(Aviation) A 1931 8 x 11 in sepia photograph depicting the Graf Zeppelin affixed to the mooring mast of the Empire State Building. Housed in an ornate presentation folder, the facing flap bears an inscription from a German tourist: <i Inscribed only two weeks after the official opening of the Empire State Building on 1 May 1931.

The photograph itself is a masterful “fantasy” piece and a wonder of early “cut and paste” photography. The view, likely taken from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tower at 23rd St. & Madison Avenue, was taken prior to the completion of the Empire State Building. Indeed the photographer literally cut and pasted both the building and the Zeppelin into the photograph. The mooring mast at the top of the building was intended for use as a passenger terminal for dirigibles. Passengers were to be transported to the 102nd story after checking in at the observation deck and then use a special gangplank to board the airship. However, due to the excessive updrafts caused by the building and the lack of additional mooring lines to stabilize the airship, the idea was shelved after several unsuccessful docking attempts.

Light wear at margins, else fine condition.

(EXA 4059) SOLD.