Der Rittmeister Militaria, LLC. Imperial German Merchandise Page 21: Zeppelin, Graf Zeppelin, Hindenburg, & Balloon-Related Materials: Badges, Books, Memorabilia, Headdress, etc., Updated 29 April 2008. Contact us at: rittmeister@earthlink.net

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33-28 SHAKO FOR ENLISTED MAN IN LUFTSCHIFFER BATTALION Nr 4 - SAXONY. This is a wonderful shako for an enlisted man attached to Luftschiffer-Battalion Nr 4. In the initial creation of units prior to the outbreak of WW I, the Luftschiffer Battalions totaled FIVE. All were nominally Prussian, but two of the five Battalions had ONE Kompagnie from Saxony and Württemberg. The Saxon Kompagnie was Nr 3 in Battalion Nr 2, while the Württemberg Kompagnie was Nr 4 in Battalion Nr 4. Now, if you are reading this carefully, you should be asking "If he said the Saxon Battalion was Nr 3, then what is this for Battalion Nr 4 ?!?" That is a fair question. In 1912 Saxony was in the process of expanding their Luftschiffer operations. To that end, a cadre of men was detailed to Battalion Nr 4 (just to keep this straight, this is the Prussian/Württemberg Battalion) to train for future operations. Knowing how critical details can be in something like this, I have secured a copy of the Saxon Rangeliste for 1912. The information in this Rangeliste is actually from 23 December 1911, due to publication deadlines. It shows a single officer (Leutnant Fald=Bode) detailed to Metz, where a portion of Luftschiffer Battalion Nr 4 was garrisoned [the battalion was garrisoned at Mannheim-Metz]. Naturally, if this leutnant was in Metz, he would have had a number of enlisted men on duty. Thus, some of the mystery is explained. I have taken the time to explain, because this shako is marked "Luftschiff Btn. 4 1912." This troubled me as it would trouble you until I did the additional research and could match up the Metz/Battalion Nr 4/Leutnant Fald=Bode connection. Copies of this research along with some other research will be included with the shako for the enjoyment of the new owner. It is important that you realize the scarcity of this particular shako. As Saxony had one Kompagnie (and another Kompagnie in training before being activated) out of FIVE small battalions, you can sense the rarity of this piece. ANY Luftschiffer shako is a rare bird, and one from Saxony or Württemberg is extra special. Now that we have covered the history of these various battalions, let us turn to the description of this very rare piece. The body of the shako is in very pleasing condition. It does show some age and minor moth tracking but is solid. It shows what I refer to as "honest age." It has a fine, gilt, enlisted Saxon’s wappen. Above the Saxon wappen is a white field badge with a green center, as is correct. It has an excellent and original, prewar, brown, leather chinstrap with brass fittings. On the right side, a single reich’s kokarde is in place. On the rear visor are the markings "Luftschiff Btn. 4 1912," as previously noted. The complete leather liner with all tongues and the sizing thong is present. This is an ultra-rare artifact for the Airship Force. $2,995.00

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21-149 GA ORIGINAL PAINTING - EARLY ZEPPELIN FLYING OVER FREDERICH THE GREAT’S PRUSSIAN ROYAL PALACE SANS SOUCCI. This is a most unusual painting on wood, circa 1910. The painting shows the palace built by order of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Sans Soucci. It is one of the most fascinating of the Prussian royal palaces. When it was built, it was intended to be a summer palace for Frederick the Great when he wanted to get away from all of the hubbub of Berlin. It remains a beautiful site today. I enjoy touring it when we are in the Potsdam area. What is so unusual about this piece is that the artist did his work on wood, instead of canvas or paper. I am no expert, but this is a beautiful light wood. The artist used a knife to cut indentations around and within all the painted areas. This gives the illusion that the picture is created from different colored pieces of inlaid wood.  Some patterns even have small pieces of wood cut out to further the illusion. Close inspection, however, reveals that the images are PAINTED, not inlaid. The painting's actual surface  measures 17" x 10 1/4."  The full, framed picture measures 20 1/4" X 13 3/4." A black-framed rectangular area, measuring 15 1/4" x 8 1/2," is painted inside the overall surface. This imitates a matte within a framed picture. Inside this area at the bottom is a classic view of Sans Soucci. An early pre WW I zeppelin is flying in the sky above. The presentation has a black wooden frame, trimmed in gold. What appears to be the artist’s signature is on the painting’s reverse. It looks like "FJ."  This is a superb piece of work, very different from what we often see. It is totally original and unique! [Special shipping will be required on this item. The price will be based on where it needs to be shipped]. $1,695.00  

 

