IMPROVEMENTS IN WRITING DESKS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH
Year: 1860

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to John Garnett, of Windermere, in the County of
Westmorland, Printer and Stationer, for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS
IN WRITING DESKS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH."
Sealed the 25th January 1861, and dated the 17th August 1860.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said John Garnett at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the 17th
August 1860.
I, JOHN GARNETT, of Windermere, in the County of Westmorland, Printer
and Stationer, do hereby declare the nature of the said Invention for "In-
PROVEMENTS IN WRITING DESKS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH," to be
as follows:
This Invention relates to a novel construction and arrangement of that part
of a writing desk where the penholders and pencils are usually kept, and also
to improved apparatus.connected with writing desks, and capable of separate
use.
According to one part of this Invention, it is proposed to place suitable
partitions in the space for holding the penholders or pencils, whereby they
may be made to rest or lie one above another, a space being left for the
introduction of the finger in taking them out for use.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application and use of a spiral
surface inside an inkstand, such surface being attached to a spindle by which
it may be readily turned round under the dipping cup or orifice, and thereby
regulate the depth of dip of the pen. An indicator on the top of the spindle
serves to show the position of the deepest part of the dip regulator. In

page_text: some cases it is proposed to use a sliding lid or cover made to slide over on to
the orifice of the inkstand, and be pressed down thereon by a nut on the spindle
of the dip regulator, a lining of india-rubber on the under side of the lid serving
to keep the joint air-tight. The aperture through which the spindle of the dip
regulator passes is also maintained air-tight by an india-rubber washer tighted
up by turning the nut above referred to.*
Another part of my Invention relates to an apparatus for moistening and
fixing postage stamps, and consists in the use of a water fountain, which im-
parts a constant supply of moisture to a pad upon which the stamp to be
moistened is pressed by means of a presser, also provided with a padded surface,
through which a number of sharp points project. The object of these points
is to lift the dry stamp, which is then pressed against the moistened pad above
referred to, and removed therefrom and applied to the paper to receive it, the
adhesion of the moistened gum thereto drawing the stamp from off its holding
points.
Another part of my Invention consists of an improved gumholder. This
holder is constructed on the fountain principle, and the handle of the brush is
so formed as to entirely fill the mouth of the gum fountain, to which it serves
as a stopper. The introduction of the handle into the mouth of the fountain
causes the gum to be forced up to the lip or edge thereof, and consequently
keeps it constantly moist. A lip or scraper is fitted inside the mouth, for the
purpose of removing any excess of gum from the brush on taking it out of
the fountain.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application and use of a
glass writing tablet, whereby-in writing upon thin paper the liability of the
pen to stab or tear the paper is entirely obviated. In combination with this
tablet a spring clip may be used for the purpose of holding the paper stretched
over the surface thereof when writing. The back of the tablet may be pro-
vided with any ordinary writing surface, such as leather or blotting paper, the
clip being equally applicable to both surfaces.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent, filed
by the said John Garnett in the Great Seal Patent Office.on the
..16th February 1861.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE. PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, JOHN
GARNETT, of Windermere, in the County of Westmorland, Printer and. 3.
Stationer, send greeting.

page_text: WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her Letters
Patent, bearing date the Seventeenth day of August, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and sixty, in the twenty-fourth year of Her
reign, did, for Herself,. Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto me,
the said John Garnett, Her special license that I, the said John Garnett,
my executors, administrators, and assigns, or such others as I, the said John
Garnett, my executors, administrators, or assigns, should at any time
agree with, and no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter
during the term therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use,
exercise, and vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ire-
land, the Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN WRITING DESKS AND IN APPARATUS CONNECTED THEREWITH," upon the con-
dition (amongst others) that I, the said John Garnett, by an instrument
in writing under my hand and seal, should particularly describe and ascertain
the nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be
performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent Office
within six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said
Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said John Garnett, do hereby declare the
nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be per-
formed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement, reference being had to the accompanying Drawings, and to the
letters and figures marked thereon, that is to say :-
My said Invention relates to a novel construction and arrangement of that
part of a writing desk where the penholders and pencils are usually kept,, and
also to certain improved apparatus connected with writing desks, and capable
of separate use.
According to one part of my Invention, I propose to place suitable par-
titions in the compartment of the desk for holding the penholders or pencils,
whereby they may be made to rest or lie one above another, a space being
left on each side for the introduction of the fingers in taking them. out
for use.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application and use of a spiral
or inclined surface inside an inkstand for regulating the depth of dip of the
pen. An indicator on the top of the spindle serves to show the position of
the deepest part of the dip regulator. In some cases it is proposed to use a
sliding lid or cover made to, slide over the orifice of the inkstand, and be
pressed down thereon by a nut on the spindle of the dip regulator, a lining or
packing of india-rubber on the under side of the lid serving to keep the joint

