Gallery: U.S. Patent Office Shows Off Timeless Machines

  • plartpatentmodelsf
    01

    pl-artpatentmodels-f

    Robertson picked this 1872 model of an electromagnetic engine for its visual appeal. "It reminds me of modern sculptures," he says. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi Photography*
  • plartpatentmodels2f
    02

    pl-artpatentmodels2-f

    A governor for controlling the speed of steam engines. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi Photography*
  • plartpatentmodels3f
    03

    pl-artpatentmodels3-f

    A paper-bag-making machine model submitted by Edgar Stocking. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi Photography*
  • Image may contain Human and Person
    Playing an obstacle-course-themed mini-game in Nintendo Land for Wii U. Photo credit: Andrea Schwalm.
    04

    pl-artpatentmodels4-f

    A mousetrap that didn't kill mice but held them captive. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi*
  • plartpatentmodels5f
    05

    pl-artpatentmodels5-f

    A cotton seed planter from 1865. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi*
  • plartpatentmodels6f
    06

    pl-artpatentmodels6-f

    A brick-pressing machine from 1855. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi*
  • plartpatentmodels7f
    James Scherzi
    07

    pl-artpatentmodels7-f

    An extension ladder from 1878. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi*
  • plartpatentmodels8f
    James Scherzi
    08

    pl-artpatentmodels8-f

    An artificial leg from 1860. *Rothschild Patent Model Collection, Scherzi*
Read More
The Best Duffel Bags for Commuters and Chronic Overpackers
Need to schlep some stuff? These field-tested duffels can handle your baggage.
Louryn Strampe
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergies, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The WIRED Guide to Los Angeles for Business Travelers
A tech industry guide to where to stay, eat, work, and play while visiting LA.
Jordan Michelman
The Best Travel Toiletry Bags for Every Trip
Our team evaluated a ton of toiletry bags to find the best storage, organization, and design options for all your essentials.
Kat Merck
Get the Most Out of Your iPad With These Accessories
Kit out your Apple tablet with our favorite stands, cases, keyboards, and styli.
Julian Chokkattu
Quell the Heat With Our Favorite Window Air Conditioners
These are the AC units we’ve trusted to cool our homes for months, if not years.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)
Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.
Simon Hill
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s delivery box, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
This Year’s Best Father’s Day Gifts for the Man Who Says He Doesn’t Need Anything
Dads are traditionally tough to shop for—let me help with these handpicked gift ideas for fathers with great taste.
Martin Cizmar
The Dyson Vacuums Worth Buying
Feeling the pull of a new clean machine? We’ll help you make sense of Dyson’s whirlwind vacuum lineup.
Nena Farrell
Get Wired With the Best USB-C Cables for Your Phone, Tablet, and Laptop
Unravel the tangled world of cords and find the ones you need to charge your gadgets and transfer data.
Simon Hill
All the Best Vacuum Cleaners We’ve Ever Tried
Looking for all our top recommended vacuums? Here are our favorites in every style we’ve tested, from stick vacs to robot vacuums.
Nena Farrell