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 not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Physical Description
A red, white and blue ribbon with gold lettering. A rectangular metal pin attached to the top of the ribbon has "OFFICIAL" stamped into its surface. A metal coin at the bottom of the ribbon has an image of Lindbergh stamped into its surface. The reverse side has a stamped swastika with four different objects between the arms. These include a horseshow and a four leaf clover.
Dimensions
3-D: 5.1 × 0.5 × 9.8cm (2 × 3/16 × 3 7/8 in.)
Materials
Metal and fabric
Inventory Number
A20040296014
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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