Coin Bank, Airplane Model, Lindbergh, King Collection

A large slot in the middle of the wing acts as the deposit point for this coin bank. Below the slot is a small keyhole located on the top of the fuselage. Below the keyhole is a large dollar sign on top of a feather pattern. "Spirit of Saving" is printed on both sides of the dollar sign. To access the bank the entire wing disconnects from the body when the key is turned. The propeller on the front of the bank is free spinning as are the wheels of the plane.

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.