Patent Model of Lard Lamp, 1856

01

Artifact Overview

From 1790 to 1880, the U.S. Patent Office required applicants to submit a miniature model along with diagrams and written descriptions detailing the operation of their invention. Patent models could be no larger than 12" by 12" by 12". Though they were usually not operational, these models helped explain an inventor's idea and protect it from competitors.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model (Patent)

Date Made

1856

Subject Date

06 May 1856

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

26.160.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Smithsonian Institution

Material

Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 7.5 in
Diameter: 5.5 in

Inscriptions

Stamped upside down on column: S. DAVIS. Marked in black on bottom of base the numerals 330412 Patent office tag: 14.806 / S. DAVIS. / Lard Lamps / PATENTED May 6th / Rec Mar 17-56 1856. Small tag: PATENT OFFICE / CAT.330412 / ACC. 88881 / May - 6 - 1856 Verso of small tag: U.S. National / Museum / Wash.
Patent Model of Lard Lamp, 1856