Scientific American
Scientific American
Colt revolver about to become identified with the Old West...
Item #653476
October 23, 1847
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 23, 1847 A very early issue of this famous magazine (still publishes today) as it began just 2 years previous in 1845.
Page 2 has a brief yet significant item headed "Colt's Revolving Pistols" which reads: "Government has decided to arm a regiment of mounted men with this most effective weapon, and Mr. Colt (whose factory is at Hartf... See More
The safety pin is invented...
Item #606356
April 21, 1849
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 21, 1849
* Walter Hunt invention
* Safety pin - patent no. 6,281
It's alway fun to find the origin of things which have become ubiquitous in every day life, such as the safety pin. This issue of the revered scientific journal note under: "List of Patents Issued from the United States Patent Office" an entry which was for the creation ... See More
Pneumatic pile driving...
Item #620323
February 09, 1850
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, February 9, 1850 The front cover has "Potts' Pneumatic Pile Driving for Forming Foundations, for Piers, Embankments, &" and "Allen's Alphabetical Spelling, Reading and Arithmetical Table". Inside the issue is Improvements in Apparatus for Making Mould Candles"; "Shark's Tooth found in Pease Creek, East Florida"... See More
Erricsson's Caloric Engine...
Item #644250
November 08, 1851
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 8, 1851 The front page has two illustrations of a "Steam Engine Regulator". Inside the issue are illustrations of "Erricsson's Caloric Engine" and "A Cheap Cottage". Also inside is the ruling of an infringement of patent case dealing with the McCormick's Reaper. Additional articles and advertisements are within as ... See More
Inventor's & Inventions Collection I
The Late 1800's Set
Item #180180
Inventors & Inventions Collection I The Late 1800s Set - Each set contains 5 issues of The Scientific American Magazine, one each from 1850s, 1860s, 1870s, 1880s and 1890s. Follow scientific and technological progress through the 2nd half of the 1800s. Many inventions seemed like great idea at the time, but An interesting look at both the accomplishments and failures of over 100 years ago.
Reflections on the discoveries during 1851... The Crystal Palace...
Item #652585
January 03, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, January 3, 1852
* Reflections on the discoveries during 1851...
* The New York World's Fair and the Crystal Palace
Patents, new inventions and discoveries, and the mid 1800's world of science is explored within the pages of this issue from early 1852. Inside has two articles of particular interest: "Progress of Discovery During 1851" and "A World&... See More
The Starrucca Viaduct, still in use today...
Item #616404
February 07, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852 The front page features a nice engraving of: "Starrucca Viaduct, on the New York and Erie Railroad". At the time of its construction, the bridge was thought to be the most expensive railway bridge in the world, at a cost of $320,000 (equal to $8,722,462 today). It was the largest stone rail viaduct in the mid-19th century and is still in ... See More
The Starrucca Viaduct, still in use today...
Item #614118
February 07, 1852
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Feb. 7, 1852
* Starrucca Viaduct print
* Lanesboro, Pennsylvania
The front page features a nice engraving of: "Starrucca Viaduct, on the New York and Erie Railroad". At the time of its construction, the bridge was thought to be the most expensive railway bridge in the world, at a cost of $320,000 (equal to $8,722,462 today). It was the largest ... See More
Very early sewing machine...
Item #565374
September 24, 1853
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Sept. 24, 1853 The front page has both an article and two illustrations on: "Miller's Sewing Machine" which was one of the earliest to be commercially developed (see photos). The text is very descriptive on how the machine works.
Complete in 8 pages, other scientific developments on the inside pages, some slight rubbing at folds, generall... See More
Scathing report on The Smithsonian Institute...
Item #657048
March 11, 1854
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 11, 1854 While this early issue of this title (Volume IX) has a number of illustrations and interesting content, the most noteworthy item is the rather scathing article regarding the Smithsonian Institute.
It states, in part: "It is our opinion that if [James] Smithsonian were to rise from the dead, his first object would be to try and get the... See More
Early (1855) sewing machine...
Item #674674
December 01, 1855
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 1, 1855 This issue contains several illustrations and articles related to the latest inventions of the day. These illustrations include: "Cowperthwaite's Patent Sewing Machine", "Sawing A Log By Its Own Weight", "Combined Weather Strip and Lock" and more. See images for details.
Complete in 8 pages, some corner f... See More
Great item for the fire-fighting collector...
Item #657050
November 15, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Nov. 15, 1856
* Great pre-Civil War fire engine print
For the collector of fire-fighting memorabilia, this is a terrific issue.
