Cultures & Communities

Cleveland Many Peoples One Language Poster

Furniture, cooking wares, clothing, works of art, and many other kinds of artifacts are part of what knit people into communities and cultures. The Museum’s collections feature artifacts from European Americans, Latinos, Arab Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, African Americans, Gypsies, Jews, and Christians, both Catholics and Protestants. The objects range from ceramic face jugs made by enslaved African Americans in South Carolina to graduation robes and wedding gowns. The holdings also include artifacts associated with education, such as teaching equipment, textbooks, and two complete schoolrooms. Uniforms, insignia, and other objects represent a wide variety of civic and voluntary organizations, including youth and fraternal groups, scouting, police forces, and firefighters.

Date: 1870s

Sperm Whale Tooth Watch Stand

Scrimshaw known to have been made specifically for men is comparatively rare.
Description
Scrimshaw known to have been made specifically for men is comparatively rare. This unfinished tooth was hollowed out at the back to carry a gentleman’s pocket watch inside, perhaps set on a wardrobe, a bureau or a dressing table overnight.
Patriotic imagery was very popular on American scrimshaw. At the top is a large eagle in flight clutching arrows and an olive branch; the hole for the watch is framed by a simple scalloped line. The space at the bottom was probably reserved for the owner’s initials or possibly a date, and the two holes were likely drilled for ivory buttons. The piece was unfinished when it was donated in 1875 by J. H. Clark of Newport, R.I.
date made
19th century
Associated Date
collected
ID Number
DL.024905
catalog number
024905
accession number
4331

Street Musicians

Jean Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) painted this scene of Pifferari or street musicians serenading an unseen image of the Virgin Mary in 1870. Camille Piton etched it for an auction catalog of works from the collection of J. C. Runkle, which were sold on March 8, 1883.
Description
Jean Léon Gérôme (1824–1904) painted this scene of Pifferari or street musicians serenading an unseen image of the Virgin Mary in 1870. Camille Piton etched it for an auction catalog of works from the collection of J. C. Runkle, which were sold on March 8, 1883. The auction was organized by Samuel P. Avery, art dealer and print collector. Pifferari come from the mountains in Calabria, Italy, and from the Abruzzi to play bagpipes and reed instruments like the piffero, a kind of oboe, before images of the Virgin in Rome during the Christmas season. Jean Léon Gérôme was a favorite painter of Stephen Ferris, who named his son after him.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1879
1883
original artist
Gerôme, Jean-Léon
graphic artist
Piton, Camille
ID Number
GA.14886
catalog number
14886
accession number
94830

James Russell's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

James Russell from Plymouth, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117467 was issued on July 25, 1871.This model has two separate seats that fold up, with a backrest connected like a bench.
Description
James Russell from Plymouth, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 117467 was issued on July 25, 1871.
This model has two separate seats that fold up, with a backrest connected like a bench. There are two attached desks behind the back rest that both have lids that can lift up. The wooden bench seat and desk are made of a dark wood with metal hinges. The desktop is divided to make a pair. The bench on the desk front is split in the same manner as the desktop. There is storage underneath both desks for books. The seats fold up individually, though the back rest is connected like a bench. The model includes original patent tags.
James Russell was born in 1821 and became a carpenter in Plymouth, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-07-25
bequest
Hoffman, John
patentee
Russell, James
inventor
Russell, James
ID Number
1983.0508.07
accession number
1983.0508
catalog number
1983.0508.07
patent number
117,467

Calvin W. Sherwood's 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

George Sherwood from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 69850 was issued on October 15, 1867.Calvin W. Sherwood from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no.
Description
George Sherwood from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 69850 was issued on October 15, 1867.
Calvin W. Sherwood from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 101670 was issued on April 5, 1870.
These patents use a combination of cast iron and wood, though other suitable materials could be used if desired. George Sherwood’s patent allowed the desk seat to be raised without striking the back of the seat. Calvin Sherwood’s patent allowed for a space leaving the back of the seat independent of the desk behind it. Because desks were frequently attached to the chair of the student in front, his patent was designed to address the problem of a student seated in front moving around and disrupting the student sitting behind.
In 1856 George Sherwood moved from Connecticut to Chicago, Illinois, where he started George Sherwood & Company, later known as the Sherwood School Furniture Company. His brother, Calvin, taught school for many years before joining his brother’s company. In addition to student desks, the company manufactured other school items as well as publishing textbooks.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1870
1870-04-05
bequest
Hoffman, John
patentee
Sherwood, Calvin W.
inventor
Sherwood, Calvin W.
ID Number
1983.0508.04
accession number
1983.0508
catalog number
1983.0508.04
patent number
101,670

Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 179472 was issued on July 4, 1876.This model consists of a chair in front and the attached desk behind it.
Description
Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford from Goshen, Indiana received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 179472 was issued on July 4, 1876.
This model consists of a chair in front and the attached desk behind it. The desk folds up and down with metal hinges, and it can be locked and unlocked. The compressed slats are maple-colored wood and create horizontal grooves in the seat. The iron legs have feet with small holes for attaching to a base. The desk top, the supports and legs are of decoratively cut metal. The original patent tags are attached to the desk. One tag is pasted to a newspaper clipping illustrating the machinery of the desk top.
Josiah Delph and William A. Bradford worked for L.H. Nobel & Sons, a leading manufacturer of school furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-07-04
bequest
Hoffman, John
patentee
Delph, Josiah
Bradford, William A.
inventor
Delph, Josiah
Bradford, William A.
ID Number
1983.0508.02
accession number
1983.0508
catalog number
1983.0508.02
patent number
179,472

Whaler's Boarding Knife

The work of carving blubber from a whale carcass and hauling the long, narrow strips of flesh, called “blanket pieces,” aboard the ship onto the deck was called “boarding.” The boarding knife was an extremely sharp, double-edged sword blade at the end of a short wooden pole.
Description
The work of carving blubber from a whale carcass and hauling the long, narrow strips of flesh, called “blanket pieces,” aboard the ship onto the deck was called “boarding.” The boarding knife was an extremely sharp, double-edged sword blade at the end of a short wooden pole. It served a variety of purposes, from cutting a hole in the whale’s flesh for the blubber hook, to cutting the long strips of flesh into shorter sections for further processing.
These tools were kept extremely sharp to cut the whale’s flesh easily. With the decks and tools so slippery from the whale processing, using them was reserved for the ship’s officers.
date made
1876
collected
1876
ID Number
AG.026608
catalog number
026608
accession number
4927

Whaler's Mincing Knife

Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots.
Description
Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots. Cut in this fashion, the sections of whale blubber and skin were known as “bible leaves” because they resembled the pages of a book.
date made
1876
collected
1876
ID Number
AG.025912
accession number
005019
catalog number
025912

USS Alaska Scrimshaw Sperm Whale Tooth

The wooden screw sloop of war USS Alaska was built in 1868 and spent much of her career in the southern Pacific and Far East representing the American nation in foreign ports.
Description
The wooden screw sloop of war USS Alaska was built in 1868 and spent much of her career in the southern Pacific and Far East representing the American nation in foreign ports. In June 1878, she cleared New York for San Francisco and stopped at several South American ports on the way.
One of Alaska's port calls from 20-29 September 1878 was to Talcahuano, in the center of Chile's coast and that nation's main naval port. It also was one the principal stops for American whalers in the Pacific seeking fresh supplies and entertainment. This massive sperm whale's tooth was probably purchased there and engraved by one of Alaska's crew to commemorate his visit. While the carver of this tooth is unknown, it may have been one of the officers who kept the official ship's logbooks, because the calligraphy on the covers of the logs for this voyage is exceptionally elaborate and colorful.
As this tooth indicates, the Talcahuano visit and liberty calls were memorable. Sent ashore on liberty, 54 of Alaska's crew went AWOL (Absent WithOut Leave), and three more were confined to double irons (feet and hand cuffs) for drunk and boisterous behavior or fighting.
Date made
1878
USS Alaska port call to Chile, Talcahuano
1878-09
ID Number
DL.374477
catalog number
374477
accession number
136263

