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This is the original nose cone from Charles Lindbergh's Ryan NYP "Spirit of St. Louis." It was signed by the men and women from Ryan Aircraft who helped manufacture the "Spirit" in 1927. The names include B. F. Mahoney, the president of Ryan Airlines, and William Hawley Bowlus, the Ryan factory manager and a well-known airplane designer. The Swastika in the center of the nose cone was meant as a good luck symbol. (This was well before the Nazi party adopted the Swastika as its official emblem).

While Lindbergh was flying the "Spirit" on its maiden flight from San Diego to Long Island on May 12, 1927, a crack developed in the aluminum behind the propeller, forcing him to replace the propeller spinner and nose cone just before his historic flight from New York to Paris. The technicians at Curtiss Aircraft who serviced the "Spirit" saved the original parts because they knew they would become valuable if Lindbergh succeeded in becoming the first person to fly nonstop and solo from New York to Paris.

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
Brief Description The original spinner nose cone that flew with Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis was signed by the men and women from Ryan Aircraft who helped manufacture the airplane in 1927. Country of Origin United States of America Type CRAFT-Aircraft Parts Manufacturer Ryan Airlines
Physical Description Aluminum bowl-shape with swirls; 15.25in. diameter x 6.25in. high; 1 hole at nose; original nose cone Spirit of St. Louis; signature of builders inside. Dimensions 3-D: 17.5 × 38.5cm (6 7/8 × 15 3/16 in.)
Materials OVERALL - ALUMINUM
Alternate Name Spinner Nose Cone, Spirit of St. Louis Inventory Number A19890217000 Credit Line Donated by Jack Bowlus Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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