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21-101 XRB FIREMAN’S HELMET - ZEPPELIN FACTORY. This is a consignment item. The Zeppelin factory was located in Friedrichshafen on Lake Konstanz near the Swiss border in Southwestern Germany. It was here that Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin built his factory, and where both early and wartime zeppelins were built. After the Graf’s death in 1917 and WW I’s end in 1918, it looked very unlikely that the factory would continue. Due to Hugo Eckener’s efforts, however, the factory survived. Soon, the Hindenburg and Graf Zeppelin were both built and placed in service. The factory in Friedrichshafen was quite large. It had sheds right on the lake for the early zeppelins. As the factory grew even larger and more modern, the threat of fires from hydrogen increased. [This was brought home dramatically in1937, when the Hindenburg burst into flames at Lakehurst, NJ]. A fire brigade was established for the safety and protection of the factory. This is a very rare helmet for a fireman who served at the Friedrichshafen factory. It is the classic German Fireman’s helmet, in painted black metal with a crest at the top. The exterior is flawless and in near mint condition. Inside, it displays a full and complete leather liner. The chinstrap for securing the helmet to the wearer’s head is present. On the back visor, stenciled in white, are the words "Lusftschiffbau Zeppelin A.G. Friedrichshafen." The helmet is marked as a size "56." This is a very rare item for the zeppelin collector. It dates from 1930 to 1935. It is a consignment piece. $2,995.00

 

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21-114 XRB LARGE DURALUMINUM ZEPPELIN BOWL. This is a consignment piece. It is a large bowl that might have been used for holding fruit or other such items. It is made from Duraluminum, a very expensive and seldom-used metal, except for the construction of zeppelins. Often when a zeppelin crashed in the early days, the framework was recycled and used to sell items such as this to the very patriotic German people. This bowl measures 8 ½" x 11." It sports a likeness of Graf von Zeppelin and an early zeppelin in the sky. I have seen cups and bowls of this nature before, but this is the largest one I have ever seen. .$1,195.00  

 

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21-115 XRB SMALL TEASPOON SALUTING GRAF FERDINAND von ZEPPELIN. This is a consignment piece. It is a small demitasse teaspoon. The spoon’s bowl depicts Frankfurt in 1909. The skyline can be seen from the river. In the air is a zeppelin, an airplane, and a hotter-than-air-balloon. The spoon’s handle has a cutout likeness of Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin. $150.00    

 

 

 

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21-129 MINI NAVY ZEPPELIN GROUPING. This is a fine grouping of zeppelin items. Included are the following:

 

 

 

*Prinzengroße Commemorative Navy Zeppelin Badge. This is a very high quality badge, with superb detail on the obverse. The reverse has no hallmarking.

*Four Piece 1914 Iron Cross 1st Class Screwback. This is one of the most interesting Iron Crosses screwbacks that I have seen in some while. Although I routinely see two and three-piece Iron Cross screwbacks, this is the first FOUR-piece screwback I have encountered. The Iron Cross is very slight vaulted. The paint on the obverse is excellent. The cross is hallmarked .925 silver on the reverse. Silver above .800 is rare. I see hundreds of Iron Crosses of any kind before I see a .925. Two backing plates appear on the Iron Cross. The first is square, and the second is circular. The final piece is the nut, which holds the entire arrangement together. None of these three pieces is hallmarked in any way.

*Eight postcards that show navy zeppelins in the air and in their hangers.

This is a fine mini grouping for the naval zeppelin enthusiast. $1,995.00

 

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21-135 PRIVATELY PURCHASED ZEPPELIN BADGE. This is a fascinating badge that is also an anomaly. It is one-of-a-kind and has a very interesting story. On first examination it looks like a standard Prussian flight badge, EXCEPT for its center. The badge’s center sports the Zeppelin Company logo, which is a "Z" with a zeppelin flying across it. At first I was a bit dubious about this badge, until I started looking a bit further. The badge is cast, not die-struck (i.e., cast from a Prussian flight badge). The center where the plane and village countryside scene or an observer’s badge would have been is blank. The Zeppelin medallion was inserted, instead. The reverse is where it gets really interesting. We see that this badge was made in .925 silver, BUT it was made in Japan. Several Japanese/Chinese "chop" marks on the reverse! Both the Hindenburg and the Graf Zeppelin made voyages to Tokyo. It is most likely that one of the crewmen took a Prussian flight badge with him on the voyage. In Tokyo he had a Japanese jeweler make this one-off badge for him. It is an amazing piece of work. The quality of the workmanship is impeccable. It is an intriguing, one-of-a-kind badge. $1,395.00

 

