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
A red rectangular bi-fold box. The two folding sections are secured together by a small gold button. The top flap is thinner than the bottom and has an image of Lindbergh in the left corner. Lindbergh's name appears above the image and the text "U.S.A. - Paris" appears below. The center panel of the top flap has an image of an airplane on the left and the Graf Zeppelin on the right. In the center of this flap there is lettering that reads "The Aviators Box" The bottom flap and the back of the box each have images of five famous aviators with their names and achievements listed below. The box opens to reveal a spot patterned interior divided into four sections by small walls. These sections vary in length and width allowing for storage of multiple objects.
Dimensions
3-D: 26.4 x 12.7 x 1.9cm (10 3/8 x 5 x 3/4 in.)
Materials
Paper and metal
Inventory Number
A20040289038
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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