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
Manufacturer
Coast Kites
Physical Description
Two (2) Spirit of St. Louis kite kits each unassembled in white paper boxes. The boxes are blank except for one end of the box. On the top of the box is a mock newspaper headline with images. The print on the newspaper gives a description of the kite including the materials that it is made from and the ideal conditions to fly, "winds from 3-35 miles per hour." The image on the right shows that the kite includes a small paper cutout of a pilot that can be placed inside the cockpit. Internally there are a variety of parts to assemble a wood and paper airplane kite kit.
Dimensions
3-D: 91.4 x 11.4 x 2.5cm, 0.5kg (36 x 4 1/2 x 1 in., 1lb.)
Materials
Wood, spruce, silkspan, plastic and Velcro
Inventory Number
A20040289081
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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