Lindbergh's Key to the City Award 1927 

Metal presentation key to the city of Kansas City, Missouri with red and blue enamel design at head, stamped “City of Kansas City Missouri”, "KC" at grooves; .75” x 4”; threaded on a matching red, white, and blue silk ribbon. Near Fine condition.

On August 17, 1927, less than three months after his historic solo flight from New York to Paris, Lindbergh landed his famous “Spirit of St. Louis” aircraft in Kansas City for the dedication of Kansas City’s newest airport. This key was likely presented to Lindbergh upon his visit.

Kansas City's first airport, Kellerstrass Airfield, founded by Albert C. Reed, began operation in 1917 on the Ernest Kellerstrass farm. Richards Field in Raytown, known as the first commercial airport for Kansas City, was established in 1922. In 1926, the need for a more ample airfield became apparent, and the Chamber of Commerce spearheaded an effort to purchase the land just northeast of the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers for the new airport. It became known as Municipal Airport and is now called Wheeler Downtown Airport.

In a short ceremony on the airfield that August, Lindbergh addressed the crowd and dedicated Municipal Airport. A parade through town followed. Police had to stop parade vehicles at various points and clear a path through the surging crowd. Later that evening, during a speech made at the Hotel President, Lindbergh repeated many of his remarks made during the dedication.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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