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21-136 PRE WWI ZEPPELIN BADGE. Before WW I the Zeppelin Company operated zeppelins on a commercial basis. Zeppelin Abteilungs also existed within the German Army. Zeppelins were operated by Prussian, Saxon, Württemberg, and Bavarian crews. The real tradition and interest, however, were on the civil side. Germans flocked to ride aboard zeppelins whenever they could. The crews that operated these non military zeppelins were allowed to wear an exclusive pin that identified them as crew and employees of the Zeppelin Company. These badges measured 1 3/4" x 1 1/2." At the top of the badge was a Hohenzollern Crown. Below this was a beautifully constructed eagle. In the eagle’s center is the silver Zeppelin Company logo on a black enamel background. Some damage has occurred to the enamel center, and repairs made to cover up the damage. It has been well done, but we felt that it was important to mention its presence. The name of the manufacturer, Mayer & Wilhelm, is listed on the reverse. It also states the firm was from Stuttgart, the capital of Württemberg. Friedrichshafen, where zeppelins were built, was a part of that Kingdom, and Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin was a member of their nobility. These pins are very difficult to find. I have seen only one or two others in my time. $695.00

 

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21-125 FRAMED PAINTING - ZEPPELIN IN EGYPT. The zeppelins Graf Zeppelin and Hindenburg made voyages that touched a great portion of the earth. One of their more celebrated voyages included passing over the deserts of Egypt and the pyramids. Today we offer a period painting that shows one of the Zeppelins achieving this feat. The frame is a period, burled wood. The entire framed display measures 16 1/2" x 24." No glass covers the painting, which measures 14" x 21 3/4." The painting depicts the zeppelin flying over the Great Sphinx and between two pyramids. In the foreground are a party of Egyptians and camels. This naively styled painting is signed by the artist. If you are a zeppelin collector, this will certainly enhance your wall and your collection. $895.00 

 

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21-146 TABLE MEDAL - GRAF ZEPPELIN. This is an interesting early table medal for the Graf Zeppelin. The table medal is gilt-colored and measures 1" in diameter. The obverse features the Graf Zeppelin in profile, along with the date 1928 and "Graf Zeppelin." On the reverse we see something most interesting, the symbol for Shell Oil Co. Within the shell we also see the word "Shell." I would expect that this is some kind of sponsorship deal that the Zeppelin Company had with Shell Oil. $60.00  

 

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21-144 SIX ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS - LZ 127 GRAF ZEPPELIN A DELUXE FOLIO. This is a deluxe folio of original photographs of the Graf Zeppelin (LZ 127) while she was under construction at the Zeppelin factory in Friedrichshafen. The photos, which all measure 4 1/2" x 7," show the Graf Zeppelin in various stages of construction. Included is a paper that lists the technical details of the airship. The six photos and the technical description are housed in a folio that measures 5 1/2" x 7 1/4." The obverse of the folio describes the topic and sports the date 1928. This is a fine item for you zeppelin collectors. $225.00  

 

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21-131 GERMAN-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER - GRAF von ZEPPELIN COVER. This is a German language newspaper "Das Leben im Bild." The edition is from 1916, with eight pages of material. Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin is on the cover. Inside is a story with photos of Oswald Boelcke and Max Immelmann. Other photos show the German Army in action. One article is complete with illustrations about mine laying, while another reports about film making! It has all of the latest information from 1916 (at the time!), the year that Immelmann and Boelcke both died, and the year before Graf von Zeppelin was to die. $60.00

 

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21-127 ORIGINAL 1937 FRONT PAGE - ZEPPELIN HINDENBURG CRASH. This is an original front page (with the facing second page) recounting the disastrous explosion of the zeppelin Hindenburg. The newspaper comes from Frankfurt am Main, a common zeppelin port of call. The paper is dated 7 May 1937. It has been folded in half, but remains in very good condition. This really should be framed using conservation methods. $395,00 

 

 

 

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21-123 GRAF FERDINAND von ZEPPELIN EIN MANN der TAT by von BÖMEL. This is a German language book entitled "Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin Ein Mann der Tat" by von Bömel. This book was written in 1908, early-on in the saga of von Zeppelin and his airships. An excellent photograph with a reproduction signature of the Graf faces the title page. This very early biography deals with the youth of von Zeppelin, his days in the military, his interest in and development of his airships. It is a very difficult book to locate. Although I have heard of it for many years, this is the first example I have put my hands on. $125.00 

 

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21-171 ZEPPELIN TILE. This is a most unusual kitchen tile featuring a zeppelin in flight. The tile measures 3 3/4" x 4 1/8." The zeppelin is in high relief. Look closely, and you can see a light house and a ship at sea. While the tile is white, some trim on all four corners is blue. The tile’s back has information on its manufacturer. $395.00  

