Cosmetic Case, Lindbergh, King Collection

A brown fabric cosmetic case with a faux tortoiseshell handle affixed to the top of the case. The top, front and two sides feature fabric images of various airplanes, the Spirit of St. Louis is on the front. The inside of the case has a small pocket sewn into the side of the case and an oval mirror affixed to the lid.

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.