Description:

Eckener Dr. Hugo



Dr. Hugo Eckener, Zeppelin Commander, Signed 1930 Europe-Pan America Flight Cover

 

A 1930 Europe-Pan America Flight Cover inscribed, dated, and signed by Dr. Hugo Eckener (1868-1954) as "Dr. Eckener / Friedrichshafen 14.7.30" along the bottom margin. The envelope, once carried aboard the LZ 127, or Graf Zeppelin, bears a cancelled blue airmail stamp "Graf Zeppelin Europe-Pan America Flight" (C-15) at upper right. With five additional handstamps, including a large diamond-shaped cartouche printed in purple showing the flight itinerary at left. Postmarked from Washington, D.C. on April 19, 1930. With a "Department of the Navy" printed return address, and a typed mailing address, to "Lieut. Comdr. Edgar M. Williams, U.S.N." Neatly letter-opened at top. Near fine. 5.5" x 3.5".

 

Dr. Hugo Eckener played a significant role in the German interwar airship industry. He succeeded as manager of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin, the company that manufactured the eponymous airships, after the death of inventor and founder Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin in 1917. Eckener aggressively promoted the research and development of dirigibles during the interwar period, even during an era of post-World War I military restrictions. In 1924, Eckener presented the company's LZ 126 to the U.S. Navy as part of its war reparations; it was later christened the U.S.S. Los Angeles

 

In addition to company administration, Eckener also piloted the Graf Zeppelin during its many record breaking flights. Eckener had obtained his airship piloting license in 1911, and he commanded the Graf Zeppelin on its first intercontinental passenger flight in 1928; its first round-the-world flight in 1929; its Europe-Pan America flight in 1930; and 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 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. After its initial spate of demonstration flights, the Graf Zeppelin routinely carried passengers, mail, and freight. The Graf Zeppelin was forcibly grounded in 1937 in the aftermath of the Hindenburg disaster; it was scrapped for parts in 1940.

 

This envelope is not only remarkable for its historical value, but for its philatelic value. An autographed cover like this routinely sells for $350 retail.

 



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide 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 who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, 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, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

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 Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. 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 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

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

May 15, 2019 10:30 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