As a collector of zeppelin memorabilia, I'm really pleased to offer a couple of rare, original Graf Zeppelin items.
Several German porcelain companies made plates and other porcelain that either commemorated the launch of one of the Zeppelins or was used for passenger dining service aboard. I understand the appeal of both types, but personally prefer the commemorative plates which more often feature images of a Zeppelin, while service porcelain usually had just the LZ logo of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH.
Of the commemorative plates, perhaps the finest were made by Heinrich & Co. of Selb, Bavaria. These are highly sought after, and hard to find. Like most original Zeppelin plates, they continue to appreciate substantially.
The first of these is a very elegant porcelain plate made in 1928 to commemorate the launch of the Graf Zeppelin. It is 25 cm or about 9 ⅞ inches in diameter and depicts the Zeppelin in flight over a mountain lake. The Zeppelin is marked "D-LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin" and has a "D" on the tail rudder. The plate is white porcelain with gilt and red bands, and the LZ crest and banner at the bottom. It's signed and hallmarked Heinrich & Co., and “Friedrichtshafen, 1928.” I’ve seen fewer than 10 of these in collections or up for sale, and this is a particularly nice example.
The second piece is an equally rare blue and white Heinrich & Co. porcelain bowl marked "Zur Herinnerung an den 100. Geburtstag des Grafen Ferdinand von Zeppelin 1838. 8 Juli 1938" celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. The bowl depicts what appears to be the LZ-130, also known as the Graf Zeppelin II, in flight over a military airfield. The LZ-130 was the last of the German rigid airships and was launched on 1938. The bowl is 19 cm in diameter and 8.5 cm tall.
Count von Zeppelin founded LZ, and had an illustrious military career, including service in the Union Army in the United States during the Civil War!
Both pieces are in excellent condition with no cracks or chips and bright glaze and decoration.
Note: These two items are no longer available. Please contact us if you are interested in buying or selling Zeppelin porcelain pieces.
Joel