Graf Zeppelin Airship Original Heinrich China - Lion of the Luftschiffbau

Description

Magnificent Airship Graf Zeppelin Heinrich Elfenbein Porzellan ash tray of the design used by Luftschiffbau Zeppelin between 1928 and 1936 when the original design was updated with the incorporation of the Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei and introduction of the airship Hindenburg. From the beginning of its flying career, the Graf Zeppelin was meant to convey comfort and luxury as well as speed of transiting vast distances, hence the creation of a custom china pattern similar to what would be found in the first class dining rooms of ocean liners and deluxe dining cars on trains. This exclusivity is aptly evident in the design of this piece. Measuring approximately 5 3/8 inches across the top of the tray, the bowl widens as it descends, then narrows to a stand on which the bowl of approximately one inch in depth sits. The bowl extends at the rear to accommodate a stand on which sits a regal lion holding a shield emblazoned with the LZ crest, supported from beneath by a scroll. Including the base on which he sits, the lion is approximately 5 1/2 inches high. This regal fellow features sharp detailing of his face, mane, paws, musculature, even his tail, which he has wrapped politely around him. The shield on which the LZ crest appears is hand-painted as is are the blue and gold stripes around the circumference of the bowl and the inner gold stripe, as was custom with the Graf Zeppelin china pattern, making every piece slightly different while still conveying the unmistakable Luftschiffbau Zeppelin brand. This piece would very likely have been present in the Kurgarten Hotel in Friedrichshafen where airship passengers gathered prior to traveling to the flying field to board the Zeppelin. As likely, since many of the Zeppelin captains, including Hugo Eckener, Ernst Lehmann and Hans von Schiller, to name a few enjoyed smoking, they may have had pieces like this in their offices or homes. Guillaume de Syon's excellent book features a photo on page 192 showing the edge of one of these ash trays along with a ticket and passenger list. Otherwise, they re very rarely seen, even in photos, suggesting a very limited production. Zeppelin china plates, coffee sets. demitasse sets, even serving dishes and platters are more commonly encountered than this piece. Exceptionally fine condition with minimal wear commensurate with its age of 80-plus years. Bottom of bowl bears the H&C trademark logos in green and red. Thank you for looking at this and my other auctions.
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