On May 20-21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh literally flew into history when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in his Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis, thus becoming the first pilot to fly solo and nonstop from New York to Paris. This flight made Lindbergh a household name and catapulted him into fame and celebrity. The objects of popular culture in the National Collection display everything from ashtrays to wristwatches reflect the public adulation for Lindbergh and the powerful commercial response to his celebrity. More than 75 years after the Spirit's historic flight, Lindbergh's name still has the power help sell manufactured goods.
Display Status
This object is on display in Boeing Aviation Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Physical Description
A resin airplane in the shape of the Spirit of St. Louis attached to a blue ribbon with two metal rings. The fuselage is white along with the wing. The propeller and horizontal stabilizers of the tail are black. The wing has black lettering "Spirit of St. Louis New York to Paris May 21, 1927" The wheels are gold and black. The blue ribbon has a metal pin and clasp on the back at the top.
Dimensions
3-D: 5.1 x 2.5 x 10.2cm (2 x 1 x 4 in.)
Materials
Fabric, resin and metal
Inventory Number
A20040290027
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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