1930 Charles Lindbergh in Flight – Bowlus Sailplane Glider Photograph

This original 1930 press photograph captures Charles Lindbergh soaring in a Bowlus sailplane—an iconic moment in early American glider aviation. Taken during Lindbergh’s involvement in advancing motorless flight, the image shows him at the controls of a streamlined, high-performance glider designed by Hawley Bowlus, a pivotal figure in American soaring history. Bowlus was the superintendent of construction for the Spirit of St. Louis, and this aircraft reflects his innovative engineering. The dramatic shadow, clarity of Lindbergh’s profile, and stylized fuselage design all emphasize the futuristic nature of this 1930s-era glider.

Stamped “MAR 26 1930” on the reverse, with notations including “Lindbergh 37” and “Bowlus Glider,” this historic image is attributed to Acme Newspictures and was likely intended for press distribution during one of Lindbergh’s glider demonstrations or testing sessions. This rare artifact offers collectors and aviation enthusiasts a glimpse into the post-Atlantic-crossing period of Lindbergh’s career when he championed gliding as both sport and science.