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Phil Hedrick’s Flying Dutchman Airship was custom made in 1995 by the late Edward J. "Skeeter" Wachtendonk. Skeeter’s “Flying Dutchman Airship Company”
was then located in Wisconsin and customers like Phil would order their airships at Skeeter’s booth during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
AirVenture annual convention and airshow at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Mr Wachtendonk created many aircraft and nautical works of art and models.
Some of his larger works have been displayed at museums in the U.S. Mr. Wachtendonk passed in 1999, so no airships have been built in over 20 years.
The airship frame and moving parts, flight controls, etc. are metal. The dirigible cover and flight control covers are cloth. When turned on the airship
that appears to "fly” as the moving propellers spin, tail surfaces and wings flap, etc.
Exceptional mechanical engineering - very artistic! Overall condition is excellent, unrestored condition. The airship was always in Phil’s home and
was protected from sunlight. Some moving parts may have lubricant residue. The electric motor is 115V AC. Light switch and motor switch are pull
cords with metal anchors hanging down. The motor is working well and everything checks out fine. Once plugged in, a pull on the motor anchor cord
starts the fun! The wings, the two propellers on the side, the rear paddles, pulleys and belts all move. It also has an interior light underneath that
flickers to simulate a flame burner and two interior lights to illuminate the “gas bag” that are switched on using a pull cord with anchor
This airship hangs nicely from a ceiling or can be placed on an included detachable stand and would look great in your home, office, bar, restaurant,
club house, or entertainment venue. The airship is approximately 50” high x30” wide x 42” long
Flying Dutchman Airships are highly prized by collectors and rarely come on the market. Don't miss out on the opportunity to see and bid on this
amazing work of art.
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