German Zeppelin Relief Ceramic Plaque by Plastol, Early 20th Century

This small rectangular ceramic plaque depicts a raised relief of a German Zeppelin airship in flight over a stylized landscape with lighthouse and sea below. Measuring approximately 3.5 by 2.5 inches, it is molded from glazed white ceramic with fine surface crackling from age, typical of early 20th-century production. The reverse is impressed with:

“Plastol / D.R.G.M. / No 1071754/77f / Depose / Made in Germany / 26.”

The D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster) marking denotes a protected registered German design, confirming manufacture during the Imperial or early Weimar period. “Plastol” was a German firm known for novelty ceramic and early composite decorative items before World War I.

The Zeppelin motif celebrates Germany’s pioneering achievements in lighter-than-air flight under Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin. By the years leading to World War I, these massive airships had become symbols of modern engineering and national pride, inspiring countless souvenirs and domestic decorative objects.

Condition: Very Good. The glaze shows stable fine crazing throughout, typical for its age, with no chips or cracks. Reverse markings are clear and complete. Displays beautifully with a subtle aged patina.

An appealing and uncommon early aviation-era decorative piece—ideal for collectors of Zeppelin memorabilia or early German ceramics.