Global Airline Luggage Labels Special Collection SDASM.012

Finding aid prepared by Cindy Chen

San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives

2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

San Diego, CA, 92101

(619) 234-8291

2011

Title: Global Airline Luggage Label Special Collection

Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.012

Contributing Institution: San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives

Language of Material: English

Physical Description: 1.2 Linear feet 3 binders

Date (inclusive): 1920-1960

Abstract: This collection contains luggage labels from a variety of global airlines. The majority of the labels date from before World War II.

Language of Materials note: English

Biographical/Historical note

Interesting design and oftentimes colorful airline labels were in abundance in the golden age of air travel, and their function extended to displaying and conveying the glamour of air travel. It also highlighted those who could partake in the as yet exclusive lifestyle of traveling by air. The labels themselves, small “works of art,” also doubled as airline advertisement, and the popularity of these labels were at a peak in the 1920s up to WWII. After WWII, traveling by air became much more economical, and the appeal and glamour of air travel all but disappeared. For example, in Britain during the war, most airlines became part of the military, when the focus on colorful labels also disappeared. As airlines and routes developed, the use of labels/tags became more utilitarian and focused on tracking and identification. Today, collecting labels is a hobby that started in the 1930s.

Conditions Governing Access note

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use note

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Acquired by museum before 1978 fire; added to by Lang Brown. Original donor name lost.

Scope and Contents note

This series contains various airline luggage labels and related stickers and baggage tags from international locations, including: North and South America, Australia, Asia and Europe.

Preferred Citation note

[Item], [Collection], Archives, San Diego Air & Space Museum

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Deutsche Lufthansa (1593-).

KLM (Airline).

Pan American Airways Corporation.

Concorde (Jet transports)

Graf Zeppelin (Airship)

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