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 mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box. The printing block was then cast in any suitable material such as type metal, plaster-of-paris, vulcanized rubber, or, by preference, gutta percha - a popular material in the mid nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-14
maker
Berry, James
ID Number
1996.0062.02
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.02
patent number
010630
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1857
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-02-10
maker
Ramsay, P. A.
ID Number
1996.0062.15
patent number
016608
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.15
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-13
maker
Sprague, E. H.
ID Number
1996.0062.16
patent number
011091
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.16
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web-fed cylinder press, printing on both strokes of the bed; the web of paper was fed intermittently to match the printing motion, then rewound on a receiving cylinder at the other end of the machine.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web-fed cylinder press, printing on both strokes of the bed; the web of paper was fed intermittently to match the printing motion, then rewound on a receiving cylinder at the other end of the machine. The invention was granted patent number 9993.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
maker
Montague, Charles
ID Number
GA.11018
catalog number
GA*11018
patent number
009993
accession number
48865
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing. The invention was granted patent number 468.
According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, Wilkinson built a press along these lines for the New York Sun in 1842, but never succeeded in printing the paper at it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-01-04
maker
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.11019
catalog number
GA*11019
accession number
48865
patent number
009525
catalog number
GA*48865.009525
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lever press using a combination of course and fine screws, the first to lower the platen fast, and the second to produce greater power at the end of the pull.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lever press using a combination of course and fine screws, the first to lower the platen fast, and the second to produce greater power at the end of the pull. It also included inclined ways or tracks, so the bed was raised as it was drawn under the platen. The invention was granted patent number 23951.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-05-10
maker
Ruggles, Stephen P.
ID Number
GA.11020
catalog number
GA*11020
patent number
023951
accession number
48865
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking bench-top press for cards or sheets; the invention was granted patent number 24655. It was the basis for the Newburys' Mountain Jobber or Machine Jobber.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking bench-top press for cards or sheets; the invention was granted patent number 24655. It was the basis for the Newburys' Mountain Jobber or Machine Jobber. Early models followed the patent closely, but later (about 1871) the press had a sloping ink disk. A. N. Kellogg produced a modification of the press, which he patented in 1863 (Patent 37293).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-07-05
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.11021
catalog number
GA*11021
accession number
48865
patent number
024655
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand-cranked cylinder press which was intended to replace the common iron lever press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand-cranked cylinder press which was intended to replace the common iron lever press. The patent was granted patent number 25008.
George Gordon (1810-1878) started out as an actor but soon took up the printing trade in New York City. From 1851 he was responsible for a succession of jobbing presses--the Yankee, the Turnover, the Firefly, this cylinder press, and, finally, the Franklin jobber with which he established his name as well as his fortune. Degener was a Gordon employee in the 1850s, setting up in his own business in 1860. See also Degener's separate Patent 110018.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
maker
Gordon, George Phineas
Degener, Frederick O.
ID Number
GA.11022
catalog number
GA*11022
accession number
48865
patent number
025008
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 10588. This platen jobber was manufactured under the name, “Ruggles's Combination Job Press.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 10588. This platen jobber was manufactured under the name, “Ruggles's Combination Job Press.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-02-28
maker
Ruggles, Stephen P.
ID Number
GA.24907
patent number
010588
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24907
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 paper-folding machine which was granted patent number 7722. It was a machine for folding sheets of paper by forcing them between plates.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-folding machine which was granted patent number 7722. It was a machine for folding sheets of paper by forcing them between plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
patent date
1850-10-15
maker
Snow, George K.
ID Number
GA.89797.007722
accession number
89797
patent number
007722
catalog number
GA*89797.007722
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991. The pantographic apparatus is used for engraving multiple images precisely placed and at extreme reduction; also for the engraving of cylinders for calico printing, and for the decoration of wallpaper. The patentee was Isaac Taylor, from Stamford Rivers, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-06-01
maker
Taylor, Isaac
ID Number
GA.89797.008991
patent number
008991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.008991
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 method of stamping letters into blocks of wood from steel dies; the invention was granted patent number 9454. Thirty-five years later, a similar process was used extensively by the William H.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of stamping letters into blocks of wood from steel dies; the invention was granted patent number 9454. Thirty-five years later, a similar process was used extensively by the William H. Page Wood Type Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-12-07
maker
McCreary, John
ID Number
GA.89797.009454
patent number
009454
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009454
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-03-22
maker
Comby, John P.
ID Number
GA.89797.009623
accession number
089797
patent number
009623
catalog number
GA*89797.009623
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-05-24
patentee
Blair, John B.
ID Number
GA.89797.009743
patent number
009743
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009743
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flat-bed printing press which was granted patent number 9923. This press is a toggle lever press in which the platen was forced down by bails. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flat-bed printing press which was granted patent number 9923. This press is a toggle lever press in which the platen was forced down by bails. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-08-09
maker
Lewis, John
ID Number
GA.89797.009923
patent number
009923
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.009923
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking platen printing press which was granted patent number 9925. Four or more platens rotated intermittently around a single axis. The bed was rocked, clamshell fashion, against each platen in turn.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking platen printing press which was granted patent number 9925. Four or more platens rotated intermittently around a single axis. The bed was rocked, clamshell fashion, against each platen in turn. Sheets of paper were fed to grippers on the uppermost platen, printed when that platen turned to the vertical, and then dropped to a pile beneath the press when the platen went to the bottom position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-08-09
maker
Northrup, Joel G.
ID Number
GA.89797.009925
patent number
009925
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.009925
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 improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377. The improvements to the typecaster include placing the mold below its "axis of oscillation" instead of the usual higher position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-03
maker
Mueller, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.010377
patent number
010377
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010377
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-31
maker
Underwood, Benjamin
ID Number
GA.89797.010483
patent number
010483
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010483
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type. The specification includes a brief description of other distributers of his day--the Gaubert, Clay and Rosenberg, and Sorenson machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-21
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.010656
patent number
010656
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010656
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stereotype pan for casting metal plates from plaster of Paris molds; the invention was granted patent number 10704.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stereotype pan for casting metal plates from plaster of Paris molds; the invention was granted patent number 10704.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-28
maker
Mott, Richard D.
ID Number
GA.89797.010704
accession number
089797
patent number
010704
catalog number
GA*89797.010704
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

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