Pan Am Mini Explorer Handbag

This Pan Am Mini Explorer Handbag pays homage to the classic jet age icon Pan Am, who ensured “getting there” was a once-in-a-lifetime experience in unmatched civility and the height of cool. Strikingly embossed with the Pan Am logo, this Pan Am Mini Explorer Handbag is a purse-sized replica of the Pan Am carry-on overnight bag, the highly coveted souvenir of world-class travel. Brushed nickel hardware. YKK zippers for smooth action. Handles with 5"drop. Imported. Exterior: durable PU; Interior: Pan Am logo cotton/nylon lining.  6.5"l. x 11'w. x 6"h.

Museum Provenance

This Pan Am Mini Explorer Handbag recalls the Boeing 367-80, America’s first jet airliner, displayed in the Boeing Aviation Hangar of the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. An updated Boeing 367-80 found a ready customer in Pan American Airways president, Juan Trippe, who convinced Boeing to widen the body four inches to accommodate six passengers in each row. In 1958 Pan American ushered the jet age into the United States when it opened international service with the Boeing 707. Period aviation clothing and accessories are also a large part of the collection.

Every Smithsonian purchase will arrive with a museum provenance card explaining how it is adapted from or inspired by an object or objects in our collection.