Hindenburg silver pitcher will auction at Henry Aldridge

A silver pitcher recovered from the Hindenburg crash site will cross the block at Henry Aldridge & Son on October 24.

The lot, one of a number of pieces from the airship offered in the sale, is expected to make ?�6,000-7,000 ($9,290-10,839).  

Hindenburg crash silver
The pitcher was recovered from the Hindenburg crash site

A silver serving tray is also on offer with an identical estimate.

Andrew Aldridge, auctioneer at Henry Aldridge & Son, explains: "They bear witness to the immense destructive power of the fire that overcame the mighty Hindenburg on May 6th 1937 in Lakehurst, New Jersey.

"She was the largest aircraft ever flown measuring over 800ft that was destroyed in a little over 90 seconds.

"Both show obvious signs of exposure to extremely high temperatures, which include metal that has melted onto the face of the tray."

The lots were recovered by New Jersey volunteer fire chief Leroy Smith, who was among the first responders to the disaster.

After subduing the blaze he buried the silverware in the sand, returning for it later. He also took six bottles of beer, which he shared with his fellow firemen.

An unopened bottle of beer from the crash made $18,000 in 2009.

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