Music Box, Airplane Model, Lindbergh, King Collection

This brown music box features a carved replica of the Spirit of St. Louis attached to the music box by a pole that runs from the bottom of the airplane through a hole in the top of the box. The tail of the airplane is attached to the box by a brass hinge. When the music is playing the airplane moves up and down on the bar that is attached to a wheel inside of the box. The box also has a wodden pole with a fabric wind sock next to the airplane. The long sides of the box each have a carved piece of wood that resembles clouds. The front of the box has a metal plaque that reads "THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS CHARLES LINDBERGH NEW YORK TO PARIS MAY 20, 1927" The bottom of the box has a key that is used to wind the gears. There is also another small knob that can be turned to stop the box from playing mid-song.

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.