Description
GERMANY – STATUETTE – DEDICATED HONOR FOR PETER STRASSER – NAVY ZEPPELIN SERVICE COMMANDER
FregattenkapitänPeter Strasser (1876-1918) was the commander of all the Imperial German Navy zeppelins that flew against England, Paris, and Brussels. Strasser was a brave and respected man. He was highly-regarded as a leader by his superiors and his subordinates alike. He flew with his crews and took the same chances as they did. He was awarded the Orden Pour le Mérite. Ultimately, he suffered the same fate as many of his fellow zeppelin officers and crew members when he went down in flames on what became his FINAL bombing mission over London on 6 August 1918. [Nearly 50% of all Navy zeppelins were destroyed, and 40% of their crews died in combat. When their hydrogen-fueled vessels exploded, the crew went down in flames with them].
Today we are offering a very unique statuette that was presented to him by one of his technical section members. [Located in Belgium, the technical section was responsible for zeppelin repair and maintenance]. The gold-toned statuette is constructed from assorted bits of zeppelin scrap metals. The statuette stands an impressive 9 ½” tall, 9 ½” wide and 6 ½” deep. Furthermore, it weighs an impressive 19 lbs and 2 ounces. Its primary subject depicts a mountain topped by an eagle. The mountain is constructed from droplets of molten metal, looking much the same as wax melting and running down a candle. At the mountain’s bottom is a British Lion (NOT to be confused with a German Lion). Naturally, the symbolism is that the German Lion, and Germany, are superior to the British Lion and Great Britain. Near the statuette’s bottom is a small area etched with the words “Peter Strasser Pour le Mérite,” referencing Strasser’s Orden Pour le Mérite award. The statuette is extremely well made by an artist who was used to working with his hands and very skilled in doing so. It is a remarkable historical artifact that will make an important addition to any zeppelin or aviation collection. [SPECIAL SHIPPING WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM].
