Elijah Wilson's 1870 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

Description:

Elijah Wilson from New Brighton, Pennsylvania, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk. Patent no. 110101 was issued on December 13, 1870.

This model is made out of wood and cast iron, which is now very rusty. The desk is meant to be compact and adjustable to take up the least amount of space. The seat can fold up and is supported by a chain on the side of the desk. The desk on the back folds in, but the lid does not lift up. Storage is available underneath the desk on a shelf. The iron legs are screwed to a wooden platform. It is also adjustable to fit the needs of children of any height.

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

Date Made: 1870Patent Date: 1870-12-13

Patentee: Wilson, ElijahTransfer: U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeInventor: Wilson, Elijah

Location: Currently not on view

Referenced In Patent Specifications: United States: Pennsylvania, New Brighton

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.65.0352Catalog Number: 65.0352Accession Number: 249602Patent Number: 110,101

Object Name: modeldesk modelObject Type: Patent Model

Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: overall: 10 3/4 in x 5 1/4 in x 10 in; 27.305 cm x 13.335 cm x 25.4 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-de65-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_666505

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.