Antiques
Of A
Mechanical Nature 

 

www.Patented-Antiques.com

Larry and Carole Meeker

  Purveyors of American Patented & Mechanical Antiques

LCM@patented-antiques.com 

530-620-7019

 

Patent Models & Salesman Samples 

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

This page is devoted to our quest to buy & sell early American patent models,  antique salesman samples and inventor-made models of inventions and devices that exhibit a high degree of skill, craftsmanship and detail in their construction. 

Whether a 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 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.  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. 

Antique American Patent Models have a colorful and interesting history, and represent 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.  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 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 models during their period of ownership.  A few years ago there were hundreds available for sale at the major antique shows on the East Coast, but those days are over and now there is a large collection of them being offered for sale on eBay, and the excitement of the hunt and finding them is over. 

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.  Often times early quality 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.

 

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 

• 1868 Patent Model of Electro Magnetic Engine

 

Salesman Samples

• Salesman Sample / Juvenile Wood Shaft Golf Club by MacGregor
• Salesmen Sample Oak Mantle and Fireplace
 
• Salesman Sample of a Lifting Farm Gate
• Fantastic Salesman Sample of a Folding Wash Tub / Wringer Bench   SOLD!

 

Salesman Sample / Childs Size Stoves

• Salesman Sample / Childs Little Eva Wood Fired Cookstove
Salesman Sample / Childs Wood Fired Cookstove W/ Pots
• Royal American Salesman Sample / Childs Wood Fired Stove