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.

Boeing Aviation Hangar
Object Details
Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Physical Description FUNCTIONAL A circular pocket watch with a small ring around the crown located at the top of the watch. The face of the watch is black with yellow numbers 1 to 12 displaying the hours. An image of the Spirit of St. Louis is located beneath the 11, 12 and 1 at the top of the face. "New York to Paris Airplane Model" in white lettering is located below the plane. A small circle at the bottom of the face features a small second hand and the multiples of 10 up to the number 60. The back of the watch features an engraving of the New York City skyline and the Eiffel Tower with the Spirit of St. Louis flying towards the Eiffel Tower with the text "New York to Paris" on the wing. Dimensions 3-D: 4.9cm (1 15/16 in.)
 Materials Metal and glass
 Inventory Number A20040287025 Credit Line Gift of the Stanley King Family. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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