5 amazing pieces of zeppelin memorabilia



2015-06-26 14:07:43

5. Airship sextant

The sextant was developed in the 1800s and proved an important tool for navigating the oceans. They also proved useful in determining bearings from the air, allowing zeppelin pilots to stay on course.

This specimen sold for $3,093 at Hermann Historica in Munich in 2005.

4. Construction archive

Image: Hermann Historica

This rare archive shows the various stages of construction required to build a zeppelin. The example documented is L-59 (also known as Das Afrika-Schiff) which saw action during the first world war.

It was flown to Africa to resupply German forces in 1917, but was later forced to turn back after the troops surrendered to the British.

The set made $3,866 at Hermann Historica in 2005.

3. Hindenberg poster

Image: Swann Auction Galleries

The Hindenburg was the largest airships ever built and made its first flight in 1936. This poster advertises the speed with which it could cross the Atlantic, enabling passengers to make the trip in just two days.

It served as a key propaganda tool for the Nazis, who equipped it with two gigantic swastikas on the tail fins.

The poster made $6,000 at Swann Auction Galleries in 2004.

2. Hindenburg strut

Image: Heritage Auctions

As well as being the biggest airship ever built, the Hindenburg also turned out to be one of the biggest disasters of era. In 1937 it exploded while landing in New Jersey, killing 36 people.

This strut was recovered from the wreckage and has since been turned into a barstool. It sold for $12,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2011.

1. Graf zeppelin stamps

﻿Image: Nutmeg Stamp Sales

This 1930 $1.30 realised $42,500 at Nutmeg Stamp Sales in 2008. It was printed for mail travelling on the airship and is one of few surviving specimens of an issue that was rare when it was first issued. 

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