John Mealey's 1868 School Seat Desk Patent Model

Description:

John Mealey from St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 83521 was issued on October 27, 1868.

This model has a folding desktop, making this design popular in schools as well as lecture rooms and halls. The simple construction was durable and accommodating, whether it was being used as a seat, table, or desk. "John Mealey" is written in a golden colored paint on the backrest. The bench is made of a dark, flat wood. There are two shelves underneath the seat that have crevices for an inkwell. The legs and armrest are made out of metal. No part of the desk is compactable or folding.

We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.

Date Made: 1868Patent Date: 1868-10-27

Patentee: Mealey, JohnTransfer: U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeInventor: Mealey, John

Location: Currently not on view

Referenced In Patent Specifications: United States: California, Fairville

General Subject Association: EducationClassified: Patent Models

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Education, American History Education Collection, Cultures & Communities, Patent Model School Seats and Desks

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: CL.65.0369Catalog Number: 65.0369Accession Number: 249602Patent Number: 83,521

Object Name: modeldesk modelObject Type: Patent Model

Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 8 in x 11 in x 7 in; 20.32 cm x 27.94 cm x 17.78 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-b900-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_664170

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