Patent Models: Graphic Arts

Of the 10,000 patent models held in this Museum, some 400 models are housed in and relate to the Graphic Arts Collection. These include models prepared for the printing, type, paper, and bookbinding trades.

The following Introduction is copied directly from Elizabeth M. Harris, Patent Models in the Graphic Arts Collection (Washington, D.C.: The National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, 1997). This publication is illustrated with line drawings.

Black and white photographs of many of the 400 plus patent models in the Graphic Arts Collection were taken in the 1960s. We hope the publication of these photographs will also assist the public in better understanding the Collection.

“Until 1880, the U.S. Patent Office required most inventors to submit a model with their application for patent protection. The Patent Office thus became the keeper of a huge collection, one that suffered several catastrophes over the years. In 1836 a fire at Blodgett's Hotel, where the Patent Office was housed, destroyed all existing models—about 10,000 items—as well as the records of some specifications. After the fire new patents, hitherto unnumbered, were numbered in a consecutive series. In 1840 an effort was made to restore models and specifications lost in the fire. Some 2845 were restored (and numbered in a new X... series), but there were gaps that could not be filled and remain blank to this day. In 1887 a second fire started in a loft in the Patent Office where 12,000 rejected models were stored. It spread rapidly, destroying or damaging 114,000 more models out of the total collection of around 200,000. Of these, 27,000 were eventually restored, while 87,000 were lost.

The first patent models now in the Graphic Arts Division came to the Smithsonian in 1908—a group of eleven models transferred by the Patent Office. In 1926 Congress decided to dispose of the remaining Patent Office collection, which then consisted of some 150,000 models. About 10,000 pieces came to the Smithsonian's U.S. National Museum.

The largest single group within that transfer—about 4,000—consisted of models for the textiles industry. More than 300 were for the printing trades. Other printing models have arrived since 1926, singly or in small groups.”

