Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH (Hrsg)

LZ 127 "Graf Zeppelin". 15 Bilder vom Bau des Luftschiffes nach Originalaufnahmen Herausgegeben vom Luftschiffbau Zeppelin G. m. b. H. Fredrichshafen a.B. [portfolio cover title]

Friedrichshafen: Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH 1928. First Edition. Oblong folio (approx 13 x 10 inches). Four flap portfolio with orange cloth connecting flaps with base, three tan boards, and cover in blue with white printing. Some fading to the cover, flap folds worn. Internally are 15 loose illustrations with tipped on prints plus a technical data sheet on the Zeppelin (creased, soiled). The fifteen prints are 7 x 9 3/8 inches (with orientation varying) tipped onto a slightly larger brown paper in turn tipped onto card stock with letterpress captions. A number with creasing to the card stock. The images are nice. On the top flap is stamped in red: "Zur erinnerung an die Rückkehr des luftschiffes Graf Zeppelin von Weltreise" (rough translation "To commemorate the return of the airship Graf Zeppelin from a trip around the world"). And to the left in a circle, again in red ink, a similar notice: "Zur Erinnerung an die Besichtigung das Luftschiffes "Graf Zeppelin"" (rough translation "In memory of the tour of the airship "Graf Zeppelin""). Several penciled notations on vereso of front cover.


Presumed gift inscription inked on inside of top flap: "Mienar leiben Eva zur Errinerung! Friedrichshafen, Zeppelin werft, 29.9.29 Vater" (in English "My dear Eva will be remembered! Friedrichshafen, Zeppelin shipyard, 9/29/29 Father" Good. Boards. [29226]


English translation of cover title is roughly "15 pictures of the construction of the airship based on original photographs Published by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin G. m. b. H. Fredrichshafen a.B." This is one of several editions of this portfolio issued - we have also seen a rare example with actual photographs. This example includes the same images, but in this case photomechanically reproduced.

The 15 images are "Blick in den Steuerraum" (view into the control room), a portrait of inventor "Graf Zepplein" (Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin), "Das Luftschiff-Gerippe im Bau" (the airship skeleton under construction), portrait of "Dr. Eckener" (commander of the Graf Zeppelin during many flights and also manager of the company which constructed these ships, Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH), "Kuche" (the kitchen), "Luftschiff-Gerippe ohne Bugkappe und Heckspitze" (airship skeleton without bow cap and tail cap), "Innenraum des Luftschiffes, vom Bug aus gesehen" (interior of the airship as seen from the bow), "LZ 127 in Fahrt" (LZ 127 in motion), "Kurz vor der Fertigstellung" (nearing completion), "Grosser Aufenthalts- und Speiseraum" (large lounge and dining room), portrait of "Dr. ing. h. c. Durr, Direktor der Werft" (Director of the shipyard), "Fahrgastkabine, für Tagesgebrauch gerichtet" (passenger cabin set up for daytime use), "Überziehen des Gerippes mit der Außenhülle" (covering the hull with the outer shell), "Fahrgastkabine, für die Nacht gerichtet" (passenger cabin, set up for the night-time use), "Hintere Gondel mit 530-PS Maybach-Motor" (rear gondola with 530-PS Maybach motor).

Rare, with one copy noted in Worldcat in a German institution. There are other photographic portfolios, but most are smaller format (often post card size) and none with this many images. The Graf Zeppelin operated from 1928 through the early 1940s when it was scrapped.

Price: $375.00