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.
Object Details
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Manufacturer
J. Chein & Co.
Physical Description
A yellow and blue wind up toy airplane that has the body, wing and tail made from one piece of metal. This piece if outlined in blue and has a blue and yellow stripe pattern. Two circles, one on each side of the wing, are outlined in blue and have blue text "Spirit of St. Louis" The red propeller is attached to a piece of yellow and blue metal that has two green wheels attached by a bar with a gear. This gear is connected to another gear on another bar. The wind up key and spring are missing.
Dimensions
Model: 5.1 x 17.8 x 17.1cm (2 in. x 7 in. x 6 3/4 in.)
Materials
Metal, ferrous in nature
Inventory Number
A20040289065
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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