Patent Stories
History of the Dice
The history of dice from ancient knucklebones to Paul Mitchell's 1925 U.S. patent, covering 5,000 years of gambling, math, and game design. Prints from $49.99.
Learn more
History of the Fire Helmet
Edward Cairns patented the fire helmet in 1932, solving the problem of the brass eagle ornament falling off. Henry Gratacap designed the original Americanstyle helmet between 1821 and 1836.
Learn more
History of the Camera
The history of the camera from the ancient camera obscura to Niepce's 1827 photograph to Harvey Friedman's 1979 Polaroid film roller patent. Prints from $49.99.
Learn more
History of the Croquet
The 1883 croquet patent by Alfred Farley introduced luminous balls for easier play. Explore croquet's history from paille-maille to patent art prints.
Learn more
History of the Fire Extinguisher
Almon Granger patented the chemical fire extinguisher in 1880, building on a 1723 gunpowder design. The dry chemical unit arrived in 1928 and changed firefighting.
Learn more
History of the Dart Board
The 1937 dartboard patent by Thomas Tempest introduced a removable bullseye. Explore dart's history from medieval soldiers to the U.S. patent art print.
Learn more
History of the Hot Air Balloon
The history of the hot air balloon from 1783 to Ralph Upson's 1923 patent. How lighter-than-air flight went from royal spectacle to military tool to sport.
Learn more
History of the Blue Fishing Lure
Lawrence Loeb patented the translucent artificial fishing lure in 1950, creating a hook hidden inside an insect-imitating body that fish could not detect. The lure has roots in 2000 BC.
Learn more
History of the Cigar
The history of cigars from ancient Mayan origins through Columbus, Cuban trade monopolies, and Heraclio Farias's 1887 manufacturing patent. Prints framed or unframed.
Learn more