For more information about the Museum’s patent model collection, see Patent Model Index, Guide to the Collections of the National Museum of American History.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen power press with two friskets which carried paper under the platen alternately. The platen was drawn down by toggles against a fixed bed; it was to be powered by man, steam, horse, or water.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen power press with two friskets which carried paper under the platen alternately. The platen was drawn down by toggles against a fixed bed; it was to be powered by man, steam, horse, or water. The invention is considered an unnumbered patent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1834
patent date
1834-08-22
maker
Tufts, Otis
ID Number
GA.11025
catalog number
GA*11025
accession number
48865
patent number
8380X
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 3551. This presses’ tapered bearers were attached to the bed to prevent slurring of the impression at the ends of the formCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 3551. This presses’ tapered bearers were attached to the bed to prevent slurring of the impression at the ends of the form
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1844
patent date
1844-04-17
patentee
Hoe, Richard March
maker
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.003551
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.003551
patent number
003551
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking press which was granted number 3917. The press has a vertical bed and platen, and sheet grippers traveling on an endless chain. The model is damaged.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking press which was granted number 3917. The press has a vertical bed and platen, and sheet grippers traveling on an endless chain. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
patent date
1845-02-20
maker
Kneeland, J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.003917
accession number
089797
patent number
003917
catalog number
GA*89797.003917
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 7413. The platen jobbing press was manufactured as Hawkes's Lion.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 7413. The platen jobbing press was manufactured as Hawkes's Lion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
patent date
1850-06-04
maker
Hawkes, Charles W.
ID Number
GA.89797.007413
patent number
7413
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.007413
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stop cylinder press with inking apparatus and sheet fly; the invention was granted patent number 9408.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stop cylinder press with inking apparatus and sheet fly; the invention was granted patent number 9408.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-11-16
maker
Northrup, Joel G.
ID Number
GA.89797.009408
patent number
009408
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009408
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder. A web of paper was moistened and folded concertina-fashion for feeding. It was printed at the first series of impression cylinders and refolded. Then it was turned, and printed on the other side at the next series. Finally, it was cut into sheets. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this patent was bought by R. Hoe & Co., probably more to keep it out of the market than with a mind to its development.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.009987
patent number
009987
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009987
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand-lever printing press which was granted patent number 10717. The press is a self-inking hand press with a fixed bed. The paper was carried into position by a double frisket carriage with inking rollers.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand-lever printing press which was granted patent number 10717. The press is a self-inking hand press with a fixed bed. The paper was carried into position by a double frisket carriage with inking rollers. The carriage was propelled by a crank handle turned continuously in one direction.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-28
maker
Underhill, Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.010717
accession number
089797
patent number
010717
catalog number
GA*89797.010717
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a plate attached to an endless chain that was carried past stations for automatic inking, wiping, and printing; the invention was granted patent number 12213. There was provision for applying bands of different colors.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a plate attached to an endless chain that was carried past stations for automatic inking, wiping, and printing; the invention was granted patent number 12213. There was provision for applying bands of different colors. According to Tucker, this press was built by R. Hoe & Co. for D. Steffens in 1858. Robert Neale, an American, was living in London when he took out this patent. He patented the press there in 1853.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-09
maker
Neale, Robert
ID Number
GA.89797.012213
patent number
012213
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.012213
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perfecting machine with two printing plates, two platens, and a rotary carrier to convey the paper between them; the invention was granted patent number 14558.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perfecting machine with two printing plates, two platens, and a rotary carrier to convey the paper between them; the invention was granted patent number 14558.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-04-01
maker
Folsom, George F.
ID Number
GA.89797.014558
accession number
089797
patent number
014558
014558
catalog number
GA*89797.014558
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary sheet perfecting press which was granted patent number 15437. Type forms were bedded on the two flat surfaces on opposite sides of the type cylinder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary sheet perfecting press which was granted patent number 15437. Type forms were bedded on the two flat surfaces on opposite sides of the type cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-07-29
maker
Parkes, Thomas
Parkes, Alfred
ID Number
GA.89797.015437
patent number
015437
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.015437
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed. This patent covered the Newbury Country Press, a small hand-powered printing machine that was popular with country newspaper shops in the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-09-16
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.89797.015740
accession number
089797
patent number
015740
catalog number
GA*89797.015740
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 16109. The press had a revolving ink cylinder behind the type bed. Inking rollers circulated entirely around the cylinder and over the type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 16109. The press had a revolving ink cylinder behind the type bed. Inking rollers circulated entirely around the cylinder and over the type. The patent also covered a device for quick disconnection of bed and platen in case of a feeding accident. Patentee Franklin Bailey took out a number of printing patents, and sold several of them to the Hoe Company. This patent was assigned to Hoe in 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-11-25
maker
Bailey, Franklin L.
ID Number
GA.89797.016109
patent number
16109
accession number
89797
catalog number
89797.016109
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-12-09
maker
Sargent, Charles G.
Keach, Abram
ID Number
GA.89797.016221
patent number
016221
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016221
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable hand press which was granted patent number 16718. The cylinder and handle of this portable roller press are fastened on the end of a long sliding shaft.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable hand press which was granted patent number 16718. The cylinder and handle of this portable roller press are fastened on the end of a long sliding shaft. In the 1870s, patentee Nathaniel Chamberlain, as he spelled his name then, ran a Boston business specializing in office stamps for banks and counting houses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-03-03
patentee
Chamberlin, Nathaniel L.
ID Number
GA.89797.016718
accession number
089797
patent number
016718
catalog number
GA*89797.016718
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 16826. The bed on this flatbed cylinder press ran on sloping ways, or tracks. For the impression pass, the bed was powered up the slope and under the cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 16826. The bed on this flatbed cylinder press ran on sloping ways, or tracks. For the impression pass, the bed was powered up the slope and under the cylinder. It was returned by gravity.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-03-17
maker
Davis, John C.
Miller, William
ID Number
GA.89797.016826
patent number
016826
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016826
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, with a steam heating system and improved plate-wiping mechanism; the invention was granted patent number 16952.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, with a steam heating system and improved plate-wiping mechanism; the invention was granted patent number 16952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-03-31
maker
Stewart, Linus
McClelland, John
ID Number
GA.89797.016952
patent number
016952
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016952
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-05-26
maker
Learned, S. D.
ID Number
GA.89797.017405
accession number
089797
patent number
017405
catalog number
GA*89797.017405
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 17449. The patent details improvements to the feed and delivery systems of a press patented by Merwin Davis in 1855.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 17449. The patent details improvements to the feed and delivery systems of a press patented by Merwin Davis in 1855. Charles Potter was at this time in business building Merwin Davis's Oscillating Press and a jobber for George Babcock. After 1864 he turned to his own large cylinder presses, for which he is better known.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-06-02
maker
Potter, Jr., Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.017449
accession number
089797
patent number
017449
catalog number
GA*89797.017449
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand press which was granted patent number 18527. The platen was lowered by a series of conical rollers turning against cam discs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand press which was granted patent number 18527. The platen was lowered by a series of conical rollers turning against cam discs. The platen adjustment wedge was placed at the crown of the press instead of the usual position in the hub of the platen, to avoid being knocked - "for it is well known that pressmen are in the habit of throwing their wrenches or other tools down on the platen.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-10-27
patentee
Morse, Jedediah
ID Number
GA.89797.018527
accession number
089797
patent number
018527
catalog number
GA*89797.018527
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 18567. The press has a segmental impression cylinder, which rocked back and forth across the bed.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 18567. The press has a segmental impression cylinder, which rocked back and forth across the bed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-11-03
patentee
Davis, Merwin
ID Number
GA.89797.018567
patent number
018567
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.018567
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket. After printing, the frisket flipped up to drop the sheet on the delivery board. Inking was by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-01
patentee
Henry, John
ID Number
GA.89797.018744
accession number
089797
patent number
018744
catalog number
GA*89797.018744
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets. Hill was a pioneer in numbering machines. His city, Buffalo, N.Y., became a center of the rail ticket business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-07
maker
Hill, George J.
ID Number
GA.89797.021418
accession number
089797
patent number
021418
catalog number
GA*89797.021418
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-handling system for printing both sides of a rotary press; the invention was granted patent number 24875. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-handling system for printing both sides of a rotary press; the invention was granted patent number 24875. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this apparatus did not work well and was never brought into use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-07-26
patentee
Hoe, Richard March
maker
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.024875
accession number
089797
patent number
024875
catalog number
GA*89797.024875
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-02-17
maker
Reynolds, George H.
ID Number
GA.89797.037727
accession number
89797
patent number
037727

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.