: top rectangle reads "⌐ 1982 / CLASSIC BUCKLES UNLIMITED / 414-654-9400", and bottom rectangle reads "MADE IN USA".
Historical NotesThis Shippingport Atomic Power Station (SAPS) belt buckle was given to Norman Pontello to commemorate his years of service. The Shippingport Atomic Power Station was the world's first peacetime full-scale atomic electric power plant. As children, Pontello's daughters thought that when their father said he tested the water to see whether it ran hot or cold that he was referring to the water's temperature; as adults they realized that he meant he tested the water for radioactivity.

Previous owner Norman Aldo Pontello

Related institution Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory

Related institution Duquesne Light Company

Related institution Westinghouse

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