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
Manufacturer
Wallace Pencil Co.
Physical Description
Four (4) metal pencil boxes each with an image of Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis on the cover. Each box is a different color; orange, red, blue and green. The orange box contains a wooden six inch ruler and a box shaped pencil sharpener.
Dimensions
3-D (Each): 20 x 5.7 x 1.9cm (7 7/8 x 2 1/4 x 3/4 in.)
Materials
Metal, ferrous in nature and wood
Inventory Number
A20040289062
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.