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

Date

1927

Type

MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture

Physical Description

A medal stamped with an image of the Spirit of St. Louis attached to a red, white and blue ribbon. A safety pin is attached to the top of the ribbon to secure to clothing. The medal is pinned to a rectangular blue piece of paper that reads "Lindbergh Lucky Medal"

Dimensions

3-D (Card): 6.4 x 11.4cm (2 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)

Materials

Metal, fabric and paper.

Inventory Number

A20040285018

Credit Line

Gift of the Stanley King Family.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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