Whaler's Explosive Lance

Explosive lances were designed to kill a whale by exploding inside its body. Many different types were invented in the late 19th century. When they worked properly, they were extremely efficient.They could either be shot out of guns or set at the end of darting guns.
Description
Explosive lances were designed to kill a whale by exploding inside its body. Many different types were invented in the late 19th century. When they worked properly, they were extremely efficient.
They could either be shot out of guns or set at the end of darting guns. These devices resembled harpoon handles, to which the explosive lances were fixed. Once a plunger touching the whale’s skin moved a specific length, it triggered an explosive charge that shot the lance into the whale’s body.
date made
late 1800s
patent date
1879
explosive lances were invented
late 19th century
patentee
Pierce, Eben
manufacturer
Brown, Frank E.
ID Number
AG.316544
catalog number
316544
accession number
066767

John Peard's 1873 School Tablet Desk and Seat Patent Model

John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved desk and settee combined. Patent no. 138183 was issued on April 22, 1872.This desk is made of wood and cast metal and can be detached from the chair.
Description
John Peard from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved desk and settee combined. Patent no. 138183 was issued on April 22, 1872.
This desk is made of wood and cast metal and can be detached from the chair. The rectangular back has graduated horizontal slats and is attached to a pair of cast metal supports. The rectangular seat has four horizontal slats, which fold up against the back. The back legs are joined with a trefoil motif to the front legs. A pair of metal bars supporting a seat is attached to the legs. The desk is attached to a wooden platform.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-04-22
patentee
Peard, John
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Peard, John
ID Number
CL.65.0494
catalog number
65.0494
accession number
249602
patent number
138,183

Isaac Whitbeck's 1878 School Desk Patent Model (desktop missing leg support)

Isaac Whitbeck from Potter, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 209533 was issued on October 29, 1878.This is an improvement for a two seat desk. The two desktops fold out from the middle on opposite sides and are painted black and red.
Description
Isaac Whitbeck from Potter, New York, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 209533 was issued on October 29, 1878.
This is an improvement for a two seat desk. The two desktops fold out from the middle on opposite sides and are painted black and red. The storage area is divided into sections for pens, inkstands, and private papers. On top of the desk is a place for a lamp as well as adjustable reflectors. This model is composed primarily of metal and is in poor condition as it is missing the leg supports and the central desk surface..
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-10-29
inventor
Whitbeck, Isaac
ID Number
CL.65.0346
catalog number
65.0346
accession number
249602
patent number
209,533

George H. Grant's 1874 School Seat Patent Model

George H. Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved seat. Patent no. 151873 was issued on June 9, 1874.This model is a combination of iron and wood. The improved seat can be used in churches, parks, schools, halls, or lawns.
Description
George H. Grant from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved seat. Patent no. 151873 was issued on June 9, 1874.
This model is a combination of iron and wood. The improved seat can be used in churches, parks, schools, halls, or lawns. The intent was to make a stronger seat that was cheap, portable, and easily constructed without skilled labor. The backrest and seat are made of dark wooden slats that are pushed together and curved for support. The feet of the chair legs feature holes that can be for mounting to a base.
George H. Grant and John Allen formed a partnership to manufacture school desks. After Allen’s death, the firm became George H. Grant & Company. In 1876 Grant formed a partnership with A. W. Hempleman to manufacture school and church furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-06-09
patentee
Grant, George H.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Grant, George H.
ID Number
CL.65.0415
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0415
patent number
151,873

William P. Erwin and Thomas A. Dugdale's Second 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

William Erwin and Thomas Dugdale from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100275 was issued by Dugdale and Erwin on March 1, 1870.This desk is made of wood, with brass legs and metal hinges. It has a flat backrest and seat.
Description
William Erwin and Thomas Dugdale from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 100275 was issued by Dugdale and Erwin on March 1, 1870.
This desk is made of wood, with brass legs and metal hinges. It has a flat backrest and seat. The seat and backrest do not join. The desktop lifts up and has storage underneath. The seat folds up as well. The specifications state the desk should be made out of ash or walnut lumber and should be put together with wooden screws. The metal parts should be made of cast iron, except for the screws, which they stated should be made of wrought iron. There is a plate on the backrest, but the writing is not legible. Erwin's name is on the backrest. There is a wooden foundation, and the entire base is made of either brass or metal.
We are not aware of any additional information about William Erwin.
Thomas Dugdale holds patents for numerous inventions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-03-01
inventor
Erwin, William P.
Dugdale, Thomas A.
ID Number
CL.65.0372
catalog number
65.0372
accession number
249602
patent number
100,275

