Lot 285
USS AKRON Photo by Maragaret Bourke-White Signed by Crew. USS Akron (ZRS-4) leaving Goodyear Zepplin airdock, Akron, Ohio in 1931, signed by renowned photographer, Margaret Bourke-White. On April 4, 1933, the 785 foot dirigible, in its third year of flight, crashed tail first from a violent storm into the waters off Barnegat Light, New Jersey suffering a catastrophic collapse of its frame from the impact. Due to life jackets being removed and never replaced, 73 of the 76 crew on board the airship perished, including Rear Admiral William A. Moffet. Three crewmen survived including Executive Officer, Lt. Herbert V. Wiley. In this incredible matte-finish photograph, 70 of the crew signed the image and the signatures of Moffet and Wiley can be seen within the white strip of sidewalk below the air dock. The frame is made of Duralumin, used in the girder construction of The Akron by the Goodyear Zepplin Corporation. The plate is engraved: "The USS AKRON, Being Taken From The Dock For The First Time. Built by Goodyear for The United States Navy Department." The frame measures 20½ x 26". There are three small water stains in upper top border, mild rippling and a small area of adhesion in the darkest part of the air dock just above the airship; part of Bourke-White's signature is light. Still, overall very good to fine condition. This is a remarkable piece of history.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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| Realized $7,500 |
