Description:

Hindenburg
various, ca. May 9 & September 19, 1936
Flown Hindenburg Postcard on First Flight to North America, Plus Later Flown Cover!
Envelope/First Day Cover

Two philatelic items flown aboard the LZ 129 Hindenburg during its 1936 transatlantic service, including a commemorative postcard and cover. Postmarked May 9 and September 19, 1936. Exhibits the usual philatelic markings and handstamps throughout. Light age toning and handling wear present. Areas of isolated soiling near edges and verso of both. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes:

1.) Commemorative postcard produced in honor of the Hindenburg's first flight to North America. Measuring 5.5" x 3.5", New York, postmarked May 9, 1936. The verso features a black and white illustration of the zeppelin over the Atlantic ocean, and states at lower right: "This card was carried on the Hindenburg on its initial flight from Friedrichshafen to Lakehurst, N.J." It was later mailed to the recipient, one G. H. Scharf of New Haven, Connecticut bearing a 50 cent Hindenburg stamp.

2.) Postal cover flown aboard the Hindenburg's 8th roundtrip flight to Lakehurst. Measuring 6.5" x 3.75", [New York], postmarked September 19, 1936. It was later mailed to the recipient, one F. W. von Meister of New York City, bearing two Hindenburg stamps.

The LZ 129 Hindenburg was the pride of German aviation, representing the height of airship travel before its tragic destruction in 1937. The first North American flight in May 1936 was a milestone in transatlantic airmail service. Over the course of that year, the Hindenburg would make a total of 17 such flights, ten to the United States and seven to Brazil. Indeed, covers from these early flights are highly sought after by collectors of Zeppelin and aviation memorabilia.

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.

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  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 3.75"
  • Medium: Envelope/First Day Cover

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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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
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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000