James Smith's 1871 School Desks and Seats Patent Model
James Smith's 1871 School Desks and Seats Patent Model
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- Description
- James Smith from Richmond, Indiana, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 118161 was issued on August 15, 1871.
- This wood and iron model is a double desk, with four individual seats. The two desk tops and the seats, despite having a bench-like backrest, are individualized and divided so that each seat can fold up. The backrest is composed of ten slats. There are two springs on the back of each desk for extra back support. The desk is attached to the back of the backrest with storage. It has an iron frame and metal hinges. A brass plate on the patent model states: "School Desks, James Smith, Richmond, Ind." Another silver colored plate has "School Desk James Smith, Richmond, Ind." engraved on it.
- Ezra Smith, Asa Smith, and James Smith owned Ezra Smith & Co., where they manufactured various types of school furniture.
- Object Name
- model
- desk model
- Object Type
- Patent Model
- date made
- 1871
- patent date
- 1871-08-15
- transfer
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- patentee
- Smith, James
- inventor
- Smith, James
- referenced in patent specifications
- United States: Indiana, Richmond
- Physical Description
- wood (overall material)
- brass (overall material)
- ferrous (steel) (overall material)
- brass plating (overall material)
- silver plating (overall material)
- bronze (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 5 1/4 in x 7 in x 11 in; 13.335 cm x 17.78 cm x 27.94 cm
- ID Number
- CL.65.0420
- catalog number
- 65.0420
- patent number
- 118,161
- accession number
- 249602
- subject
- Education
- Patent Models
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Education
- American History Education Collection
- Cultures & Communities
- Patent Model School Seats and Desks
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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