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.