PARSEVAL AIRSHIP

Parseval Airship PL 3, 1909      Karl Hackstetter is the man third from the left of the picture, with his arms crossed. Photo and text courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lauwers

Parseval Airship PL 3, 1909      Karl Hackstetter is the man in the center of the picture, with his hands in his pockets looking at the photographer. Photo and caption courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lauwers

 

The President of Brazil, (6), Marshall Hermes de Fonseca, before his ascent in the new Parseval-Luftschiff The remaining Persons are: 1. Leutnant von Auer, 2. Baron von Werthern, 3. The Brazilian Military Attaché of the Legation Julien, 4. Mendes de Almaida, 5. Oberleutnant Guimasaes, 7. Herr Regierungsbaumeister Hackstetter, 8. Herr Oberleutnant Stelling, 9. Herr Konsul Fritz, 10.Captain of the Reserve, Herr R. von Kehler. From: "Illustrierte Aeronautische Mitteillungen,1910 Courtesy of Rene Hackstetter

 

Parseval Airship PL 6, 1910      Regierungsbaumeister Karl Hackstetter is named as co-pilot and pilot of the PL 6, the one with publicity screens on it!      On the night of December 31, 1910, he sailed over Berlin to celebrate Sylvester Night. (The popular festival on New Year s Eve is called "Sylvester" in many countries. The word is derived, of course, from the liturgical observance of December 31, the Feast of Saint Sylvester.) "Happy Sylvester Greetings" was the message! It was further was used to publicize "SAROTTI, the best chocolates"! Projectors were placed in the gondola. Photo and text courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lauwers

 

Editor's Note: If you are curious and search the net using Google for "SAROTTI" you will find about 371 links. The company began making chocolates in 1852, they are still being manufactured, and are available online from many sources. To visit one of the sites, click on: GermanDeli.com

 

RESCUED AT SEA Contributed by William March, 3-30-11      Karl Hackstetter and his friend herr Schreiterer were rescued by my grandfather William March from the North Sea on 14 October 1909. Karl was in a balloon race and crashed in the sea. My grandfather saw the basket bobbing and sailed over to rescue them. I believe they were in a bad way. He got them on board and eventually took them back to Hull, his home port. My grandfather was at the time skipper of the steam trawler Ruby, sailing out of Hull. He was presented with a gold watch from the German emperor. The crew members each received the equivalent of a year's wages. I hope this is the type of info you require. best regards, William. Editor's Note: This is exactly the kind of anecdote I love to add to the story. Our thanks to William for sharing it with us.

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