Father’s Day Gift Suggestions from the Patent Files

Need a last-minute gift idea for Dear Old Dad?

Whatever Dad’s hobby or interest, patent files are full of quirky gems. The largest selection is in the series Utility Patent Drawings, 1837 – 1911 NAID 305888 among the Records of the Patent and Trademark Office, Record Group 241, but there are patent drawings in other series, including court records. Search our catalog to find a personal favorite, or choose from the selection here. You can download the images from the catalog.

For the sporty dad:

E. Kempshall’s Golf Ball https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6920297

G.F.Grant’s Golf Tee https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6920296

A.F. Knight’s Golf Club https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6920299

C. Malings’ Tennis Racket https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6104274

B. Hill’s Spring Attachments for Fishing Rods https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277641

B. Hill’s Spring Attachments for Fishing Rods https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277641

A. Schemel’s Jacket for Football Players https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6104280

W. T. Stall’s Football Trousers https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6104276

P. Plant’s Cork Swimming Suit https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277687

For the dad who likes to entertain:

M. E. Knight’s Spit https://catalog.archives.gov/id/12007672

J. Oesterling and J. Palme’s Beer Mug https://catalog.archives.gov/id/16943529

Eli Barnum and Benj. Brooks’ Still https://catalog.archives.gov/id/305887

G. L. Witsil’s Sandwiched Bread https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277649

J. Wilkie’s Corn Popper https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277691

For the adventurer:

Chauncy Hall’s Diving Dress https://catalog.archives.gov/id/594916

S. Short and N. Bradford’s Submarine Explorer https://catalog.archives.gov/id/595884

R. J. Spalding’s Flying Machine https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277786

For the traditionalist:

H. A. Whiting and W. J. Winghart’s Umbrella and Cane Combined https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277654

J. B. Halbert’s Ratchet Wrench https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277694

J. Gates’ Monkey Wrench https://catalog.archives.gov/id/6277640

Does Dad need a chair that cools him while he rocks? Here are two options:

C. Horst’s Combined Rocking Chair and Fan https://catalog.archives.gov/id/594932

C. Singer’s Rocking Chair https://catalog.archives.gov/id/18558022