1930 Charles Lindbergh Examines Bowlus Sailplane – Original Underwood & Underwood Press Photo, San Diego

Capture a rare moment in aviation history with this original 1930 press photograph featuring Charles Lindbergh closely inspecting the construction of a Bowlus Sailplane in San Diego, California. Taken just three years after his historic transatlantic flight, this image reveals Lindbergh’s continued dedication to pioneering flight—this time in the realm of unpowered aviation.

Photographed by the renowned Underwood & Underwood press agency, the image bears a handwritten caption: "Lindy examines construction of Bowlus Sailplane at San Diego, Cal." Visible on the sailplane are the markings:
"BOWLUS SAILPLANE CO." and the evocative slogan: "On the Wings of an Air Current"—underscoring the poetic spirit of early glider experimentation.

This image is a powerful artifact connecting three icons of early aviation:

• Charles Lindbergh, global aviation hero

• William Hawley Bowlus, master glider designer and builder of the first American sailplanes

• San Diego, cradle of aviation innovation and home to Ryan Airlines (builders of the Spirit of St. Louis)

Whether you're a collector of aviation memorabilia or a historian of early flight, this original photo offers an extraordinary glimpse into the evolution of soaring flight in America.

Key Features:

• Date: January 21, 1930 (handwritten)

• Photographer: Underwood & Underwood

• Type: Original press photograph with handwritten caption

• Subject: Charles Lindbergh, Bowlus Sailplane construction, San Diego aviation