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 silver monoplane with a metal blade screwed into the side of the fuselage. The nose of the aircraft has a freely rotating propeller attached to a small ring. The entire nose can be pulled away from the body revealing a conical hole where a pencil can be inserted and sharpened.
Dimensions
3-D: 6 x 3.8 x 1.3cm (2 3/8 x 1 1/2 x 1/2 in.)
Materials
Pewter airplane, ferrous metal blade, paint
Inventory Number
A20040289035
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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