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 quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-05-27
maker
Ames, Chauncey W.
Ames, Chauncey W.
ID Number
1996.0062.01
patent number
139351
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a shooting stick, used for driving in quoins, or wedges, to tighten a form in its chase; the invention was granted patent number 107154.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a shooting stick, used for driving in quoins, or wedges, to tighten a form in its chase; the invention was granted patent number 107154. These sticks had different-sized notches to fit different quoins, and two wings to help open spaces for the quoins among the furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-09-06
maker
Blackwell, Benjamin B.
ID Number
1996.0062.03
patent number
107154
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.03
patent number
107154
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote on it.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
patentee
Setchell, George C.
maker
Carey, Augustus C.
Carey, George R.
ID Number
1996.0062.04
catalog number
1996.0062.04
patent number
215792
accession number
1996.0062
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-09-16
maker
De Zuccato, Eugenio
ID Number
1996.0062.07
catalog number
1996.0062.07
accession number
1996.0062
patent number
219665
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card guage for a platen printing press; the invention was granted patent number 145101. This invention provided a card feeder for Golding's Pearl press, which was covered by a patent of 1871 taken out by William L.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card guage for a platen printing press; the invention was granted patent number 145101. This invention provided a card feeder for Golding's Pearl press, which was covered by a patent of 1871 taken out by William L. Balch and assigned to Golding and his partner Edward Dennison (Patent 118182). William Golding (1845–1916) was apprenticed to a printer at the age of 15, and set up The Printer Manufactory Company at 23 with his partner, Edward Dennison. The company at first supplied stamps and seals and other stationery goods, but soon moved into the manufacture of small presses for amateurs, such as the Pearl, and then full-sized jobbing presses. Two years after Golding's death, the company was sold to the American Type Founders Company, which continued the manufacture of his presses for some years.
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-11-02
inventor
Golding, William H.
maker
Golding, William H.
ID Number
1996.0062.08
catalog number
1996.0062.08
patent number
145101
accession number
1996.0062
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks. A guage in the center of each sidestick told the compositor how far the quoin could be extended.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-08-12
maker
Gosorn, George T.
ID Number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-12-16
maker
Keehn, Francis
ID Number
1996.0062.10
patent number
145574
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308. Roughened sides of the quoin prevented slippage on other furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Lame, Samuel C.
Briggs, Ferdinand Sherwin
ID Number
1996.0062.11
patent number
148308
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.11
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-12-17
maker
McGrath, Thomas
ID Number
1996.0062.12
patent number
133948
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.12
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-14
maker
O'Shea, Andrew Jackson
ID Number
1996.0062.13
patent number
167780
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.13
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-15
maker
Polen, George B.
ID Number
1996.0062.14
patent number
173493
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.14
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved sheet-folding apparatus, made to stand as an independent machine, or to be attached to a web perfecting press; the invention was granted patent number 186384.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved sheet-folding apparatus, made to stand as an independent machine, or to be attached to a web perfecting press; the invention was granted patent number 186384.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-01-16
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
1996.0062.18
catalog number
1996.0062.18
accession number
1996.0062
patent number
186384
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a delivery apparatus for web presses which was adaptable for sheets of different sizes; the invention was granted patent number 197694.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a delivery apparatus for web presses which was adaptable for sheets of different sizes; the invention was granted patent number 197694.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-11-27
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.22838
patent number
197694
catalog number
22838
accession number
249602
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1879
maker
Leavitt, Thomas
ID Number
1997.0198.04
catalog number
1997.0198.04
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.05
catalog number
1997.0198.05
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.06
catalog number
1997.0198.06
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-03-25
maker
Stuart, Robert J.
ID Number
1997.0198.08
catalog number
1997.0198.08
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
137156
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.09
catalog number
1997.0198.09
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.11
catalog number
1997.0198.11
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning. The invention was granted patent number 190068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-04-24
maker
Odenbaugh, Frank
ID Number
1997.0198.12
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
190068
catalog number
1997.0198.12
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently. The invention was granted patent number 188386.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-03-13
maker
Macdonald, F.
ID Number
1997.0198.13
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
188386
catalog number
GA.89797.188386
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.14
catalog number
1997.0198.14
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.15
catalog number
1997.0198.15
accession number
1997.0198

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