Sold: Locomotive Smoke Stack

This unusual patent model was created to demonstrate an innovative design to the locomotive smoke stack. John Wiggin of Houston, Texas, filed his application for his “Spark Arrester” on December 19, 1879, and was granted Patent No. 224,497 on February 10, 1880. According to Wiggin, his invention would create a “partial vacuum” which prevented “not only the emitting of black smoke, but will also effectively reduce the larger sparks to a degree from which no danger may be apprehended.” The patent model includes its original tag, which was backed in paper board and plastic to preserve it. A rare patent model for the railroad collector, but also a compelling work of industrial sculpture.