Meeker's www.patented-antiques.com Patent Models & Salesman Samples

U. S. Patent Models
& Vintage / Antique Salesman Sample
Toy or Child Size Stoves & Ranges

To view examples of the types of antique patent models & salesman samples we have previously sold and are always interested in helping you sell please to visit our Patent Model & Salesmen Sample Past Sales Archive Pages.

Background

This page is devoted to our quest to buy & sell early American patent models, a tire patent model ntique salesman samples, and inventor-made models of inventions and devices that exhibit a high degree of skill, craftsmanship and detail in their construction. They are graphic and "real" pieces of American ingenuity and inventiveness. Americana at it best and with a purpose.

Whether a given model is a patent model simply missing its tag or just a well done shop model made for whatever reason is often hard to determine. I have seen exact copies of patent models used as salesman samples, and visa versa. Other models were made simply to get a better idea of what was about to be put into production when a picture or drawing would not suffice. Models of, or small steam engines were made as toys, salesman samples, and for actual use to power different devices like popcorn machines.

Patent Models and antique salesman samples are one of our favorite categories of antiques to buy and sell, so if you have or know of examples for sale please Contact Us

Click any of the titles below for the description, price and a couple pictures

Individual titles below that are highlighted in yellow are Select New Additions or Special Gift Ideas. Be sure to take a look!!

Please Note: Pieces listed in Green do not have a link or pictures, but are offered for sale with a price on this page.

Patent Models

Antique American Patent Models have a colorful and interesting history, and represent patent model weather vane one of the most graphic and rare forms of American ingenuity and inventiveness that is available on the market. The requirement that each invention would require a model of the invention was first mandated by the government in 1790. That requirement was essentially dropped in the late 1800's as the volume of models the government was storing became enormous.

Over the years there were 2 different fires in the storage locations and many of the models were destroyed. These wonderful pieces of Americana were neglected and ignored for years with all of them nearly being sold off for scrap in the 20's, but they were saved through the wisdom and foresight of a few devoted and visionary collectors.

Most patent models today that are available came from the efforts of either O. Rundle Gilbert or Cliff Peterson, who at one time owned and were marketing the remaining patent models during their period of ownership. There are small stashes of and collections of models all over the country that were formed when the different owners were selling off portions.

A few years ago there were hundreds available for sale at the major antique shows on the East Coast. Currently there is a large collection of parts and pieces of patent models being offered for sale on eBay with the spiel that the proceeds are going to some charitable fund or foundation to build a museum for the "kids". When I read those ads I expect to see offers for shares in the ownership of the bridge being built to it as an added bonus.

Patent Models

*** Click Heading to see Items ***

Untagged Patent Model / Salesman Sample of Early Wooden Ice Box / Refrigerator w/ Yelloware Lining
1870 Patent Model of Revolving Cannon like Early Machine Gun or Gatling Gun
1906 Patent Model / Salesman Sample Corn Planter w/ Box & Paperwork SOLD!!

Salesman Samples

Salesman Sample is an often misused term. We try and keep it reasonable and realistic. If it is miniature and has manufacturer's information and patent dates on it, it certainly can be one, but not always. Some models and samples have info on them, some do not. Oftentimes early quality cast iron toys are called salesmen samples, with stoves being the most common example of the term or name being misapplied. This is a debatable topic and there is no one correct or definitive answer to fit all examples. Another example is calling toy sewing machines

Salesman Samples

*** Click Heading to see Items ***

Victor "Wonder Washer" Patented 1902 / 1907 Salesman Sample Washing Machine from Leavenworth Kans.
Salesman Sample Folding Wash Stand / Wringer
Sample Size or Dolls Size High Chair
Salesman Sample Size Bucksaw
Salesman Sample Broadaxe SOLD
Salesmen Sample / Model of Automatic Fishing Pole Device & Fishing Line Alarm
Salesman Sample Mechanical Gate SOLD!
Simmons Salesman Sample Display Model of Folding Bed Springs

Salesman Sample & Childs Size Toy Stoves

*** Click Heading to see Items ***

McClary's Famous Stoves "Baby Mine Compliments of the Season" Miniature Child Size Cook Stove w/ Water Reservoir (Charter Oak #503)
Salesman Sample Childs Little Eva Wood Fired Cookstove
Salesman Sample / Childs Wood Fired Cookstove W/ Pots
Royal American Salesman Sample / Childs Wood Fired Stove
Child Size Toy Stove "Model" by Kenton
Quick Meal Salesman Sample Stove
Rival by Stevens Cast Iron Stove
Delight Toy Stove

**** We Sell Antiques! ****

We want to Help you Sell Your quality Antiques

If you have a single antique, or a collection of antiques to sell please contact us at LCM@patented-antiques.com giving us your PHONE NUMBER and other contact info and we will get back to you ASAP.

To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold and are always interested in helping you sell please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages.

Please see our FAQ page, the Appraisal / Selling Page and the Selling Your Collection Pages for further info.

Thanks!!

Larry & Carole