Charles Lindbergh ACCA Bronze Plaque 1927

Rare plaque commemorating the first east-west transatlantic flight (Paris – New York), for which achievement Charles Lindbergh won the $25,000 Orteig Prize. A feature of its rarity is that this early medal refers to him with the rank of Captain because it was minted before his promotion to Colonel on July 18.

This medal was minted specifically for the banquet held in Lindbergh’s honor by the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America on 16 June 1927 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City at which he was presented with the original cast in gold. Copies of that medal cast in bronze were given to the 1500 banquet attendees.

Medalist: John Clements Gregory (initials bottom left obverse), renowned medalist, sculptor, and Columbia University art professor.

Mint: Robbins & Co., Attleboro, MA (foundry mark).

Dimensions: 88mm x 63 x 5

Weight: 223 grams

Number: 1500 bronze. [A small group of these were silvered].

Obverse:

A chamfered framed relief of Lindbergh’s plane, the Spirit of St Louis, flying among the stars and clouds, assisted by the wind, with the earth below. The plane is midway between outlines of western Europe and eastern North America with the track of the plane’s route visible below it. Underneath the plane is the Latin phrase Per Aspera Ad Astra (through hardships to the stars).

Reverse:

Raised relief of aviator badge underneath which is the raised inscription:

Commemorating first non-stop New York to Paris flight by Capt. Charles A Lindbergh, May 20-21, 1927.

Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce of America.

[The ACCA became in 1960 the Aerospace Industries Association]

Condition.

This is a fine circulated example, still quite bright, without dents or heavy scratching. However, there are a number of small pits on the obverse that may be due to impurities in the casting or exposure to some corrosive agent.