James Russell's 1871 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

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.

Date Made: 1871Patent Date: 1871-07-25

Bequest: Hoffman, JohnPatentee: Russell, JamesInventor: Russell, James

Location: Currently not on view

Referenced In Patent Specifications: United States: Indiana, Plymouth

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:

Credit Line: Bequest of John R. Hoffman

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1983.0508.07Accession Number: 1983.0508Catalog Number: 1983.0508.07Patent Number: 117,467

Object Name: modeldesk modelObject Type: Patent Model

Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 8 1/4 in x 11 1/2 in x 8 1/4 in; 20.955 cm x 29.21 cm x 20.955 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ac-06e3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_679329

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