Edward J. Stearns from Cambridge, Maryland, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk model. Patent no. 76839 was issued on April 14, 1868.
This desk was created to eliminate lid slamming. The design features a lid that opens towards the student and is adequately supported when in use. The desk is supported on a pair of simple turned legs attached to a wooden platform. The platform has a hole for another leg that may have supported a seat. There is writing in black ink across the platform that reads: "E.J. Stearns' School Desk." The stool is round with no backrest. It has a single monobloc base while the desk has two.
We are not aware of any additional information about the inventor/patentee.
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