U.S.S. Akron - from the South Portico of the White House

 

Unidentified

 

1931  

photograph 

9 1/8 x 5 15/16" image size 

unsigned 

not stated 

titled on accomanying former matboard: "U.S.S. Akron / November 2, 1931 / From the South Portico of the White House" 

 

antique-white cardstock 

 

 

21862 

Price On Request 

The U.S.S. Akron airship was built by the U.S. Navy as the world's first purpose-built aircraft carrier, with the ability to carry F9C Sparrowhawk fighter planes for launch and recovery while in flight. It was the largest helium-filled aircraft of the time. After just two years of service, it went down off the coast of New Jersey in a thunderstorm, on April 4, 1933. This image is probably was probably taken by the press during a promotional or maiden voyage around the country's capitol. Other images from this time suggest it could have been taken by a member of the Acme News Agency, which operated from 1923 to 1955.