Ferdinand, Graf von Zeppelin (1838-1917)
Two autograph letters signed (‘Gf. Zeppelin’) to [Professor Dr A. Vögtlin] and ‘Herr Sandt’, Stuttgart and Friedrichshafen, 21 March 1900 and 13 June 1907
In German. 4 pages in total, 211 x 134mm and 221 x 142mm, on bifolia, the first letter with envelope. Provenance: James A. Fox Auctions, 30 May 1981, lot 469; and Sotheby's, 21 May 1998, lot 116.

Graf von Zeppelin discusses his business, before zeppelin flights were commercially available. In the letter of 21 March 1900, Zeppelin thanks his recipient for their ‘recent literary activity in the interest of my undertakings.’ He discusses his business, including his obtaining 50,000 marks of funds, and employing a new manufacturer for his gas compartments, ‘using the excellent new leak-proof material’. In the letter of 13 June 1907, Zeppelin responds to a request to be allowed on a flight, informing his recipient that trainee pilots and engineers must have priority for available places. The construction of his new hangar has been delayed due to a storm and will not be finished until August.