Hindenburg Artifact (PBS-TV, History Detectives)

Artifact in question

In 2008 the PBS-TV show History Detectives, which framed historical narratives with objects and artifacts submitted by viewers, contacted MVA Scientific Consultants to help authenticate a damaged device reported to have been from the Hindenburg disaster.

On May 6, 1937 the Hindenburg, a world-famous German zeppelin, was preparing to land at the Naval Air Station in Lakehurst, New Jersey, when the aircraft crashed and was quickly engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, the scene was not secured until 3-4 hours after the crash. In the meantime, witnesses observed individuals taking evidence from the scene.

Our scientist analyzed specific substances in the artifact’s green paint and plastic which provided clues to the period during which it was manufactured. The ultimate findings were a faint stain that was chemically tested and the presence of charring, further connecting the device to the incident. We were able to conclude that the artifact was authentic.

The show was filmed on-site in our lab and captured the essence of our work with one of our esteemed scientists interviewed by Elyse Luray, an art historian and host of the show. However, the true satisfaction came from the privilege of bringing resolution to decades of uncertainty on the origin of this important artifact.

The reason for the crash remains a mystery today.

Our goal at MVA Scientific Consultants is to use our expertise with equipment and techniques that build upon each other, giving us the ability to provide you a comprehensive and thorough examination. For this project, we used scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy (FTIR), and confocal Raman spectroscopy.

We strive to understand your unique challenges and provide resolutions.

Contact us about your next project by emailing info@mvainc.com.