Description:

Graf Zeppelin
various, ca. April 25 - June 18, 1930
Complete Set of (3) #C13-15-1930 Graf Zeppelin Stamps On First Europe-Pan America Round Flight Covers & Postcard, 3 Pcs
Stamps on FDC, postcard
A complete set of three (3) #C13-15-1930 Graf Zeppelin stamps affixed to three (3) 1930 First Europe-Pan America Round Flight covers and postcard, ca. April 25 - June 18, 1930. The complete set of Graf Zeppelin stamps includes an example of each color and denomination: a green 65-cents Graf Zeppelin stamp; a brown $1.30 Graf Zeppelin stamp; and a blue $2.60 Graf Zeppelin stamp. The stamps are cancelled and affixed to three pieces of mail, each piece featuring a variety of colorful cachets, postmarks, handstamps, and other philatelic markings, sent to final destinations in Wisconsin, Washington, and New York City via Graf Zeppelin. Expected wear and weathering including isolated flattened folds, closed tears, and grubbiness, else near fine. The larger of the two envelopes measures 6.375" x 3.875."

The lot includes, in chronological order:

1. A "First Europe-Pan America Round Flight" cachet on a double-sided color postcard depicting a detail of the State Capitol Building in Madison, Wisconsin. The postcard bears a cancelled green 65-cents Graf Zeppelin stamp as well as a 5-cents U.S. Air Mail stamp. With six additional handstamps, including a large diamond-shaped cartouche printed in purple showing the flight itinerary at left. Postmarked from New York, New York on April 25, 1930. The postcard is addressed to Mr. F. Rennick of Madison, Wisconsin. 5.5" x 3.5."

2. A "First Europe-Pan America Round Flight" cover bearing a cancelled blue $2.60 Graf Zeppelin stamp. With five additional handstamps, including a large diamond-shaped cartouche printed in purple showing the flight itinerary at left. Postmarked from Varick Station, New York on May 6, 1930. The postcard is addressed to Mrs. A.J. Clay of Tacoma, Washington. 5.375" x 3.5."

3. A "First Europe-Pan America Round Flight" cover bearing a cancelled brown $1.30 Graf Zeppelin stamp. With five additional handstamps, including a large diamond-shaped cartouche printed in purple showing the flight itinerary at left. Postmarked from Brooklyn, New York on June 1, 1930. The postcard is addressed to Robert Meyersburg of Manhattan Beach, New York City. Neatly letter-opened at top. 6.375" x 3.875."

The limited-edition Graft Zeppelin stamps were issued on April 19, 1930, and were used exclusively on mail carried via LZ 127, or Graf Zeppelin, on its European-American flights. The Graf Zeppelin was a hydrogen-filled, gas-powered rigid airship constructed between 1926-1928. The 776-ft-long dirigible manned by 36 crew operated 590 flights between 1928-1937, routinely carrying passengers, mail, and freight. Airship commander Dr. Hugo Eckener piloted the Graf Zeppelin on its many record-breaking flights. He commanded the Graf Zeppelin on its first intercontinental passenger flight in 1928; on its first round-the-world flight in 1929; on its Europe-Pan America flight in 1930; and on its first Arctic flight in 1931.

During the spring of 1930, the Graf Zeppelin undertook its Europe-Pan America flight, flying over 29,000 km round trip, from its home base in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany; to Seville, Spain; to Pernambuco (modern day Recife), Brazil; to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; to Lakehurst, New Jersey; to Seville, Spain; and back to Friedrichshafen, Germany. The Graf Zeppelin was forcibly grounded in 1937 in the aftermath of the Hindenburg disaster; it was scrapped for parts in 1940.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: larger of two envelopes: 6.375" x 3.875"
  • Medium: Stamps on FDC, postcard

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000