Preserving craftsmanship: Innovation from a world before technology
Collection of patent models and salesman samples comes to auction
Justin Miller from Miller & Miller Auctions holds the Mount Forest "Lady Dufferin" Reaper Patent Model which is offered as lot 324 in the upcoming December 12th auction.
As the old saying goes, ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. Many of today’s modern innovations exist solely because someone from the past identified a need and solved a problem. The Industrial Revolution, which occurred from 1760 to 1840, propelled much of the world from a handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. During this time, humans saw the development of everything from electricity to the steam engine, resulting in the urbanization of agricultural societies. This boom provided many rural town inhabitants with the tools they needed to invent new machinery to simplify their life on the farmlands.
In 1869, Canada’s Patent Act was introduced as a way to promote innovation and economic growth in the country by providing a ‘time-limited, legally protected, exclusive right to make, use and sell an innovation’. Since its inception, the Canadian patent office has granted thousands of patents for agricultural devices. Long before the days of computer software and 3D printers, inventors were required to submit handmade, miniature models of their inventions to demonstrate the functionality. These models allowed inventors with little-to-no technical training to submit an idea without having to compose mechanical diagrams or complicated written descriptions. Patent models are highly collectable in today’s market as they are a tangible representation of the ingenuity, precision and creativity of inventors from the past.
This working model of a farm gate features custom brass latches, hinges and a gear drive. It is offered as lot 317 in the upcoming auction.
This working of a horse-drawn single furrow plow was wrought with solid brass and hardwood. It is offered as lot 315 in the upcoming auction.
Often confused with patent models, ‘salesman samples’ are also highly desired in today’s collectors’ market. Salesman samples were miniature models of large products or machines that a travelling salesman would bring to a potential buyer to enhance the sales pitch. Without these miniature scale models, it would have been difficult for the salesperson to explain how certain machines or products functioned. These samples were also used as store displays to show customers what could be ordered. Salesman samples did not always operate with the same level of accuracy and precision as patent models; they simply gave the buyer an understanding of the product’s general look and purpose.
Miller & Miller’s December 12th auction entitled Advertising, Toys & Historic Objects features a small collection of Canadian patent models and salesman samples that span the late 1800s to the 1950s.
The “Lady Dufferin” Reaper was the brainchild of C.A. Davidson of Mount Forrest Ontario. This sophisticated working model functions exactly like the full-sized model was meant to be: with rotating sail blades, fans, and total adjustability. The level of detail is incredible. It is marked, “Lady Dufferin, Manufactured by C.A. Dufferin, Mount Forrest, Ont. Pat’d Applied for March 2nd 1878”. It is offered as lot 324 in the upcoming sale.
This Mount Forest "Lady Dufferin" Reaper Patent Model is offered as lot 324 in the upcoming sale.
Multi-functional equipment is nothing new. Many of the great agricultural inventions, like this ingenious “Folding Hay and Stock Rack”, solved two problems at once. It is difficult to say whether this was used as a patent model, a salesman’s sample, or both. It bears an exhibition label that reads, “New Implement! Daniels’ Combined Folding Hay & Stock Rack Patented Sept 4th, 1894”. The original case bears the patent label. It is offered as lot 318 in the sale.
Grasp the opportunity to own one of these rare and unique pieces of Canadian history by participating in Miller & Miller’s December 12th online-only auction. Bidding is now open.
Story by Tess M.
Patent Model & Salesman Sample Highlights offered as part of Miller & Miller’s December 12th auction:
Click an image to view it in the online catalogue.
Auction Title: Advertising, Toys & Historic Objects
Auction Date: December 12, 2020.
Online Bidding: November 23-December 12, 2020.
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