American. 1930-1937. Pressed steel. This Steelcraft Zeppelin was introduced around 1930, long before the actual Graf Zeppelin airship became associated with Nazi propaganda. There were a number of companies that produced toy Zeppelins, with the Keystone company being the most prominent competitor. The Steelcraft toys, such as the one offered here, are distinguished by several factors: Steelcraft used a swivel front wheel (Keystone used a fixed or less articulated one); rear wheels were typically painted silver on a Steelcraft (Keystone used different colours or hubcap designs); Steelcraft used different fonts and decal placements than Keystone. Steelcraft produced two variations of this airship: the first was the 25-inch standard pull toy (as the one offered here), and the second was 31 inches and included engines and propellers. This toy was designed to celebrate the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin, which at the time was the world's most famous and largest commercial airship. The name "Zeppelin" is both a specific type of airship (rigid with an internal frame) and a brand name for airships built by the German Zeppelin Airship Construction Company. Production of the Graf Zeppelin toy ended in 1937, around the time of the Hindenburg disaster in New Jersey on May 6, 1937. The Hindenburg was a zeppelin airship that burst into flames and was destroyed, with many casualties and one fatality. The disaster shattered public confidence in passenger airships, and in response, the toy was no longer "fun" and was pulled from the market. Decal missing on underside of nose cone, but known to read, "Steelcraft Murray Ohio Mfg. Co. Made in U.S.A.". From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
7" x 6" x 25.5".

Condition
Very good condition. Complete original condition. Original paint and decals. Scratches with surface nicks, toning, and play wear.

Medium
Pressed steel.

Signature
Decal missing on underside of nose cone, but known to read, "Steelcraft Murray Ohio Mfg. Co. Made in U.S.A.".

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.