Hi,

I have something any Hindenburg Collector would like to have in their collection.

My Ref # LZ129 NY21-Main Box

Also, I just listed three framed large AP photos of the Hindenburg Disaster and a few AP photos like this one as well.

Item-

One original 8" X 12" AP Photo of Murray Becker, the famous Associated Press Photographer who captured several well known photos of the Hindenburg Disaster as well as some up close and personal photos of the aftermath.

History-

You will get to learn a little about why these AP Photographs were special and how they actually were sent from one site to another below plus a little bit more about this particular photograph.

Murray Becker, a world famous photographer was one of the few famous photographers allowed into Lakehurst to photograph the Hindenburg's landing on May 6, 1936. Becker along the likes of Sam Shere and Charles Hoff, were in for a surprise that day. Photo equipment of the day was nothing like todays. You only had a few seconds to get off a series of shots that may or may not come out. Becker was able to get off around 16 shots plus the ones he took post crash. Chances are he was using more than one camera and it only took 34 seconds for the Hindenburg to catch fire and crash. Once those photos are taken, they were taken back to the local AP office and developed.

Once developed, they needed to get the photos delivered to news outlets across the states and the world. Before Jan 1, 1935, they were delivered the old fashion way using trucks, airplanes, ships and horses. In the 1920s, technology was moving ahead with some of the very first images sent via a wire/phone line, though these early models weren't so good. On Jan 1, 1935, the Associated Press sent its first photograph over the organizations brand new Wirephoto Service. The photo of a plane crash in New York was delivered to 47 newspapers in 25 states. Ok, how? First of all, I am not a techie so pardon me if I get this a little bit wrong but here is the gist of it. A developed photo is wrapped around a cylindrical drum. It is then is spun at a high speed. A light beam scans the photo, converting it into electrical signals. Those signals were sent over very expensive private phone lines. Once it was received at the other end, the signals were then converted back into light and recorded on a negative rotating on a cylinder. The negative was then developed and printed. Sound complicated? To me, yes. This method was used into the 1970s and then the technology improved where they had portable scanners. If you are truly interested in this, youtube has a great video showing how it worked. The photos sent by this method were excellent and most people couldn't even tell it was a copy of the original. The last two pics in this listing show a 1980s device and the older one in a newspaper article.

Why are AP photos themselves so collectible? They are the next best thing to one that is actually made from the negative. If there were just under 50 newspapers printing articles in 1937, then that means that there would only be so many actual copies of them. Those copies were used to print newspapers. This photo also has the printed notes in the photo itself at the bottom which has the information about the photo including a short narrative, the AP Wirephoto Copyright and the photo number, NY24.  The AP had offices around the United States but not in each and every town and city. The closest AP Office to Lakehurst N.J. was in N.Y.C. This photo undoubtably was sent by the N.Y.C. AP Office. Now, most AP photos did not give credit to the photographer, but in this case it did. This photo was taken by Murray Becker himself. He moved in closer after taken the numerous shots of the crash itself so he could get some up close photos of the crash site and victims.

Specifically About This Photo-

This particular photo is AP # NY21. It is a rare photo of the photographer himself, Murray Becker. Becker took many famous photographs including the photo that was described as "The Photograph That Destroyed an Industry" referencing the Hindenburg.  No, it wasn't the famous photo taken by Sam Shere, but another one that is well known across the board. It is the last photo in this listing. I am sure you will know it. It is not included in this sale and is there is only for reference. Becker was one of the biggest names in photography in the New York AP Office. It's rare to see a photo of the photographer, but how about one that was actually sent via the AP Wire Service??? Now, what is different about this photo is that it doesn't have the AP Wire Service logo nor a copyright. I can only think that this was a photo not taken by an AP photographer, but sent through the AP Wire Service. I conducted an extensive search on this photo and couldn't find one reference to it. It most likely was just sent to a few newspapers or possibly a magazine. Anyway, you will probably be the only one to have one if you purchase it.

This photo is in great condition considering its 87 years old. It's not perfect but has no major tears or creases visible. It has a minor fold mark above Becker's forehead and a couple of other minor marks around the photo itself. On the backside is "Property of Hall Harriss" penciled in at the top. I was unable to find out who Harriss was, but most likely it was the photos last owner. It was common practice for collectors to put their name on the back of photos in the 20's, 30's, 40's and into the 50's. Some were stamped, others handwritten.

I have several more Murray Becker and other Hindenburg related AP Photos that will I will be listing.

Disclaimer-I have conducted a lot of research on AP Photos over the years. They're plenty of books that show AP photos but I couldn't find just one resource about them or their history. If you have any additional information about the Associated Press or if you believe I need to make any corrections in this listing, please send me a message. I am not perfect and can make mistakes

Please look at my other related photos that I will be putting up over the next few days. 

This photo comes with my rock solid C.O.A. which states that this items is as described and is what I say it.

Shipping-

I take my shipping seriously. If you have ever purchased from me in the past, you will know that paper goods and photos are sent completely surrounded by acid free archival quality papers and/or acid free PVC free Polypropylene bags and covers. Other items are surrounded by materials that will protect them during shipping. This cost me well spent money. I also use a variety of recycled and new packaging including boxes and mailers. I try not to profit on my shipping. Please do not misinterpret my shipping charges. I take my time when packing anything anyone buys. I don't rush it, but at the same time, I don't overdue it. I hand select packaging materials that will not only protect the items value but will protect it during shipping. By placing a bid or buying it outright, you agree to any method I use to pack your item, new or used shipping material as I see fit. My feedback often mentions that my packing is well done. 

Shipping Charges-

I will ship this via USPS Ground Advantage with tracking for $8.99. For $14.99, I will ship it via USPS Priority with Tracking. You chose at checkout. This photo will be placed in an archival safe bag, well protected with archival safe materials and then sent in a photo mailer.

What is the best thing about my packaging? It will be easy to open!  How many times have you received a package only to spend ten minutes trying to open it without destroying the contents!!! No extra tape, glue, staples, or my worst fear, items shoved between two pieces of cardboard with tape on every edge requiring a surgeon's scalpel to open it!!! I have ruined several items because the seller thinks that they have to tape everything and its impossible to know where to cut without causing damage to the contents. This won't happen with your package!!!

 I'm going to celebrate my first year of this new store in a few months. I will be adding more items over the next few weeks and months. Check back with me every week to see what I have added. 

Please contact me first with any issues.

Thanks for looking!!!