The entire front page is taken up with a very detailed & terrific print titled: "The New Steam Fire Engine" which was called the "Neptune", manufactured by Silsby, Mynderse & Company in Seneca Falls, ... See More
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #646408
December 06, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Dec. 6, 1856 An inside page has a fascinating article and illustration of: "Cooper's Hand Printing Machine" with a descriptive article headed: "Hand Printing Machine". The "Virtual Antique Typewriter Museum" notes that this is a unique piece; only one example of this machine is known to exist. This may well be the earliest prin... See More
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #646409
December 06, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Dec. 6, 1856 An inside page has a fascinating article and illustration of: "Cooper's Hand Printing Machine" with a descriptive article headed: "Hand Printing Machine". The "Virtual Antique Typewriter Museum" notes that this is a unique piece; only one example of this machine is known to exist. This may well be the earliest prin... See More
Very early typewriter, with an illustration...
Item #655452
December 06, 1856
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Dec. 6, 1856 An inside page has a fascinating article and illustration of: "Cooper's Hand Printing Machine" with a descriptive article headed: "Hand Printing Machine". The "Virtual Antique Typewriter Museum" notes that this is a unique piece; only one example of this machine is known to exist.
This may well be the earliest pri... See More
Inventor's & Inventions Collection III
The Two Century Set
Item #180182
Inventors & Inventions Collection III The Two Century Set - $38 (lot #80182) Each set contains 5 issues of Scientific American Magazine, one each from 1850s-1860s, 1870s-1880s, 1890s-1900s, 1910s-1920s, and 1930s -1940s. Follow nearly a century of technological and scientific progress, as seen through the eyes of the experts of the day.
Rope-making machine...
Item #581120
March 05, 1859
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 5, 1859 The front page of the issue features a large illustration of "Adam's Rope-Making Machine" with an associated article. Within the issue is "Hildreth & Bailey's Slitting Machine" and other various articles and advertisements.
This is complete in eight pages, unbound and uncut, with a small piece missing at the bottom of th... See More
First issue of the new format...
Item #613731
July 02, 1859
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, July 2, 1859 This is the first issue of the new format, or "New Series" as described in the dateline. This was previously a folio-size newspaper. The front page has an illustration of "Nystrom's Improved Hydraulic Pontoon Dock". Inside the issue is "Baird's Car Seat and Reclining Chair"; "Crumbie & Brigg's Impr... See More
Burrough's paper cutter...
Item #152624
October 08, 1859
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 8, 1859 This 16 page magazine is in nice condition and is loaded with early invention illustrations and descriptions along with several interesting advertisements. Many of the things we use today on a regular basis were just being invented back then. This particular issue has on the front page: "BURROUGH'S IMPROVED PAPER-CUTTER."
Cigar Making Machine...
Item #204127
October 15, 1859
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, N.Y., Oct. 15, 1859 Front page illustration shows a worker seated at a machine: "Beauches Cigar-Making Machine", and an article: "Improved Machine For Making Cigars". A volume I issue of the "New Series". Soft horizontal fold crease. 16 pages.
The legendary Springfield rifle, a staple of the Civil War...
Item #636343
August 18, 1860
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Aug. 18, 1860 The front page has an article: "A New Rifle Weapon" which describes what would be known as the Springfield Model 1861 rifle. This report is from its early days of creation noting in part: "...has just been finished at the Springfield armory & sent to the Ordnance Dept. at Washington...It is intended wholly for wall service,... See More
Early inventions...
Item #634367
November 24, 1860
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 24, 1860 The front cover has "Christman's Improved Brick Elevator" with an accompanying article. Inside the issue is: "Lyman's Improved Protracting Trigonometer"; "Cook's Improved Veneer Cutter"; "Sutton's Improved Sleigh Coupling"; "Improved Skate and Ankle Brace"; and more article... See More
Largest hotel, the Lindell House...
Item #634327
December 22, 1860
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 22, 1860 The front cover has "Huntington's Improved Snow Power" with an accompanying article. Inside the issue is: "The Largest Hotel in the World" which was the Lindell House in St. Louis, Missouri. This was destroyed by fire in 1867 as reported in the Harper's Weekly issue dated April 20, 1867; "Crandall's Hydraul... See More
A rare coin auction in 1862...
Item #663886
March 08, 1862
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 8, 1862 From the midst of the Civil War, it is not surprising that the ftpg. has a nice print of: "Hopkins's Improved Mode of Mounting Cannon". But the most interesting article is: "The Value of Old Coins" which any coin collector would appreciate. It reports on an old coin auction and notes some of the prices: a 1793 penny for $2,... See More
Early ice skate patent...