 

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21-173 HOOK AND EYE CARD - ZEPPELIN. This is an interesting complete card of the hooks and eyes that were commonly used on Imperial Period clothing. Zippers were not in use yet, so these small devices, (and buttons) were used to secure garments. The card measures 2 1/2" x 4 3/4." It contains twelve of the small devices. While this was the "Bato" brand, it features an early zeppelin (pre 1908) flying over the countryside. $55.00  

 

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21-165 DELUXE TEN POSTCARD SET IN SPECIAL GRAF ZEPPELIN/LZ127 HOLDER. This is a set of ten postcards depicting the airship "LZ 127," or Graf Zeppelin. The connected postcards are attached to a deluxe holder, from which they swing out for examination. They include a photo of its namesake, Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin, a blueprint of the LZ 127, views of the interior, and so on. $225.00  

 

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21-86 ZEPPELIN AUTOMOBILE OR BUS TOY. Zeppelins have always sparked a special interest in people all over the world. Something about those giants of the air captured people’s imaginations, not only in Germany but everywhere they flew. I cannot begin to tell you the various forms of "zeppelin-mania" that erupted not just in Germany, but even here in the USA. The U.S. was an important market to the Zeppelin company. The Graf Zeppelin and the Hindenburg were seen across the country from Los Angeles to Lakehurst, New Jersey. [Just to give you an idea of the breadth of this mania, I have in my collection a "repro" zeppelin cocktail shaker]!  The item we are offering today is a glass automobile or small bus of a zeppelin! This is really wild-looking. The vehicle is clearly shaped like a zeppelin, including ridges at the top to further the resemblance. As if that were not enough, it has a rudder to further confirm that it is supposed to be a zeppelin on wheels! This small toy measures 5" in length and 1 5/8" in width. If you look underneath to where the chassis should be, it is stamped "Chicago, Illinois." While this was American-made (either in the 1920's or 1930's, most likely in the 1930's) I purchased it in Germany! At some point it made its way across the Atlantic. Perhaps it even made a flight on a zeppelin as a gift for some wide-eyed German youngster. Who knows? You can see this piece’s age particularly in its wheels, and in the texture and finish of the glass. This is quite an interesting item. While I had heard of these before, this is the first one that I have encountered. $450.00 . .

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18-179 PATRIOTIC CUP FOR THE AIR SERVICE, LUFTSCHIFFER SERVICE, AND THE KAISERLICHE MARINE. This is a wonderful cup that salutes three of the most highly visible branches of the German military. Commemorated here are the Imperial German Air Service, the Zeppelin Service, and the Imperial German Navy. The cup measures 5" in height. It is 3 1/8" in diameter at the lip and 2 1/4" in diameter at the base. The central theme of the cup is an outline of an Iron Cross. Within the Iron Cross we see an airplane, zeppelin, and various navy ships. Included in the vessels are surface ships and a U-boat. This is very well made by a firm in Bavaria. It is in excellent condition. $350.00 . .

 

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21-78 ZEPPELIN BRACELET. At first glance, this appears to be one of the popular WW I bracelets made from an artillery shell driving band. A closer look, however, reveals it to be a plain copper band without any driving band markings. What provides the interest is that the bracelet’s central motif is a zeppelin! In fact, TWO zeppelins are attached to the bracelet. It also sports a small drilled hole, for which I cannot offer an explanation. The bracelet breaks in half to place it on the wrist. A catch is present to ensure that it stays in place. No markings or hallmarking are present on the inside. It is quite a handsome piece. $215.00. . .

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21-79 ZEPPELIN TIN BOX. This is a large format tin box measuring 7 3/4" x 4 ½" x 3 1/4." In fact, this box once held tea! Five different panels on its outside depict life in and around Frankfurt prior to WW I. The lid of the box shows the most wear of the five panels. The most interesting of the remaining four panels features a zeppelin flying over the city. This box would be great for display. It has a spacious holding capacity. This lovely item would look very charming on a bookshelf or holding your special treasures. $225.00. . .

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21-82 ZEPPELIN SCHNAPPS GLASS. This is a small schnapps glass celebrating the city of Friedrichshafen and its involvement with zeppelins. Hand painted in multiple colors on the glass’s front is the city with a zeppelin overhead. Also appearing in the painted area is the legend, "Friedrichshafen Bodensee." This small cup stands 2 1/4" tall. I have never seen a shape quite like this on items of this nature. It is in excellent condition. $225.00. . .

