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

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.