Remarkable flown piece of aluminum alloy framework recovered from the wreckage of the Hindenburg crash site. The lightweight duralumin fragment consists of riveted girders and struts, and measures 14.25 x 10.25 x 3. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, Robert Jeffrey, dated February 4, 1985, in part: “As a child I lived in Lakewood, N. J. which is near the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, N. J. On the maiden flight of the Hindenburg to the U. S. it landed at Lakehurst & an acquaintance of my parents (Mrs. Agnes Reynolds) invited two of the crew members for dinner, as she spoke German they enjoyed themselves. As I was interested in aviation of all sorts she called & asked me if I’d like to come over & meet the men of the Hindenburg. Upon my arrival I found out that the two men were engine mechanics on the ship, their names were Herman Rothfuss & Willy Scheef & they gave me their autographs. On a later date the Hindenburg caught fire upon arrival at Lakehurst N. A. S. & a friend of ours, Chief William Buckley, U. S. N., was able to get a piece of the charred wreckage & gave it to me.” Also accompanied by the aforesaid pencil signatures of Rothfuss and Scheef on a off-white 3.25 x 1.25 slip, and a scrapbook of fascinating newspaper clippings related to the disaster. Given how most recovered Hindenburg fragments are of a much smaller size, this incredible piece, elevated furthermore by its wonderful provenance, exists as a true rarity and of the utmost desirability for collectors of aviation history.
