Spirit of St. Louis
Spirit of St. Louis
Charles Lindbergh Pioneer of the Skies
(1902 – 1974)
On May 20-21, 1927, Charles Lindbergh made history. Lindbergh, a young American aviator performed one of the most daring and iconic achievements of the 20th century by flying solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean from New York City to Paris.
His flight, which spanned approximately 3,600 miles from Roosevelt Field in New York to Le Bourget Field near Paris, was a monumental achievement that captivated the world. Lindbergh’s aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, was specially designed for the journey, emphasizing range and efficiency over comfort and visibility. The successful flight not only cemented Lindbergh’s place in history but also marked a turning point in aviation, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance air travel.
The Charles Lindbergh collection celebrates Lindbergh’s courage and pioneering spirit, while also capturing the essence of the aircraft that made the journey possible—the Spirit of St. Louis.
David Oscarson (a St. Louis native) honors Lindbergh with this marvel of design and symbolism. Every element of the pen has been carefully crafted to reflect the details of Lindbergh’s flight and the Spirit of St. Louis.
A NEW TECHNIQUE IS BORN
The pen’s cap is a work of art in itself, incorporating elements inspired by the navigational instruments aboard the Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh’s cockpit was equipped with essential instruments such as a magnetic compass, airspeed indicator, altimeter, and a fuel gauge, which were critical for navigating across the vast, open ocean. These instruments are represented on the pen’s cap through intricate engravings, serving as a reminder of the technological challenges Lindbergh faced during his journey.
In addition to the navigational elements, the cap also features the flags that were prominently displayed on the Spirit of St. Louis. These included the American flag and the flags of France, Mexico, and numerous Central and South American flags, representing wide array of Lindberg’s destinations. These flags are engraved with precision and finished in vibrant colors of hot enamel, accentuating the global admiration of Lindbergh’s achievements.
The pen’s barrel is where the story of Lindbergh’s journey truly comes to life. It features an engraved map that traces the exact historic flight path from New York City to Paris, meticulously capturing the route that Lindbergh navigated over those 33.5 harrowing hours. The map is not just a visual representation of the journey but also a testament to Lindbergh’s extraordinary endurance and skill as a pilot.
Every detail, from the starting point at Roosevelt Field to the final destination at Le Bourget, is rendered with precision, making the pen a powerful visual narrative of the historic flight. Marked in opaque black enamel are the points of departure in New York and arrival in Paris, where Lindbergh was greeted by an adoring crowd.
Ryan NYP (New York to Paris) was the original name of the aircraft. NYP is featured in high relief at the base of the pen barrel, recognizing the plane’s manufacturer, Ryan Airlines and designer Donald A. Hall. As a nonstandard design, the government assigned the registration number N-X-211 (for "experimental"). N-X-211 is featured in corresponding high relief at the top of the pen cap. The iconic plane was re-named the Spirit of St. Louis in honor of Lindberg’s supporters from the St. Louis Raquette Club in then hometown of St. Louis.
The gripping section boasts the iconic engine-turned pattern of the cowling from the Spirit of St. Louis, accompanied by Charles Lindbergh’s signature.
Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight was more than just a personal triumph; it was a milestone in the history of aviation that opened the door to the development of commercial air travel. Lindbergh’s success proved that long-distance air travel was not only possible but also viable, paving the way for the global aviation industry that we know today.
The Charles Lindbergh collection is a celebration of the human spirit’s capacity for innovation, bravery, and exploration, honoring Lindbergh’s legacy and celebrating both the man and the machine that made this remarkable journey possible.
The collection encompasses Lindbergh’s indomitable spirit, his meticulous planning, and his courage in the face of the unknown.
The collection is artfully crafted to honor one of the greatest achievements in aviation: Charles Lindbergh’s daring transatlantic flight and the Spirit of St. Louis, the aircraft that carried him into the annals of history.
The Charles Lindbergh collection is the 41st in the David OscarsonTM Collection. Produced in five color variations, each will be limited to 72 pieces, including Fountain Pen or Roller Ball styles, commemorating Charles Lindbergh’s 72-year life.
