Description:

Hindenburg
[Lakehurst, NJ], ca. March 6, 1937
Hindenburg Aluminum Frame Relic! Outstanding Provenance from Crash Site First Responder
Relic
A metal fragment made of duralumin, an aluminum-copper alloy, from the frame of the "LZ-129 Hindenburg," the Nazi dirigible which crashed at Lakehurst, New Jersey on May 6, 1937. The fragment consists of two layers secured by a bolt at center, and measures approximately .875" x .625." The surface shows evidence of exposure to extreme heat, like crazing and scorching. The outer edge of the top layer is sheared. Else good. The crash site relic was sourced by a local Lakehurst first responder who rushed to the air field in May 1937. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Broadway Rick's Strike Zone and a Certificate of Authenticity from RR Auction.

The "LZ 129 Hindenburg" was a hydrogen-filled, gas-powered rigid airship manufactured by the Zeppelin Company between 1931 and 1936. The vessel's metal frame was made of duralumin, an aluminum-copper alloy, while the outer fabric shell was made of cotton covered with plasticized lacquer, known as "dope." During its 14 months of commercial passenger service, "Hindenburg" successfully completed 63 flights to and from Europe and North and South America. The "Hindenburg" was the largest commercial airship ever constructed. It provided luxurious accommodations aboard the airship, including a smoking room, lounge, and sleeping cabins, as well as window-lit passenger promenades.

The "Hindenburg" erupted into flame on May 6, 1937 as it was attempting to moor in Lakehurst, New Jersey. The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, but scientists speculate that a hydrogen leak was caused by an environmental electrostatic charge. Once ignited, the fabric skin of the "Hindenburg" was consumed in approximately 34 seconds. 62 passengers and crew survived from the original roster of 97; 35 people died aboard the ship, and one additional linesman was killed on the ground.

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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  • Provenance: The relic comes with a photocopy of a Letter of Authenticity from Broadway Rick's Strike Zone (Alachua, Florida) originally signed and dated March 8, 2004. In this Affidavit of Identity, the owner, Rosemary Macaluso, stated in part: "I, Rosemary Macaluso, am an EMT in the Lakehurst, NJ area. I do attest that this is an original piece of aluminum from the Hindenburg. The aluminum was given to me personally by a gentleman who was a member of the first-aid squad that arrived on the scene just minutes after the disaster. The man was a member of our EMT unit for many years and was a personal friend of mine before he passed away…"

    It is also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from RR Auction (Bedford, New Hampshire), #3079333, describing the item and featuring an engraved plaque mounted at center.
  • Dimensions: .875" x .625"
  • Medium: Relic

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August 7, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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