 

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21-83 FRAMED HAND COLORED PHOTOGRAPH OF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN WITH A ZEPPELIN. Let me begin by telling how exquisite this piece is. It is a hand colored photograph of Friedrichshafen circa 1900 to 1910. It looks down on the city as it meanders along the edge of Lake Konstanz. Friedrichshafen was the zeppelin’s birthplace under the care of Graf (Count) von Zeppelin. The airships were often seen in the sky over the city and the lake, which separates Germany from Switzerland. Indeed, this portrait depicts a zeppelin in flight. The photo is quite unusual as it is slightly vaulted under the glass of the frame! A small brass plaque under the glass identifies the city as "Friedrichshafen a/B." The frame is gilt, with short diagonal black lines accenting the molding. The frame and photo measure 6" x 5." On the back both an easel and a ring appear by which the piece can be displayed. It is in delightful shape and is of the highest caliber. A lot of pride went into the manufacture of this item. $225.00. . .

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21-77 ZEPPELIN ECKENER SPENDE PIN. Hugo Eckener was the guiding light of the Zeppelin company during and after WW I. Besides being a first-rate engineer, he was a marketeer and PR man supreme. He negotiated to present a zeppelin to the U.S. as a part of Germany’s reparations. This zeppelin became the U.S.S. Los Angeles. In the midst of all of this, and the battle to keep the firm solvent in postwar Germany, Eckener managed to maintain the interest of the German public just as had Ferdinand von Zeppelin. Like von Zeppelin, Eckener went to the German public for financial assistance to continue his work. The German public, in spite of their own post WW I misfortune, responded by offering donations to keep the company afloat. This pin was a part of that program. The people responded to "Zeppelin Eckener Spende" just as they had for Aviation Spendes, U-boat Spendes, "Gold for Iron", etc. Causes such as these were always hugely popular. In appreciation of their support, the supporters were given pins, medals, etc. This pin is made of silk and is oval-shaped. It features the name of the cause and a zeppelin in flight. All of this was woven in four colors. This particular pin is in MINT condition. $95.00 . .

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21-64 ZEPPELIN BOWL. This is a rather interesting small bowl that measures 6 ¼" in diameter. It is made from the same material (duraluminum) that was used in the construction of zeppelins by the Zeppelin Company. These were in turn sold to the German public. The Germans were very enthusiastic supporters of the zeppelin program before, during, and after WW I. The hallmark for the Zeppelin factory appears on the bottom of this bowl. $195.00 . . .

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21-45 WOODEN BOX FOR A ZEPPELIN. This is an oversized box that measures 9 ½" x 6 1/4" x 4." This box would be suitable for holding documents or jewelry. The top of this hand-carved box has the coat-of-arms for the city-state of Hamburg. The front of the box is hand carved as well and reads "Hamburg." Inside the box is carved the legend "Zum Zeppelin." Very fine workmanship. $675.00

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21-48 PATRIOTIC BOX FOR THE ZEPPELIN SERVICE. This is a very fine patriotic box that has been hand carved. It salutes the zeppelin service. This box measures 8" x 6" x 4 ½." It has a very intricately crenellated (notched like battlements) pattern around much of the exterior. On the lid is a Hohenzollern Eagle, which appears to be made of brass. There is also a small brass pull on the top lid that allows access to the interior. The front panel of the box displays a beautiful hand carved, high-relief zeppelin. This is a darker color than the wood on which it appears. Inside, the wood of the box presents a burled appearance. This is, however, a paper-like material that has been applied to the inside surface. This is a wonderful example of German woodcarving art. It is especially unique since it salutes zeppelins. $450.00.

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21-46 ID BRACELET FOR A ZEPPELIN. This ID bracelet has a zeppelin as the centerpiece. There is also a brass tag with the numbers 31-613. Total length of the bracelet is 8". $295.00.

 

 

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21-166 GA TABLE MEDAL - DR. HUGO ECKNER AND LZ-126. This is a circular table medal commemorating the LZ 126. The LZ 126 was a part of Germany’s war reparations to the victorious allies. Dr. Hugo Eckner, who assumed the Zeppelin company’s control after Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin’s death, personally delivered the LZ 126 to the U. S. Navy at Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1924. [Lakehurst was where the zeppelin Hindenburg exploded thirteen years later]. The LZ 126 became the U. S. S. Los Angeles. The medal’s obverse shows a high-relief likeness of Dr. Hugo Eckner. Its reverse depicts the LZ 126 and the various stops on her voyage to America. $210.00  

 

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Special Section of Zeppelin & Aviation Related Postage Stamps From Around the World.

