ANON. Airship Hindenburg, American Airlines Inc. Exclusive connecting service.
Original luggage label, 1937. 90 x 135 mm.
American airlines idea in cooperation with Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei (DZR) was to have feeder services from all over the USA to Newark Airport, New York. Passengers were then to be transferred by air to Lakehurst Naval Station, New Jersey, where the Hindenburg would depart for Frankfurt.
Hindenburg was scheduled to arrive at 6.00am on May 6th 1937 but strong headwinds postponed the arrival to 6.00pm. Poor weather over New Jersey delayed the landing even more. Landing ropes were dropped at 7.21pm and fire was seen from the ground shortly before the Hindenburg exploded. Thirty Five people died out of ninety five.
American Airlines had invited Herbert Morrison (the Radio Broadcaster) to cover Hindenburgs first landing to promote their connecting service with the Zeppelin. His newsreel of this tragic event has become famous in history.
It is understood that all advertsing and promotional literature including luggage labels were destroyed after the tragedy as American Airlines decided not to pursue the idea.
This label was owned by a Gentleman who was waiting to fly that evening to Frankfurt from Lakehurst and witnessed the shocking disaster.
This is a very rare label in fine condition..
#2121666