Category Archives: 19th century patents

Patent Act of 1836 Celebrates 180th Anniversary

Posted on July 4, 2016 by mjwhitekingston

Today is the Fourth of July, the 240 birthday of the United States of America. It also marks the 180th anniversary of the modern U.S. patent system. On this date in 1836, a new patent statute went into effect. A … Continue reading →

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Happy 175th, U.S. Patent No. 1

Posted on July 20, 2011 by mjwhitekingston

July 13, 2011 was the 175th anniversary of the granting of U.S. patent no. 1, issued to Senator John Ruggles of Thomaston, Maine. Senator Ruggles was chair of the Committee on Patents and the Patent Office and the chief framer … Continue reading →

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Patent Models Index

Posted on July 9, 2010 by mjwhitekingston

The Smithsonian has published new guide and index to patent models owned by the National Museum of American History. The two volume work is available for free online and can also be purchased in hard copy from the Smithsonian Institution … Continue reading →

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New Book: Mr. Gatling’s Terrible Marvel

Posted on June 21, 2008 by mjwhitekingston

This is library conference season, so I’ve been racking up frequently flyer miles by the thousands. Air travel isn’t as fun for me as it was pre 9/11, but spending hours in the air does give me an opportunity to … Continue reading →

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Searching 19th Century Patents

Posted on May 22, 2007 by mjwhitekingston

During a recent visit to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, I snapped this photo of a handsome iron matchbox on display in the museum’s 19th century general store. The cover is embossed with a hunting scene… a dog carrying a … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century patents, Date of Issue | 2 Comments