 

21-150 LARGE FORMAT POSTAGE STAMP - LZ-127 GRAF ZEPPELIN - OVER ROMANIA’S CAPITAL. This is a single large postage stamp from Romania, which commemorates the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin. The stamp measures a whopping 2 3/4" x 3 1/4." It is dated 16 October 1929. It is multicolored and shows the Graf Zeppelin in profile over a city that I presume to be Bucharest. The stamp, which was printed for collectors, bears a serial number of 078062. It is in excellent condition, and has been preserved in a plastic holder. $35.00  

 

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21-151 THREE POSTAGE STAMP SET - EARLY ZEPPELINS - REPUBLIC OF VOLTA. This is a set of three postage stamps commemorating the early zeppelins. The set includes the following:

 

*A 10 Franc stamp that shows the Zeppelin "Deutschland" flying over a German town. The stamp measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/2." It has been cancelled, and is in a plastic holder. It is in excellent condition.

*A 40 Franc stamp that shows the Zeppelin "Viktoria Luise" flying over five sailboats. The stamp measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/2." It has been cancelled and is in a plastic holder. It is in excellent condition.

*A 50 Franc stamp that shows the Zeppelin "Sachsen." The stamp measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/2." It has been cancelled, and is in a plastic holder. It is in excellent condition.

This full-color trio of stamps is in excellent condition. $50.00  

 

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21-152 LARGE FORMAT POSTAGE STAMP - GRAF ZEPPELIN - REPUBLIC DE COTE D’IVOIRE. This is a deluxe postage stamp that was issued by the Republique De Cote D’Ivoire(Ivory Coast) in 1977. The stamp is for 500 Francs. The stamp itself measures 1 1/4" x 1 1/2." It shows the Graf Zeppelin in profile over a city. The stamp is in full color. The stamp is part of a larger display that shows an early zeppelin along with "Retrospective Zeppelin." The overall size of the display of the Graf Zeppelin measures 3 3/4" x 5 1/2." $40.00  

 

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21-153 PLATE BLOCK - FOUR STAMPS - HUNGARY - EXPLORING AVIATION ERAS. This is a plate block of four stamps, showing various eras in the history of aviation. They were issued for Aerofila in 1967 by Hungary. The four stamps showcase Man and his early efforts in Aviation. The plate block is very decorative. Its overall measurements are 3 3/4" x 5." Each stamp measures 1 3/4" x 1 1/8." $35.00  

 

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21-174 THREE-STAMP SET - ZEPPELINS - REPUBLIC OF MALAGASY. These large-format stamps each show a zeppelin in flight, along with a small, inset depiction of Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin. One zeppelin flies over the Egyptian Pyramids, another over Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, and the third over London). The three represent different denominations. All were cancelled in the 1970's. $25.00  

 

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21-154 BLOCK - EIGHT STAMPS - SPAIN - ZEPPELIN. This is a block of eight stamps, featuring a zeppelin from Spain. All are attached and a part of a unit. The overall presentation measures X" x X," while each stamp measures X" x X." $25.00  

 

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21-155 SET - TWO STAMPS - GRAF FERDINAND von ZEPPELIN AND ZEPPELINS - GERMAN BUNDESPOST. These stamps commemorate the life of Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917) and his gentle giants, the zeppelins. The stamps are in full color. They were issued in 1992. It is a pair of connected, mint stamps. We have two pairs of them. They are priced at $15.00 per pair or $25.00 for both.  

 

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21-157 SPECIAL DISPLAY CARD - GRAF ZEPPELIN POSTAGE STAMP - GERMANY. This is a most interesting display card which shows the Zeppelin LZ 4 over Mannheim on 4 August 1908. It has a postage stamp showing Ferdinand Graf Zeppelin and one of his zeppelins. It also proclaims that the stamp was issued by the Deutsche Luftpost and cost 3 Reichs Marks. This stamp may come from the Third Reich era. I believe Marks in Germany after 1945 were referred to as Deutsche Marks (D-Marks). The card measures 4 1/4" x 6," while the stamp itself measures 1" x 1 1/4." This collector’s card is serial numbered on the reverse. $30.00  

 

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21-158 SPECIAL DISPLAY CARD - GRAF ZEPPELIN (LZ-127) POSTAGE STAMP - NIGER. This is an interesting display card showing the Graf Zeppelin (LZ-127) flying over a mountain. The large-format postage stamp measures 4 1/8" x 5." It is for 500 Francs from the République du Niger. The stamp has a special cancellation, dated 1976. The display card measures 1 1/2" x 2 1/2." It shows the many cities the Graf Zeppelin visited on her world voyages. Included are Rio de Janeiro, Cairo, London, Séville, Spain, Rome, Berlin, New York, and Tokyo. $25.00  

 

