Goggles, Flying, Civilian, Bernt Balchen

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

Pilot

Bernt Balchen

Manufacturer

E. B. Meyrowitz

Physical Description

Metal frames with unusual amber non-glare lenses and rubber pads.

Summary

These flight goggles were used by Bernt Balchen in 1933 when he served as the pilot for Lincoln Ellsworth's first attempt at a transantarctic flight. The venture failed, however because their aircraft, the Northrop Gamma Polar Star, was damaged when the ice floe on which it was resting boke apart.

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. Bernt Balchen

Date

1933

Inventory Number

A19840378000

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Helmets & Headwear

Materials

Metal frames with rubber pads and glass lenses.

Dimensions

3-D: 17.8 × 2.5 × 7cm (7 × 1 × 2 3/4 in.)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Location

National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Exhibition

Thomas W. Haas We All Fly

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9cdf4889d-84a2-45cb-9bca-e629a41fd216

Record ID

nasm_A19840378000