1920 Excelsior Motorcycle Owned by Charles Lindbergh
THF191390 / 1920 Excelsior Motorcycle Owned by Charles Lindbergh
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Artifact Overview
Seven years before his famous solo transatlantic flight, 18-year-old Charles Lindbergh purchased this Excelsior motorcycle in his hometown of Little Falls, Minnesota. During his student days at the University of Wisconsin, Lindbergh rode the bike on trips to Madison, Wisconsin; Camp Knox, Kentucky; and Jacksonville, Florida. The rough, punishing roads had Lindbergh making frequent repairs to the motorcycle.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Motorcycle
Date Made
1919
Subject Date
1919-1927
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
43.150.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Brass (Alloy)
Nickel alloy
Rubber (Material)
Leather
Technique
Plating (Metal coating)
Color
Blue
Gray (Color)
Yellow (Color)
Brown
Dimensions
Height: 42.5 in
Width: 21.5 in
Length: 88.5 in
Wheelbase: 58.5 in
Inscriptions
Saddle: MESINGER / [in a circle] / CUSHION SUSPENSION
Gas tank:
In "X" logo upper quadrant: EXCELSIOR
Left quadrant: Motor Co.
Right quadrant: and / Supply
Bottom quadrant: Chicago, USA
On tire:
DUNLAP TIRES DUNLAP CORD MOTORCYCLE EXTRA HEAVY MADE IN ENGLAND
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Related Content
SetCharles Lindbergh
- 18 Artifacts
After barnstorming and piloting in the Army Reserve, Charles Lindbergh started flying mail between St. Louis and Chicago in 1925. The job provided sound experience flying in all conditions. Following his 1927 solo transatlantic flight, Lindbergh used his newfound fame to advance aviation however he could -- from organizing transcontinental airline service to making promotional air mail flights over his old route.