Lindbergh: Memorabilia from America's Aviation Hero
Lindbergh collectibles encompass the enormous outpouring of souvenirs, commemoratives, and ephemera produced to celebrate Charles A. Lindbergh's solo transatlantic flight from New York to Paris on May 20-21, 1927. The "Lindbergh craze" that followed his landing at Le Bourget airfield generated one of the largest waves of souvenir production in American history, spanning everything from pressed glass plates and tapestries to toys, games, jewelry, and sheet music. Lindbergh memorabilia is collected within both the aviation history and Americana collecting communities.
Identification and Categories
Lindbergh collectibles divide into several categories:
- Autographs and signed items: Letters, photographs, books, and documents signed by Lindbergh; among the most valuable items
- Flight souvenirs (1927): Items produced immediately following the transatlantic flight, including commemorative medals, pins, buttons, and ribbons
- Pressed glass and ceramics: Plates, cups, and decorative items depicting Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis
- Toys and games: Tin airplanes, board games, card games, and mechanical toys
- Sheet music: "Lucky Lindy," "The Eagle of the USA," and dozens of other songs
- Tapestries and textiles: Woven and printed tapestries depicting the flight
- Books and ephemera: First editions of "We" (Lindbergh's 1927 memoir), newspapers, programs, and paper items
- Later items: Kidnapping-era (1932) newspapers, trial memorabilia, and WWII-era items
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lindbergh signed photographs | $2,000 - $10,000+ |
| Signed first edition of "We" | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Flight-related personal items (documented) | $5,000 - $50,000+ |
| Commemorative medals (official, 1927) | $100 - $1,000 |
| Pressed glass commemorative plates | $50 - $200 |
| Tin airplane toys (Lindbergh/Spirit) | $100 - $800 |
| Sheet music (common titles) | $15 - $50 |
| Tapestries and woven textiles | $100 - $500 |
| Newspapers (flight and kidnapping) | $20 - $200 |
| Board games and puzzles | $75 - $300 |
Condition Factors
Paper items (sheet music, newspapers, ephemera) are condition-sensitive, with clean, unfaded, untorn examples commanding strong premiums over damaged pieces. Autographs should be authenticated by recognized services (PSA, JSA, or Beckett) for significant purchases. Tin toys should retain original lithography and paint without rust or repairs. Pressed glass should be free of chips and cracks. Tapestries and textiles should be examined for moth damage, fading, and staining. Medals should have sharp detail without heavy wear or cleaning. Original packaging for toys and games adds substantial value.
Collecting Tips
Lindbergh autographs are among the most collected aviation signatures and have appreciated consistently. However, secretarial signatures and autopens exist, so authentication is essential. The 1927 flight memorabilia is the most actively collected era, with items produced in the immediate aftermath of the flight carrying more historical cachet than later reproductions. Tin toys depicting the Spirit of St. Louis have crossover appeal with toy collectors and bring premium prices. First editions of "We" are relatively common but command good prices in fine condition with dust jacket. The Charles A. Lindbergh collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum provides context for collectors. Kidnapping-era memorabilia (1932-1935) is a sensitive sub-category that some collectors avoid. When collecting broadly, focus on quality and condition over quantity, as mediocre examples are plentiful.