ANTIQUE PATENT MODEL

Description

Patent models illustrating the function of an invention, were created and submitted with patents between 1790 and 1880. The models show the invention in three dimensions and include some working parts. Many models were made of wood. Most of the Patent Office’s collection of models were destroyed. by fires in 1836 and 1877. The remaining patent models were sold off at auction in the early part of the twentieth century
I have no documentation for this model and have not found a corresponding patent. It was purchased at an estate auction by a family member in the early 1950’s. I believe it is a working patent model of a mechanism to bale something ( probably cotton) or might be  a hay press. On rotation around the base the top and bottom close or open depending on the direction of rotation. It was probably intended to be powered by water power, steam engine or horses. The model is 12.5 inches in height with a 1 inch base for a total of 13.5 inches. The base is 8 inches in diameter. My guess is that it is a relic from the middle 1800’s. Certainly a unique and an interesting item for display.