Item #140804
November 15, 1862
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 15, 1862 This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations and/or photos of the latest inventions of the day including the following: Farm Cultivator - Rotary Pump - Early Ice Skates & more. These illustrations also have related text.
Nine issues with Civil War-related content...
Item #669671
December 27, 1862
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York A nice lot of 9 different issues from 1862, each contains within reports on military events from the Civil War, or reports of developments and improvements of military equipment.
Each issue complete in 16 pages and in very nice condition.
Six issues with Civil War-related content...
Item #669854
December 27, 1862
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York A nice lot of 6 different issues from 1863 & 1864, each contains within reports on military events from the Civil War, or reports of developments and improvements of military equipment.
Each issue complete in 16 pages and in nice condition.
Patent cow-milker... publication on inventions...
Item #657502
January 24, 1863
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, January 24, 1863 The front cover has an illustration entitled "The Celebrated Patent Cow-Milker" and "Colvin's Breast Pump" with an accompanying article. Within the issue are: "Lane's Patent Potato-Digger"; "Swift's Patent Chimney-Fastener"; "Drake's Patent Churn Power" and additional articles an... See More
The historic American Watch Company...
Item #669735
April 11, 1863
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 11, 1863 The front page has a large print of: "The Factory of the American Watch Company" in Waltham, Massachusetts. The balance of the front page is taken up with an article on it carrying over to take all of page 2 & a bit of page 3.
This site remains today as an historic district.
Sixteen pages, nice condition.... See More
Early refrigerator patent, a hay fork & Hay rack, CW reports...
Item #670961
April 25, 1863
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 25, 1863 The front page of this issue has an illustration and supporting text re: the "Bartlett's Patent Refrigerator". The inside pages has: "Cobb's Patent Hay Rack", "Raymond's Patent Hay Fork", "Johnson's Patent Piston-Rod Packing, and more. There are also two Civil War reports - one "The attack o... See More
Revolving shield gun carriage...
Item #140814
August 01, 1863
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, August 1, 1863 This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations of the latest inventions of the day. These illustrations also have related text.
How to better armor ships...
Item #669696
January 02, 1864
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Jan. 2, 1864 The entire front page is taken up with a nice graphic and article: "Improved System For Armored Ships".
The graphics show how damage to a ship differs when a steel/wood shall is constructed differently. A nice graphic from the Civil War and a logical item for a scientific publication. The article continues on to page 2 where is another g... See More
Improved warship guns...
Item #669698
June 18, 1864
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, June 18, 1864 The front page is mostly taken up with a nice cut-away print of: "Woodbury's Improved War-Sip and Submarine Guns" with a related article carrying over to page 2.
There are other war-related articles inside.
Complete in 16 pages, very nice condition.
Creating billiard balls...
Item #669804
March 04, 1865
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, March 4, 1865 The front pages features a nice print of a: "Lathe For Turning Billiard Balls" with a lengthy article taking over one-third of the page. A nice issue for any billiards or pool collector.
Inside has an illustrated article: "Allen's Supporter For Fractured Legs".
Sixteen pages, nice condition.
The surrender of Lee at Appomattox...
Item #657241
April 15, 1865
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 15, 1865
* General Robert E. Lee surrenders
* Battle of Appomattox Court House
An inside page has over a full column taken up with a report headed: "THE GREAT VICTORY" which is an editorialized report concerning the surrender of General Robert E. Lee to General U.S. Grant at Appomattox.
The report concludes with: "The surrender of L... See More
Improved bridges for the military... A breech-loading rifle...
Item #669802
May 13, 1865
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, May 13, 1865 The front page has a nice print of: "Derrom's System For Trestle Bridges" with a related article titled: "Improved System for Trestle Bridges" It begins: "The transit of streams in military operations is often one of the most embarrassing incidents of a campaign...During the whole of the present war & up to th... See More
On the invention of the typewriter...
Item #623366
July 06, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, July 6, 1867
* Inventor John Pratt - pterotype
* Invention of the typewriter
The front page has an article: "Improved Portable Photographic Apparatus" which 2 illustrations of: "Houston's Portable Photographic Camera" (see). But the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 article headed: "Type Writing Machine" ... See More
New York City Fire Department...
Item #638524
September 14, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, September 14, 1867 This issue has a 1/3 page illustration "The Metropolitan Steam Fire Engine, No. 1., Employed by the New York Fire Department" with an accompanying article "Steam Fire Engines". Also within this issue is:"Howard's Patent Horse Rake"; "Franklin's Suspended Lever Scale"; and additional illu
... See More
Grover and Baker's sewing machine...
