ZEPPELIN, Ferdinand, Graf von (1838-1917). Autograph letter signed ('Graf Zeppelin') to Herr von Messing, Gotha, 18 April 1915, giving good news of the development of an aircraft ('das Großflugzeug'), which has already 'taken small jumps quite ably, but it will take another 8-10 days until the pilots ... have this powerful machine completely in their hands', and suggesting the recipient visit to see for himself; he complains however of the interference of the commander of the local flying school, who believes that the machine will be no good, and accordingly is not only being difficult about a car which had been allotted to Zeppelin, but has attempted to cancel the leave of the experimental pilots; Zeppelin accordingly requests Messing's intervention, 3 pages, large 4to, bifolium.