Zeppelin Philatelic Cover Value?

This is a very interesting and unusual philatelic cover. Note that it has one red Zeppelin cancellation. I have no idea what today's value is, but I know that the current owner paid $3000.00 USD for it back in 1981. The owner is a friend of mine who wants to sell it.

I'm hoping that there is someone here on Delcampe who really wants this item for their collection and is willing to pay a lot for it. At least, maybe someone can provide me with some information about it.

(Note that the cover was in a plastic holder when the scans were made. It is a nice quality item.)

Thank you, Steve

Helo.
I'm not specialized in this but I can tell you the following:


The LZ 129 was the Hindenburg Zepplin.
The best thing to do is to find :

Sieger Zeppelin Post Catalog, 22nd Edition (2001)

in a public library or buy it (+/- 30 usd) or somebody on D*....

Also have a look here:
Link (http)

Regards from Belgium.

Also

Link (http)

I just wanted to thank you very much for your links... they are a start. I know nothing about this item and would like to advise the owner.

Respectfully, Steve

Hi Steve,

As per the Sieger catalogue, the cachet would show that this cover would have flown on the 1936 1st N. American flight to Lakenhurst which happened between 6th & 14th May 1936, which ties in with the datestamps on the cover of 28th April.

The flight carried a lot of mail so examples of the cachet itself are not at all uncommon. What makes this potentially a very good cover is primarily the use of 2 sets of the Zeppelin stamps - at the top, the 1930 pair issued for the S. American flight and at the bottom the set of 3 issued in 1931 for the Polar Flight - these catalogue in my old (2003) Michel catalogue at 800 and 1300 Euros each respectively. The other stamps might add another 100 Euros + of course, a premium for being a Zeppelin item.

To establish its true worth (or otherwise), it would be essential to have it expertised, preferably by one of the recognised German 'prufers', (if this hasn't already been done), as Sieger gives various warnings about forgeries which, I'm afraid, my German isn't up to translating.

If it's correct, I'd imagine your friend's $3000 is a bit low now, but as i say, it all depends on its genuineness

Hope this is of help

regards
sam

Hi Sam & Nirvana2,

I very much appreciate the time you took to tell me about this item. YOu are very kind and knowledgeable.

I have communicated with Dan at Airships who has been very helpful, and have contacted Dieter Leder who hasn't replied as yet, but whom I'm sure will.

These are great leads and it's nice to have a Forum where collectors (and even former dealers - as I am one of those) can go to get advice and opinions.

Respectfully, Steve

...as Sieger gives various warnings about forgeries which, I'm afraid, my German isn't up to translating.....

If possible, post a scan here or by PM, I will translate about forgeries.

Thank you again.

But please don't go to the trouble of translating the information about forgeries.

I have seen this cover in person, and it was originally contained within a valuable collection of zeppelin covers, and the cancellations and cachet and backstamps seem genuine to me.

Besides - as per your recommendation - I will probably suggest that the owner have it authenticated before selling it.

Cordially, Steve