With its stout brass screws and industrial, rugged shape, the Altimeter wall clock is based on World War II aircraft instrumentation. Although larger than the original instrument, the aluminum features the dark paint that was used to reduce cockpit glare. The authentic dial holds part of a sub-dial that marked altitude per thousand feet while the main hands marked altitude per 10 and 100 feet. At sea level, set on the wall, this clock is a great reminder of the marvel of flight.

In its extensive holdings of documents related to aeronautics, the National Archives keeps in trust records that begin with those of the National Advisory Committee that was formed in 1915 to study problems in flight and conduct research in aeronautics. NASA records are also held at the National Archives, as is the Wright brothers’ patent for their flying machine.