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 gold colored jewelry box with a glass lid. Beneath the glass is a black and white print of Lindbergh standing in a field in front of the Spirit of St. Louis. The bottom left corner of the image has white lettering "CAPT. CHAS. A. LINDBERGH NON-STOP FLIGHT, NEW YORK-PARIS NEW YORK, MAY 20, 1927-6:52 A.M. PARIS, MAY 21, 1927-4:20 P.M." The front of the box has a latch with a keyhole and a button to disengage the latch. The inside of the box is made of unstained wood. The inside of the lid is a mirror. The bottom of the box is a printed wood veneer. The edges of the box are made of metal that has been painted gold.
Dimensions
3-D: 19.1 x 9.5 x 7cm (7 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Materials
Wood, steel, copper, paper, plastic, and glass
Inventory Number
A20040292062
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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