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Auction 180, Lot 787

Lincoln Receives Only Patent Granted to a U.S. President

"[Abraham Lincoln] Report of the Commissioner of Patents, for the Year 1849. Part I. Arts and Manufactures", U.S. Government

Subject: Document - Lincoln

Period: 1850 (published)

Publication: H.R. Doc. 20, 31st Congress, 1st Session

Color: Black & White

Size:
5.9 x 9.1 inches
15 x 23.1 cm
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This report is particularly noteworthy for its inclusion of Abraham Lincoln as a patentee (listed on both pages 57 and 96). On page 262 he describes his patent for lifting boats over shoals. After being stuck on a sandbar while on a river trip home, Lincoln devised a method of inflatable bellows that could be lowered into the water to free a stranded boat. It apparently was never produced, but he is the only U.S. President to hold a patent. 626 pages. Hardbound in quarter leather with tips over marbled boards.

References:

Condition: B

Contents have light toning and scattered foxing. Coves and spine have average wear with bumped edges.

Estimate: $200 - $230

Sold for: $120

Closed on 11/18/2020

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