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A SCARCE SECTION OF WW1 ZEPPELIN FRAMEWORK FROM THE WRECKAGE OF L31 (LZ72), COMMANDED KAPITÄNLEUTNANT HEINRICH MATHY, WHICH WAS BROUGHT DOWN OVER POTTERS BAR BY SECOND LIEUTENANT TEMPEST, ROYAL FLYING CORPS ON 2 OCTOBER 1916

A scarce fair-sized section of framework from the wreckage of the German Zeppelin L31 (LZ72), which was commanded by famed Zeppelin commander Kapitänleutnant Heinrich Mathy. L13 was brought down over Potters Bar by Second Lieutenant W. J. Tempest, Royal Flying Corps, the first Canadian to shoot down a Zeppelin from the air, on 2 October 1916.

This framework measuring 12 x 6 inches has a R.C.M.I. (Royal Canadian Military Institute) accession code painted in black to the inside of one of the frames. After R.C.M.I., is the date 1940, which would suggest they were probably displayed in the Royal Canadian Military Institute during the London Blitz of 1940. After the date is ‘1.1’ for 1 of 2 pieces. The other piece of wreckage, coded ‘1.2’, a rare incendiary, is listed by Jager Medals separately.

Though guarded from being souvenired by the public, many small pieces were scavenged. The majority of the wreckage was melted down and reused, with many small pieces being sold off for the war effort or charitable causes and are frequently found for sale. However larger sections like this don’t appear on the market very often.

http://www.hellfirecorner.co.uk/pottersbar/pottersbar.htm

Code J3926         Price £1,485