Graf Zeppelin LZ-127 Polarfahrt Card Berlin Malyguin Icebreaker 1931 Arctic Drop

Item Specifics

Country

Berlin

Condition

Unused

Stamp Format

Single

Item Description

Grade: Ungraded
Item: Postal Card from the Graf Zeppelin LZ 127 "Polarfahrt" (Arctic Flight) of 1931. Philatelic Nature: This card was both postally used, intended for delivery to the addressee, and created with philatelic intent, commemorating the significant Arctic Flight and mail exchange. Routing & Address: From (Origin of Zeppelin flight leg): Berlin, Germany. To: Maj. H.K. Metcalf, 1598 Orchard St., Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A. Transit Method: Flown aboard the Graf Zeppelin LZ 127 and dropped to the Soviet Icebreaker Malygin in the Arctic. Postmarks & Dates: Departure Postmark: "BERLIN , dated 25.VII.31 (July 25, 1931). Receipt Postmark: "BRISE-GLACE MALYGUINE ARCTIQUE" (Icebreaker Malygin, Arctic), dated 27 VII 31 (July 27, 1931). Travel Time & Distance (Zeppelin Leg - Berlin to Malygin Rendezvous): Travel Time: Approximately 2 days from Berlin to the mail drop/rendezvous point with the Malygin. Approximate Travel Distance: The Graf Zeppelin flew from Berlin towards the Franz Josef Land archipelago for the rendezvous. The distance from Berlin to this Arctic region (specifically near Hooker Island where the rendezvous occurred) is approximately 3,500 - 4,000 kilometers (approx. 2,175 - 2,485 miles). Additional Visible Features: Prominent red cachet: "LUFTSCHIFF GRAF ZEPPELIN POLARFAHRT 1931" depicting the Zeppelin over a stylized Arctic sunrise. Handwritten endorsement on the lower left: "Via Graf Zeppelin, from Berlin, drop mail to Russian Ice-breaker." Printed number "50968" (likely a mail piece or registration number). Historical Context of Postmark Dates: 25.VII.1931 (Berlin): This date marks the departure of the Graf Zeppelin LZ 127 from Berlin on its scientific and mail-carrying Arctic expedition (Polarfahrt). The flight had officially begun from Friedrichshafen on July 24th, stopping in Berlin for publicity and further mail loading. 27.VII.1931 (Arctic): On this day, the Graf Zeppelin successfully rendezvoused with the Soviet icebreaker Malygin near Hooker Island in Franz Josef Land. This card was part of the mail dropped to the Malygin.

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Item Location

Florida, United States

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Worldwide

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