SALON

Five-Minute Museum

Tiny instruments of American invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Rothschild Patent Model Collection/Photo by Scherzi Photography
    Fence Fabricating Machine, 1888. Inventor: Conrad F. Bartling.

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