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
Whitehead-Hoag Co.
Physical Description
A rectangualr watch fob attached to a black leather strap with buckle. The fob features Lindbergh's face in the center with the Statue of Liberty on the right and the Eiffel Tower on the left. The Spirit of St. Louis is above Lindbergh's head pointed at the Eiffel Tower. Below Lindbergh are the words "First non-stop flight, New York-Paris"
Dimensions
3-D: 3.5 x 11.1cm (1 3/8 x 4 3/8 in.)
Materials
Leather and metal
Inventory Number
A20040287015
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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