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
Date
1927
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Physical Description
A pocket mirror with a red and white striped border divided by sections of blue with white stars. Inside the border a photographic image of Lindbergh is next to a drawn image of the Spirit of St. Louis. Above and below the images are the words "NEW YORK 7:51 AM May 20th Paris 5:21 PM May 21st" and "CAPTAIN CHARLES "PLUCKY" LINDBERGH, respectively.
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 5.9 x 9cm (2 5/16 x 3 9/16 in.)
Materials
Metal, ferrous in nature, glass, plastic and paper
Inventory Number
A20040284017
Credit Line
Gift of the Stanley King Family.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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