David I. Stagg's 1875 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Description:

David I. Stagg from New York City received a U.S. patent for an improved folding school desk. Patent no. 167033 was issued on August 24, 1875.

This model is made completely of unpolished wood. Most of the wood is dark, but the wood that connects the chair to the hinges is a lighter color. The desk can fold in different ways, making it compact. It is set on a wooden foundation and can be pivoted vertically or folded at the front of the desk, leaving a chair or a bench with no backrest. The innovative arms, pins, and shoulders are used to pivot the desktop.

David I. Stagg was born September 6, 1816 in Patterson, New Jersey. For fifty years he served as an apprentice and journeyman in the New York school system. In his last post he served the New York City Board of Education as Superintendent of School Buildings, overseeing school construction from 1872-1886. The museum owns four of his school desk patent models. He died May 11, 1886.