Printing Block, Illustrating Abraham Lincoln's Patent for Device to Lift Boats over Shoals, Granted May 22, 1849

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Artifact Overview

Thomas Irwin Starr (1903-1965) had a lifelong interest in President Abraham Lincoln. He began collecting Lincoln-related materials at an auction in 1929. Starr, editorial director for publications at Michigan Bell Telephone Company, amassed a collection of Lincolniana and wrote several books and articles about our 16th President. This printing block illustrates a part in Lincoln's life unfamiliar to many Americans--his attempt at invention.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Printing block (Printing surface)

Date Made

1850-1900

Subject Date

22 May 1849

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

66.143.783

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Wood (Plant Material)

Technique

Relief printing

Dimensions

Height: 2.375 in
Width: 0.75 in
Length: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

A. LINCOLN / NO. 6469 / MANNER OF BUOYING VESSELS / Patented May 22, 1849.
Printing Block, Illustrating Abraham Lincoln's Patent for Device to Lift Boats over Shoals, Granted May 22, 1849