The Allen Koenigsberg Phonograph Collection
Lot 3178:
Description
This vintage photograph of the Victor Talking Machine Company hot air balloon captures a fascinating, ill-fated moment in early aviation history. In 1905, the Victor Talking Machine Co. partnered with America’s premier aeronaut of the era, Leo Stevens. The ambitious plan was an early experiment in aerial marketing: they constructed a massive, custom-branded advertising balloon featuring the company’s famous Nipper the dog listening to a phonograph logo emblazoned across the side. The plan was to float the massive balloon 1,000 feet directly above downtown Manhattan (launched from Chambers Street) to shock and delight the crowds below. However, just as the team prepared for the launch, a sudden, violent storm rolled through New York City. The severe winds thrashed the fabric against a nearby rooftop chimney, ripping a massive hole in the balloon and causing it to collapse. One of the assistant launchers was nearly asphyxiated by the escaping gas and had to be rushed to a local hospital. Because of the swift disaster, the “Nipper” balloon never successfully flew, making surviving photographic records of the inflated balloon incredibly rare. This photograph was used by Allen for his 2008 article in the Soundbox titled, “Up in the Sky: Aerial Advertising & the Victor Talking Machine Co.” The sepia tone image measures 10” wide, 8” tall. The frame measures 15” wide, 13” tall. There is some spotting on the inside of the glass. Included is a copy of Allen’s 2008 article. From the Allen Koenigsberg collection.
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