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
One metal bookend (of a pair), bookend with a thin vertical section and a base that slopes up from the front towards the back. The base of the bookend is meant to resemble the ocean and has waves in relief extending up from the front of the base. A Viking longboat rests in the waves and extends up onto the flat back of the bookend. At the top of the bookend is a relief of the Spirit of St. Louis flying above the boat. The back of the bookend has curved edges.
Dimensions
3-D: 11.4 x 4.4 x 14.3cm, 1.1kg (4 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 5 5/8 in., 2 3/8lb.)
Materials
Steel, non-ferrous metal plating, felt
Inventory Number
A20040292126
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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