‘Graf Zeppelin’ by John Elwell

A superb and unique riveted aluminium sculpture of the legendary LZ-12 Graf Zeppelin airship, mounted on correct derrick-type mast and wooden plinth. Signed John Elwell, 1/1, English 2006.

Length overall: 105 cm (42 inches), length of Zeppelin 95 cm (37 inches). Scale 1:250 (approx).

Note: The Graf Zeppelin is considered the finest airship ever built, and flew more miles than any airship had done until that time, or would in the future. It first flew on September 18th, 1928, and in August 1929 encircled the globe. The trip, financed by William Randolph Hearst, took 12 days, stopping only at Tokyo, Los Angeles and Lakehurst, New Jersey. In Its 10-year lifespan, the Graf Zeppelin made 590 flights totaling over 1,000,000 miles (1,609,344 kms) and carried 13,110 passengers. It was 776 feet (237 m) long and 5 x 550 Mayback diesel engines provided a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). It carried more than 70 passengers in unrivalled luxury and the accommodation included a dining room, library, lounge with grand piano and large observation windows.

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