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21-159 SPECIAL DISPLAY CARD - FOUR POSTAGE STAMP PLATE - INTERNATIONAL AVIATION - NORWAY. This is an attractive display card showing four different aviation scenes. Each of the four stamps measures 1 1/4" x 1 1/2." The stamps are for 1.25 Kroner, 2.00 Kroner, 2.80 Kroner, and 4.00 Kroner from Norway. The display card measures 3 3/4" x 4 1/2." It was issued for a special philatic display that took place in Oslo, Norway, 13-22 June 1980. Sets like this are quite popular with stamp collectors. They were never sold for use on everyday mail. $20.00  

 

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21-160 PAIR POSTAGE STAMPS - EARLY AIRSHIP - SWITZERLAND. This is a lovely pair of postage stamps showing an early style airship. Each stamp measures 1" x 1 1/2," and is for .90 Swiss Francs from Switzerland. The stamp has a special cancellation, dated 1980. This was done especially for stamp collectors. The stamps are mounted on a piece of paper. Both the stamps and the paper have been cancelled. It is a very attractive piece. $15.00  

 

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21-161 POSTAGE STAMP - GRAF ZEPPELIN AND EARLY ZEPPELIN - 75^th ANNIVERSARY FIRST ZEPPELIN FLIGHT(1902-1977) - GRENADA. This is a postage stamp showing Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin and his first zeppelin, which flew in 1902. This postage stamp from Grenada celebrates the 75^th anniversary of the first zeppelin flight. The stamp, which has not been cancelled, is for ½ Cent. $5.00  

 

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21-162 THREE POSTAGE STAMP SET - 75^th ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST ZEPPELIN FLIGHT(1902-1977) - NICARAGUA. This is a set of three postage stamps from Nicaragua, celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the first zeppelin flight. The first stamp, which as a value of one cent, shows a zeppelin in its hanger. The second stamp has a value of two cents, and shows the Graf Zeppelin in the sky. The third and final stamp has a value of three cents, and shows a very early airship. $20.00  

 

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21-175 THREE-STAMP SET - ZEPPELINS - REPUBLIC OF MALAGASY. This three-stamp set, while similar to the set listed above, displays different scenes. The denominations also are different. These large-format stamps each show a zeppelin in flight, along with a small, inset depiction of Graf Ferdinand von Zeppelin. One zeppelin flies over New York, another over South America, and the third over Tokyo.) The three represent different denominations. All were cancelled in the 1970's. $25.00  

 

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21-176 THREE-STAMP SET - ZEPPELINS - REPUBLIC OF VOLTA. This series of three, large-format postage stamps, each measuring 1 1/2" x 2 1/2," comes from the Republic of Volta. They are quite colorful and show detailed images of the zeppelins on their various cruises. Especially noteworthy is the stamp that shows the LZ 129 (Hindenburg) displaying the 1936 Berlin Olympics Rings on her side. Another shows an outstanding view of the Graf Zeppelin flying right at you. The stamps all show different scenes. They are of three different denominations. $25.00  

 

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21-177 SINGLE STAMP - ZEPPELIN - REPUBLIC OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA. This is a special commemorative stamp that was issued in 1974. It shows a zeppelin on the ground, with passengers embarking on a flight. The stamp was also issued to celebrate the 100^th anniversary (1874-1974) of the Universal Postal Union. The postage stamp has been cancelled in the corner. It measures 2" x X." $10.00  

 

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21-178 SINGLE POSTAGE STAMP - GRAF ZEPPELIN - GAMBIA. This colorful postage stamp from Gambia commemorates the anniversary of air services to Africa (1934-1969). It shows the Graf Zeppelin flying over an African map. The stamp also shows Lufthansa’s logo. The stamp is mint. It measures 1 1/4" x 2." $10.00   

 

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21-179 FOUR-STAMP SET - EARLY AVIATION - HUNGARY. This is a special edition of four connected stamps that were all cancelled for use by a stamp collector. The stamps were issued by Hungary and postmarked Budapest. Each of the four scenes shows a different time in aviation history. $15.00  

 

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21-180 TWO POSTAGE STAMPS - EARLY AIR MAIL AIRPLANE - LIECHTENSTEIN. This is a two-stamp set from the tiny country of Liechtenstein. They commemorate the first Air Mail Service out from Liechtenstein (God knows, they certainly did not need air mail service within Liechtenstein)! This took place in 1930 (the U. S.’s Air Mail Service began about 1918). The 1979 stamp commemorates the fact. The two stamps are identical in denomination. They only differ in that one bears a cancellation, and the other is mint. $10.00  

 

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21-182 SPECIAL EDITION STAMP HONORING LZ-127 - REPUBLIC CONGO. This is a special stamp issued for stamp collectors. It features a large color image of the LZ-127, attached to a special card. It comes from the Republic of the Congo. $20.00  

