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
An aluminum bottle with a white cap and red rubber seal at the base of the cap. The cap is attached by metal tubes to the bottle. The bottle features an image of the Spirit of St. Louis flying over water that has small icebergs in it and clouds in the sky. Above the plane is an image of Lindbergh smiling wearing a jacket and tie set in a yellow oval. A blue leaf pattern extends from the bottom of the oval up on both sides to the half way point on the oval. The bottle has print in German and English. Next to the Spirit of St. Louis in black lettering "May 20, 1927 First nonstop flight across the Atlantic New York-Paris" below the plane in blue lettering "Pilot's beer."
Dimensions
3-D: 22.5 x 6.4cm (8 7/8 x 2 1/2 in.)
Materials
Metal, aluminum, rubber
Inventory Number
A20040291009
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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