Homer Blair Patent Collection

This collection of valuable nineteenth century patent models, dating from 1842 to 1883, is the generous gift of Homer and Jean Blair. We have provided a detailed bio of Homer O. Blair for your further review.

Before the revision of the U. S. Patent law in 1870, inventors seeking a patent for a mechanical device were required to submit with their applications, a model as well as drawings and written descriptions. Models are now required only when the Patent Office feels that the applicant must prove the invention works.

Many models were destroyed in two disastrous fires in the Patent Office, in 1836 and again in 1877, but thousands have survived. At least two items in this collection were rescued from the ashes of the fire of 1877.

Patent Collection and Information

• Homer O. Blair Professor Emeritus Biography
• List of Patents from 1800s Recovered and Provided by Homer Blair
• List of Famous United States Patents Donated by Professor Homer O. Blair
• Blair in article about The Kenneth J. Germeshausen Center Turning 20
• Article Homer Blair Patent Model on Exhibition at University of Minnesota 1999