The Smithsonian's Milestones of Flight Collection celebrates important achievements made throughout history in the fields of air travel and space exploration.

In 1783, a hot air balloon became the first successful device used for air travel.  In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved another milestone in aerial history when they made the first sustained controlled flight in a heavier-than-air craft.

This balloon is a replica of the balloon flown by M. Adorne during the spring of 1784, just one year after humans first flew.  An image of this historic balloon is housed in the archives collection of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.

This wonderful metal balloon ornament is beautifully painted, comes in the original box with both tags still attached, and measures 6" high x 4.5" wide.  It's highly collectible and very hard to come by.

Own a piece of history, this one's a real conversation piece!