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 light blue sharpened pencil with a red circular badge attached to the top of the pencil by a black plastic cap with two blue flowers. The circle has an image of Lindbergh's head on one side and an image of Lindbergh standing in front of the Spirit of St. Louis in a flight jacket on the other.

Dimensions

3-D: 15.1 x 2.7cm (5 15/16 x 1 1/16 in.)

Materials

Wood, metal, graphite, paper and plastic

Inventory Number

A20040289023

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.