Item #223210
September 21, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, September 21, 1867
* Grover and Baker's sewing machine
... See More
* Grover and Baker's sewing machine
* Can Opener
This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations, accompanied by text, of the latest inventions of the day including: "Grover and Baker's Improved Shuttle Sewing Machine", "Heitmann's Patent Anchor Tripper", and "Cox and
This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations, accompanied by text, of the latest inventions of the day including: "Grover and Baker's Improved Shuttle Sewing Machine", "Heitmann's Patent Anchor Tripper", and "Cox and
Death of Elias Howe, inventor of the sewing machine...
Item #637496
October 19, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 19, 1867 The front page has an article headed: "Obituary" on the death of Elias Howe, Jr., the inventor of the sewing machine. The front page includes a nice illustration of Howe. Inside the issue is "The French Iron-Clad Ram 'Taureau'";"Minor & Ward's Road Repairing Machine and Cotton Land Ridger"; and addi... See More
Ice skating chair...
Item #654087
November 09, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 9, 1867 The front cover of this issue is "The Turkish Mosque in the Paris Exposition" an accompanying article inside. Within the issue is: "Althouse's Combined Scissors and Buttonhole Cutter"; "Adamson's Skating Device"; "Swinnerton's Horse Hay Rake and Gatherer"; and additional illustrations, article... See More
Band Saw...
Item #577249
November 30, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 30, 1867. This issue contains illustrations of the latest inventions of the day including the following prints: BAND SAW - CAM ENGINE - STORAGE TRUNK - SAW TEETH - BOILER REGULATOR & Much More. These illustrations also have text that goes along with them. Very interesting advertisements as well, back in the day when many of the normal things we use today... See More
Cotton seed planter...
Item #200390
December 14, 1867
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 14, 1867 This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations of the latest inventions of the day including the following inventions: COTTON SEED PLANTER - RAILROAD SWITCH - EDUCATIONAL APPARATUS - BUCKET WHEEL & Much More. These illustrations also have text that goes along with them. Very interesting advertisements as well, back in t... See More
Leaning Tower of Pisa in detail...
Item #647960
February 29, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, February 29, 1868 The front page has "The New Suspension Bridge over the Cumberland, at Nashville, Tenn." with an accompanying article. Also on the front cover and continuing inside is "Editorial Correspondence" which is a detailed article on the Leaning Tower of Pisa. No illustrations are included. Inside the issue is: "Turning a... See More
First practical typewriter... Forerunner of the 'Ouija Board' game...
Item #657246
July 08, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, July 8, 1868
* Christopher Latham Sholes
* Patent for 1st practical typewriter
Near the back is a lengthy list of the: "Official Report of Patents and Claims Issued by the United States Patent Office for the week ending June 23, 1868."
One of these is the patent for the very first practical typewriter, given to C. Latham Sholes, headed:&... See More
Velocipede...
Item #589570
August 19, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, August 19, 1868
* Hanlons' Patent Improved Velocipede, with image
An inside page has a nice article, "Improvement in the Velocipede", which is accompanied by a 4 3/4 inch square print, "Hanlons' Patent Improved Velocipede". Other interesting inventions and period advertising are present throughout.
Complete in 16 pages, meas... See More
Suspension bridge over the Hudson...
Item #648921
October 28, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, October 28, 1868 The front page has "Francis' Car Heating and Ventilating Apparatus" and "Nagle's Patent Expanding Mandrel" with accompanying articles. Within the issue is "The Joy Patent Steam Hammer"; "Suspension Bridge Over The Hudson"; and additional articles and advertisements.
Complete in sixteen pages
... See More
Complete in sixteen pages
Perry and Goddard's perpetual revolver...
Item #657811
November 18, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 18, 1868
* Perry & Goddard's perpetual revolver
* Perry & Goddard's perpetual revolver
This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations, accompanied by text, of the latest inventions of the day including: "The Perry and Goddard 'Double Header,' or 'Perpetual Revolver'", and "Double Seated Lock Safety Valve".
... See More
Brick & tile machine...
Item #204945
November 25, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, November 25, 1868 This 16 page issue is in nice condition and contains illustrations of the latest inventions of the day including the following: BRICK & TILE MACHINE - WAGON BRAKE - CARRIAGE POLE - STEAM PUMP & more. These illustrations also have related text.
Washing Machine...
Item #644251
December 02, 1868
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, December 2, 1868. The front page features "Reynolds' Steam Condensing and Water Elevating Engine". Inside the issue are: "Selfridge's Patent Washing Machine"; "Gear's Variety Planing and Molding Machine"; "Hattan's Patent Fireplace"; "Dimock's Thermo-Annuciator"; and additional illustrations, artic... See More
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