RARE POSTAL HISTORY OF THE ILL-FATED HINDENBURG LANDS DOWNUNDER

There have been two major incidents that changed the course of aviation history. The most recent was the crash in July, 2000 of the Anglo-French Concorde in Paris, which ended the highly anticipated era of supersonic travel.

The earlier, and arguably more significant incident, was the crash of the Hindenburg airship in New Jersey, USA in May, 1937.

While there was an unfortunate loss of life in both events, the Hindenburg disaster effectively scuttled the airship as a commercial carrier. It would never again grace the skies for anything other than joy flights.

Leski Auctions has been tasked with selling a remarkable and highly-sought-after collection of flown envelopes and cards carried by the Graf Zeppelin and the Hindenburg, between 1924 and the fiery crash of the Hindenburg 13 years later.

Lot 716 includes 108 flown envelopes and cards, 20 reference books, 4 complete books of cigarette cards, a rare prospectus with photographs issued for the LZ 126, (delivered to the US Navy in 1924 and rechristened the USS Los Angeles), and a range of photographs, postcards and associated items.

Lead auctioneer, Charles Leski, said the most valuable item in the Lot is an envelope retrieved from the wreck of the Hindenburg (below.)

"Although the Hindenburg was carrying a large volume of mail, the vast majority went up in flames. The example offered in this collection is extremely rare, fully certified, and is probably the first example ever offered for sale in Australia," he said.

"While the crash of the Hindenburg looms large in our collective memory, the often-overlooked issue was the politics of the time. This was partly responsible for the tragedy."

According to Mr. Leski, the US controlled the world's supply of helium which fuelled German airships. From 1925 it banned its export due partly to limited supply, and its exception to the evolving policies of Nazi Germany. This forced German-manufactured airships to use highly flammable hydrogen. Despite this prohibition, it allowed the Hindenburg to fly in US airspace. 

The pre-sale estimate for Lot 716 is $30,000 - $40,000. 

The auction will be held on Tuesday, September 17th from 10.00am. 
Details can be found at www.leski.com.au

About Leski Auctions

Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton.  It has sold more 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.