David Francis's 1874 School Seat Patent Model

David Francis from Birckenhead, Chester, England, first received a British patent for an improved desk and seat on June 27, 1873 and then received an American patent, no.155231, which was issued on September 22, 1874.This model is a combination of black cast iron and wood.
Description
David Francis from Birckenhead, Chester, England, first received a British patent for an improved desk and seat on June 27, 1873 and then received an American patent, no.155231, which was issued on September 22, 1874.
This model is a combination of black cast iron and wood. The cast iron has circular designs, while the seat and backrest are flat and create a 90-degree angle with no curves for body comfort. The desktop reads, "Lift the top to unlock it - Francis's patent." There is no lower back seat support because there is a gap between the backrest and seat. The seat itself has no curves for body comfort or support. There are also black tacks bolted from the wooden seat onto an iron-based support system. The backrest folds up towards the desktop. Francis advertised the full sized production version of this desk.
David Francis was born in Somerset, England ca 1830. He worked as a carpenter/joiner in England, and died in Kenilworth, England on July 9, 1902.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-09-22
patentee
Francis, David
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Francis, David
ID Number
CL.65.0345
catalog number
65.0345
accession number
249602
patent number
155,231

Morris Lancaster's 1876 School Desk and Seat Hinge Improvement Patent Model

Morris Lancaster from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge to work with the school desk lid. Patent no. 181689 was issued on August 29, 1876.This model features a combination of wood and metal.
Description
Morris Lancaster from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved hinge to work with the school desk lid. Patent no. 181689 was issued on August 29, 1876.
This model features a combination of wood and metal. The patent has a new mechanism called a “pawl” or “dog” that acted as a stop concerning the desk lid. This held the lid in position and operated automatically to hold or release it.
Morris Lancaster was born in 1842 and became a carpenter in Richmond, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-08-29
associated date
1873
patentee
Lancaster, Morris
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Lancaster, Morris
ID Number
CL.249602.598
catalog number
249602.598
accession number
249602
patent number
181,689

George W. Puterbaugh and Alfred Teal's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

George W. Puterbaugh from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model no. 173340 was issued on February 8, 1876 with Alfred E. Teal.This desk has storage and slants downward. It is made of oak and has metal screws.
Description
George W. Puterbaugh from Greenfield, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model no. 173340 was issued on February 8, 1876 with Alfred E. Teal.
This desk has storage and slants downward. It is made of oak and has metal screws. The seat folds up, and bumpers are incorporated into the design to prevent the seat from slamming and creating noise. It has crossed member supports with a heavily reinforced folding seat and cloverleaf design. The seat curves and has a backrest for support.
George W. Puterbaugh was born in 1844. He served as a school principal and later as superintendent in Greenfield, Indiana. He went on to found the Straight Wood Co. (also called the Straight Wood School Desk Co.) to manufacture desks. He died in 1887.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
associated date
1875
patent date
1876-02-08
patentee
Puterbaugh, George W.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Teal, Alfred E.
inventor
Puterbaugh, George W.
Teal, Alfred E.
Puterbaugh, George W.
ID Number
CL.65.0396
catalog number
65.0396
accession number
249602
patent number
173,340

