3-D: 22.9 x 6.5 x 3.8cm, 0.2kg (9 x 2 9/16 x 1 1/2 in., 1/2lb.)
Type:
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Physical Description:
Watch and case. The case is silver and shaped like the cross-section of a wing with a clear plastic cover that is hinged at the larger end of the case. A silver tag attached to the clear cover has an image of the Spirit of St. Louis engraved into it along with the text "New York Paris Spirit of St. Louis". The watch has a rectangular black face with white and red numbers and red dots next to the numbers. The hour and minute hands have glow in the dark surfaces and the second hand is silver in color. A red and white striped band runs horizontally across the face of the watch just above the fulcrum of the hands. Above that is a small white image of the Spirit of St. Louis with white lettering "New York Paris Spirit of St. Louis". A crown is located at the 3 o'clock position. The band has a silver tag connecting it to the watch frame. The tag has an oval with an image of the Spirit of St. Louis as well as text "New York Paris Spirit of St. Louis". The band is black with a square pattern.
Summary:
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.
