George Munger's 1866 School Desk and Seat Patent Model

George Munger from East River, Connecticut, received a U.S. patent for an improved school desk and seat. Patent no. 57824 was issued on September 4, 1866.

This desk is constructed with dovetails or tongue and grooves to facilitate shipping. The design could be broken down, packed in a small area, and easily built without skilled labor. There are four cross pieces that form the back of the seat and only one screw and two nail heads that show. The desktop does not move and the seat does not fold. There are four slats across the backrest. It is mounted on a platform.

George Munger was born on November 27, 1827. He partnered in many successful manufacturing businesses. In 1877 he built a factory in East River, Connecticut for manufacturing a line of school supplies, including desks and furniture. He originated the dovetail method of putting iron and wood together. Munger died on April 7, 1903.

Where this page came from

This page was imported from Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Released by the Smithsonian Institution under CC0 through Smithsonian Open Access.

Nobody has written it yet — it is the source material at a new address, which is why search engines are asked to skip it and why no one earns from it. It is up for grabs: take it on, and it is yours to rewrite and to earn from.