Francis A Wilber's 1873 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Description:

Francis Wilbur from Wabash, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 140979 was issued on July 15, 1873.

This model is simply crafted of wood and consists of a desktop featuring a sliding bench. The sliding mechanism as well as the pivoted levers used to support the bench were innovations in this patent. The horizontal, sliding platform features a section that can fold up to provide a book rest. The desk’s support is not comprised of legs, but from entire boards of wood on all exterior sides. "F. A. Wilbur" is painted with stencil on the desktop. The patent tag is nailed on.

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

Date Made: 1873Patent Date: 1873-07-15

Patentee: Wilber, Francis A.Transfer: U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeInventor: Wilber, Francis A.

Location: Currently not on view

Referenced In Patent Specifications: United States: Indiana, Wabash

Classified: 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.65.0390Accession Number: 249602Catalog Number: 65.0390Patent Number: 140,979

Object Name: modeldesk modelObject Type: Patent Model

Physical Description: wood (overall material)Measurements: overall: 4 3/4 in x 11 in x 4 3/4 in; 12.065 cm x 27.94 cm x 12.065 cmoverall: 6 3/4 in x 11 in x 4 3/4 in; 17.145 cm x 27.94 cm x 12.065 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-fa12-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_679737

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