Five-Minute Museum

Tiny instruments of American invention

Nineteenth-century patent models on display at the Smithsonian recall an age of inventive fervor

By Emma Mustich

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Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Cooking Stove, 1835. Inventor: T. Fairbanks.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Theft Prevention Device, 1868. Inventor: A.F. Kitchen.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Washing Machine, 1871. Inventor: Alfred T. Sullivan.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Toy Wrestlers, 1867. Inventor: James T. Walker.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Yarn Dyeing Machine, 1858. Inventor: David B. Kerr.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Screw Threading Machine, 1875. Inventor: Benjamin Mason.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Horseshoe Making Machine, 1880. Inventor: Joseph Dorgan.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Mousetrap, 1870. Inventors: John O. Kopas and George W. Bauer.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Grand Piano, 1870. Inventor: Ole Bull.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Road Wagon, 1879. Inventor: James L. Phillip.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Sewing Machine, 1875. Inventor: Israel M. Rose.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Swing, 1868. Inventor: Benjamin Shaffer.
Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography

Fence Fabricating Machine, 1888. Inventor: Conrad F. Bartling.

Five-Minute Museum is a weekend art series that previews interesting exhibitions -- current or upcoming -- from across the country.