Joe V. Meigs' 1874 Desk and Seat Patent Model

Joe V. Meigs from Lowell, Massachusetts, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 151898 was issued on June 9, 1874.This model is made of wood and cast iron. The desks are attached at the back and the seats face one another.
Description
Joe V. Meigs from Lowell, Massachusetts, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 151898 was issued on June 9, 1874.
This model is made of wood and cast iron. The desks are attached at the back and the seats face one another. They are mounted on a wooden platform. The patent stressed comfort and claimed the desk would, “avoid fatigue and distortion of the body.” His model is rather decorative with a diamond design, made up of metal bars that cross each other. The tops are made out of wood or iron but if iron is used he encouraged the metal to be japanned, enameled, or marbleized, adding further decoration. The desk is designed to be very practical, and the whole desk comes apart to be easily transported. There are two black seats curved and connected by cast iron. The two seats are facing one another and placed on a wooden base.
Joseph Vincent Meigs was born June 17, 1840, into a prominent family from Nashville, Tennessee. His father was attorney, Whig state senator, and publisher, Return Jonathan Meigs. Joe V. Meigs created his first invention, a railroad coupling, at the age of fourteen. He became a patent lawyer, but his mechanical skills also allowed him to become a prolific inventor. He was granted twenty- two patents for various inventions including the school desk, a reclining chair, and automatic fishing pole. His family supported the Union during the Civil War, and in 1864 he took command as captain of Battery A of the 2nd Black Light Artillery Battalion U.S. Colored Troops. After inventing a breech-loading firearm, he was hired by the U.S. Cartridge Company, where he served as chief inventor. His most ambitious invention was a steam driven elevated monorail called the Meigs Elevated Railway, designed to improve rapid transit. A quarter mile of track was constructed in Cambridge, Massachusetts 1885-1886 to promote his design but construction delays, politics, and his distrust of the use of electricity for new designs impeded his success. He died November 14,1907 in Boston, Massachusetts..
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-06-09
associated date
1872
patentee
Meigs, Joe V.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Meigs, Joe V.
ID Number
CL.249602.593
catalog number
249602.593
accession number
249602
patent number
151,898

Joseph Ingles's 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Joseph Ingels from Milton, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model 102941 was issued on May 10, 1870.This desk combines wood, iron, and brass. The bench has a sloped bottom for more support.
Description
Joseph Ingels from Milton, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent model 102941 was issued on May 10, 1870.
This desk combines wood, iron, and brass. The bench has a sloped bottom for more support. The desk is attached to the backrest and can be compacted for more space. The seat of the bench is made out of slatted wood. It also has iron armrests on each side of the bench. The desk can be raised and lowered as needed. Rubber cushions have been added to prevent the desk from making noise when closing. The seat also accommodated the movement of the students so that they could rock backward and forward as needed. There are two labels inside the desk that read "R. Carkhuff/North Front St., Lewisburg, PA./Models, cutouts, patterns./Model maker, engineer and brass and gear work.” There is a pierced pattern on the desk side support.
Joseph Ingels was best known for inventing seeding equipment. He founded the Hoosier Grain Drilling Company and began manufacturing in 1859. After a series of acquisitions, the company eventually became part of International Harvester.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-05-10
patentee
Ingles, Joseph
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Ingles, Joseph
ID Number
CL.65.0375
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0375
patent number
102,941

Frank T. June's 1878 School Desk Connecting Improvement Patent Model

Frank T. June from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 198922 was issued on January 1, 1878.This model has four thick, large wooden slats held together by a vertical cast iron rod.
Description
Frank T. June from Chicago, Illinois, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 198922 was issued on January 1, 1878.
This model has four thick, large wooden slats held together by a vertical cast iron rod. The patent established a way to join the slats that form seat backs and seat. The vertical standards would feature a groove and dovetailed slats would slide into place. This system offered ease of construction with few tools.
Frank T. June joined Aaron J. Hull in running the Novelty Iron Works which produced the supports and metal work for many school desk manufacturers. It later became Sterling School Furniture Company. At one time, Hull also served as President of the Sherwood School Furniture Company. A prolific inventor, Hull moved from desks to pumps in the late 1870s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-01-01
patentee
June, Frank T.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
June, Frank T.
ID Number
CL.65.0405
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0405
patent number
198,922

Francis A Wilber's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Francis Wilbur from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 140979 was issued on July 15, 1873.This model is simply crafted of wood and consists of a desktop featuring a sliding bench.
Description
Francis Wilbur from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 140979 was issued on July 15, 1873.
This model is simply crafted of wood and consists of a desktop featuring a sliding bench. The sliding mechanism as well as the pivoted levers used to support the bench were innovations in this patent. The horizontal, sliding platform features a section that can fold up to provide a book rest. The desk’s support is not comprised of legs, but from entire boards of wood on all exterior sides. "F. A. Wilbur" is painted with stencil on the desktop. The patent tag is nailed on.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-07-15
patentee
Wilber, Francis A.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Wilber, Francis A.
ID Number
CL.65.0390
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0390
patent number
140,979

