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 wristwatch with a brown leather strap and the text "Genuine Leather" on the back. The watch face features an image of Lindbergh with large numbers displaying the hours. The hands of the watch are gold in color that matches the frame of the watch and the single crown located at 3 o’clock on the frame.

Dimensions

3-D: 22.9 x 3.7cm (9 x 1 7/16 in.)

Materials

Leather, metal and glass

Inventory Number

A20040287024

Credit Line

Gift of the Stanley King Family.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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