 

 

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21-183 BLOCK FOUR AVIATION-RELATED POSTAGE STAMPS - HUNGARY. This is a block of four aviation-related postage stamps from Hungary. Each is different. All were issued for stamp collectors in honor of the VII. Postal Congress held in Budapest in 1967. $15.00  

 

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21-184 SPECIAL EDITION - STAMPS HONORING THREE AVIATION PIONEERS - WEST GERMANY. This is a special group of three stamps issued for stamp collectors. It was offered in 1977 at a Berlin postal convention. It features stories of three aviation pioneers: Graf von Zeppelin, Hermann Oberth, and Hans Grade. They are attached to a special card. $20.00  

 

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21-185 BLOCK TWENTY POSTAGE STAMPS - GRAF ZEPPELIN - 1931 FLIGHT - LIECHTENSTEIN. This is a block of twenty, mint-condition, 1979, Liechtenstein, postage stamps. The stamps honor the Graf Zeppelin’s flight over the tiny principality in 1931. This set of stamps was produced specially for postage stamp collectors. $30.00  

 

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21-186 BLOCK TWENTY POSTAGE STAMPS - EARLY AVIATION - LIECHTENSTEIN. This is a block of twenty mint-condition postage stamps from 1979 in Liechtenstein. The stamps honor early aviation in that country. This set of stamps was produced specially for postage stamp collectors. $25.00  

 

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21-47 XLD ZEPPELIN CIGARETTE CASE. This is a very high-quality cigarette case that has a full-sized Commemorative Airship Badge on the front. Also on the front of the case are the initials "HS," engraved in the upper left corner. There are some designs engraved into the exterior of the cigarette case. On the catch the case is marked Alpaca, which denotes that the makeup of the case is essentially nickel(German silver). Both elastic keepers in the interior of the case are present. The case has a nice patina to it. Overall, it is in fine condition. $1,050.00 Reduced to $950.00!!

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21-17 ZEPPELIN OCTAGONAL BRONZE MEDALLION. This medallion is identical to the example described above, with the exception that the ribbon is white and red, and the medallion is bronze. A safety pin is also present to attach the medallion to garment. Very attractive condition. $250.00 .

 

 

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21-12 AIRSHIP HINDENBURG/AMERICAN AIRLINES METAL PLAQUE. This is a REPRODUCTION of a period metal plaque which portrays the Airship Hindenburg and an American Airlines DC-3. American Airlines had connecting service with the Hindenburg, which enabled passengers to travel on to Europe. This plaque was manufactured in the 1990's and is NOT an original piece. $125.00.

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14-103 DEUTSCHE LUFTFAHRER ZEITSCHRIFT. This was a magazine that was published in Germany before WW I which dealt with Zeppelins. It is a large format magazine that has numerous articles about Zeppelins and their development in Germany during this period. There are numerous photos and there is also a great deal of advertising that I find very interesting. Some of the advertising includes motors from Mercedes-Benz, aircraft and flying lessons from Ago, etc. These magazines are professionally done very slick and would be a unique addition to a Zeppelin collection. I have two different issues which are December 1912 and April 1914. Each magazine is $60.00

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21-15 ZEPPELINS AGAINST LONDON by KENNETH POOLMAN. This is a U.S. 1^st edition of this book, which was originally published in London. This edition was published in 1961 and is long out of print. The book, which is liberally illustrated, deals with the German "Blitz" of WW I. This was carried out by zeppelins instead of the fixed wing aircraft and rockets used during WW II. Much consternation was stirred up in England when the zeppelin attacks began. This book chronicles both the German raids and the English efforts to defeat them. The books makes excellent reading for those with an interest in zeppelins. It is in excellent condition with no dust jacket. The book is seldom seen. This copy comes directly from my library. $90.00 . . .

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21-02 ZEPPELIN CIGARETTE CARD ALBUM VOLUME 1. The Zeppelin cigarette card albums were among the most popular of all of the cigarette card albums produced in the 1930's. These cards were included with packs of cigarettes as a premium. Those who wanted the entire series at once could get a complete album. This is volume 1 of the three volume series. It has 265 cards that show various scenes of zeppelin flight andhistory. Volume 1 features pre-WW I and WW I zeppelin scenes and information. It also is very heavy on the first commercial post-WW I Airship, the Graf Zeppelin. We have two of these remaining. One is complete but has a bit of water-staining on the cover that is $175.00. The other album has FIVE  missing (the missing cards are numbers 19, 72,163, 172, and 218) cards and is offered for $125.00  

 

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