Gorgeous 19th Century Patent Models

A model of an electromagnetic engine. Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi Photography

Inventors today have got it easy. If they want to patent something, all they have to do is file some paperwork. Before 1880, however, if you wanted to patent a better mousetrap, you actually had to build it - or at least a miniature version to help patent inspectors understand why you actually deserve the patent.

Curator Charles Robertson is showcasing about 30 examples of such models from the private collection of Alan Rothschild and Wired blog has photos of some of the neatest: Link | 2006 article about the Rothschild Patent Model Museum in Forbes

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Being Halloween as much fun as you want, thank goodness it is still not imported in Spain and the Hispanic countries. Media and commercial sectors are pushing in as much as they try. I'm affraid to say that in some years we will be overruled by this anglosaxon holiday but nowadays, we can proudly say that we resist!! This is an american holiday and I think should not kill local celebrations. I feel sorry for all those non saxon countries that are loosing their identities...

I have to say that the Spain picture displayed is totaly unaccurate as the celebration in Gran Canaria is the Carnival, an the end of February, nothing to do with pumpkins.