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.

Boeing Aviation Hangar

Object Details

Type

MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture

Manufacturer

Mermod-Jaccard Jewelry Co.

Physical Description

A silver box that rests on four round feet, one at each corner. THe hinged lid has an image of the Spirit of St. Louis attached to the center. The front of the box has an oval piece of metal secured to the box with two pins. The oval piece has text engraved in its surface "The American Society of Mechanical Engineers" The inside of the box is wood, the lid has a silver piece of paper with various signatures in black.

Dimensions

3-D: 13 x 8.6 x 5.4cm, 0.2kg (5 1/8 x 3 3/8 x 2 1/8 in., 3/8lb.)

Materials

Metal and wood

Inventory Number

A20040292042

Credit Line

Gift of the Stanley King Family.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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