?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(AVIATION.) Album of snapshots taken aboard the airship Hindenburg. 126 photographs, most about 3 x 5, pasted into a scrapbook with a few manuscript captions. 4to, original polished calf gilt, lacking backstrip, sticker on front board, otherwise moderate wear; a handful of photos detached or missing, at least one leaf removed, pages generally strong; auction catalogue description laid down on front pastedown. Vp, circa 1935-37
Frederick William "Willy" von Meister (1903-1978) was born in London to German parents. He came to New York in 1924 as the American representative of what became the Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei, arranging airship trips to the United States. He became a citizen in 1933 and spent his last years in New Jersey. This album begins with 21 snapshots of friends enjoying a Bimini vacation in the Bahamas. These are followed by about 100 snapshots which were apparently taken aboard the Hindenburg, including aerial and interior views, as well and candid shots of the crew and passengers. One of the identified photographs is of Captain Ernst Lehmann, who died aboard the Hindenburg in its final 1937 voyage. Also shown are the ship's observation windows and distinctive passenger lounge. No exterior views of the Hindenburg are included, though its shadow is featured in several of the aerial views. Provenance: Roger Koerber action, circa 1980, lot 3110. Koerber offered material from the Meister collection in his 6 June 1980 catalogue, and possibly in others.