Thomas Redmayne's 1875 School Desk Patent Model fragment

Thomas Redmayne from Sheffield, York, England, received a British patent for an improved school desk. Patent no.
Description
Thomas Redmayne from Sheffield, York, England, received a British patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 169478 was issued on November 2, 1875.
This is a partial model, consisting of a dark wooden rectangular plank with metal screws and two brackets that are connected by three screws, and there is a metal circular piece on each end. The desk was made of dark wood and designed to be adjustable. A wheel mechanism was used for adjusting and altering the angle of the desktop. Lying flat, it formed a table; reclined, it formed a desk, and placed in a vertical position, it served as a seat back.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
patent date
1875-11-02
patentee
Redmayne, Thomas
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Redmayne, Thomas
ID Number
CL.65.0393
catalog number
65.0393
accession number
249602
patent number
169,478

Charles J. Higgins's 1876 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 180233 was issued on July 25, 1876.This model features an improved arrangement of the brackets and an improved method for securing the brackets to the desk.
Description
Charles J. Higgins from Marion, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 180233 was issued on July 25, 1876.
This model features an improved arrangement of the brackets and an improved method for securing the brackets to the desk. These brackets require fewer screws while using less desk space to attach the seats together. The desk has a shelf inside for storing materials. The oak seat is attached behind it, and both are curved. The backrest slats are compressed to create horizontal grooves in the chair, and each slat alternates between a light and dark wood. Its wooden legs are attached to a base.
Charles J. Higgins founded Higgins Bent Wood School Furniture Co.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-07-25
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
patentee
Higgins, Charles J.
inventor
Higgins, Charles J.
ID Number
CL.65.0400
catalog number
65.0400
accession number
249602
patent number
180,233

Bickford N. Hemenway's 1872 School Desk Patent Model fragment

Bickford N. Hemenway from Rockland, Maine, received a U.S. patent for an improvement on adjustability of school desks. Patent no. 129559 was issued on July 16, 1872.This model contains a mechanism that allows the desktop to be adjusted in height.
Description
Bickford N. Hemenway from Rockland, Maine, received a U.S. patent for an improvement on adjustability of school desks. Patent no. 129559 was issued on July 16, 1872.
This model contains a mechanism that allows the desktop to be adjusted in height. The desktop has a crevice to hold pencils and an inkwell. It is made of dark wood. Only the desktop has survived, and there is a crack down it's middle. It should be noted that while the application for the patent emphasizes an improvement for school desks, the text of the patent specifications also mentions the use could be applied to writing desks in offices and counting houses.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
patent date
1872-07-16
patent holder
Hemenway, Bickford N.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Hemenway, Bickford N.
ID Number
CL.249602.596
catalog number
249602.596
patent number
129,559
accession number
249602

Charles H. Presbrey's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Charles H. Presbrey from Sterling, Illinoi,s received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 135154 was issued on January 21, 1873.This desk features a hinge designed to minimize the damage done by friction.
Description
Charles H. Presbrey from Sterling, Illinoi,s received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 135154 was issued on January 21, 1873.
This desk features a hinge designed to minimize the damage done by friction. The wood is an oak color with iron painted black and has a novelty design to it. Dark and light colored wood alternate together. The seat folds up. The seat is curved, and the desk is attached behind the bench. There is a groove for writing utensils and storage under the desk for books. On both sides of the desk is an iron logo that is shaped as a circle. "COGGER" is carved on the wooden base, and there is a signature in black ink on top of the seat that says "Charles H. Presbrey." The monogram “A” is impressed in the lower leg support of the desk probably as a manufacturer's mark. The model is attached to a wooden base for stability, but this would not be present in the full sized desk. Disjointed parts are tied together and attached to the model, indicating an earlier repair.
Charles Presbrey was born in 1835. In 1885 Presbrey and Edward Thomas founded C.H. Presbrey & Co. taking over the Novelty Manufacturing Company, originally founded in 1869.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1873
patent date
1873-01-21
patentee
Presbrey, Charles H.
transfer
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
inventor
Presbrey, Charles H.
ID Number
CL.65.0387
accession number
249602
catalog number
65.0387
patent number
135,154

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