page_text: air-tight. The aperture through which the spindle of the dip regulator passes
is also maintained'air-tight by an india-rubber washer, which is tightened up
by turning the nut above referred to.
:.
.. Another part of my Invention relates to an apparatus for moistening and
fixing postage stamps, and consists in the use of a water fountain, which
imparts a constant supply of moisture to a pad, upon which the stamp to be
moistened is pressed-by means of a presser provided with a number of sharp
points. The object of these points is to lift the dry stamp, the gummed
surface of which is then pressed against the moistened pad above referred to,
and subsequently applied to the paper to receive it, the adhesion of the
moistened gum thereto enabling the holding points to be withdrawn from the
stamp, which is left adhering to the surface of the paper.
:
Another part of my Invention consists of an improved gumholder.. This
holder is constructed on the fountain principle, and the handle of the brush
is förmed so as to entirely fill the mouth of the gum fountain, to which it
serves as a-stopper. The introduction of the liandle into the mouth of the
fountain causes-the gum to. be forced up-to the lip or edge thereof, and con-
sequently keeps it constantly moist. A lip or scraper is fitted inside the
niouth for the purpose of removing any excess of gum from the brush on
taking it out of the fountain.
Another part of my Invention consists in the application and use of a writing.
tablet of glass or other hard and smooth material, whereby in writing upon:
thin paper the liability of the pen to stab or tear the paper is entirely obviated..
In connection with this tablet or other writing surface a spring clip may be
used for the purpose of holding the paper stretched over the surface thereof
when writing. The back of the tablet may be provided with any ordinary
writing surface, such as leather or blotting paper, the clip being equally
applicable to both surfaces.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood, I shall now
proceed more particularly to describe the same; and for that purpose I shall
refer to the several Figures on the Sheet of Drawings hereunto annexed,
the same letters of reference indicating corresponding parts throughout all
the Figures.
Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a portable writing case or desk
fitted up with my improvements; Figures 2 and 3 represent respectively a
vertical section and plan of an inkstand or holder, with a spiral of inclined
surface for regulating the depth of dip of the pen. adapted thereto; Figure 4 is
a perspective' view of one form of the dip regulator detached from the inkstand;
Figure 5 is a similar view of my improved stamp damping and fixing appa-

page_text: ratus complete; Figure 6 is a separate view of the presser detached, shewing
the holding points on its under surface; Figure 7 is a perspective view of my
improved fountain gumholder and brush; Figure 8 is a separate view of the
brush detached; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the clip or paper
holder.
A is the body of the writing case, and B the lid, which is provided with a
suitable writing pad C, or with a tablet of glass, as herein-before. referred to,
if preferred. The interior of the case is subdivided into two large compart-
ments D'and E, one of which is adapted for containing note paper and envelopes,
and the other for containing long or business envelopes, as shewn. F is the
compartment for receiving penholders and pencils, it is provided, with four.
partitions ff, between which the penholders and. pencils are placed. The
vacant spaces g, g, left on either side admit of the ready insertion of the fingers.
when taking out a periholder or pencil for use. G is my improved. inkstand;
and H and I represent respectively my improved stamp damper and fixer. and.
gumholder, each packed into a suitable compartment; as shown. The inkstand,.
which may be either 'square or round, is provided with an, inclined or spiral.
dip regulator h (see Figures 2 and 4); this regulator may be made of wood or
other suitable matérial; and is secured to a vertical spindle ; which passes up.
through the cover of the inkstand; and packed' so as to be air-tight at the
orifice in the cover by.a packing ring of india-rubber or other suitable material
tightened up by the nut.k. An indicator or pointer on the top of the spindle
shews the position of the lowest part of the incline in the dip regulator, and
serves as a handle by, which to turn or adjust the regulator. m is a lid or
cover which is centred on the spindle i, so as to be turned over the dipping
orifice in-the-inkstand when not in use, the under side of this cover-being:
packed so as to keep it air-tight when pressed down by the nut k above
referred to:
.
The stamp damper and fixer H (Figures 5 and 6) is constructed on the
fountain principle; it consists of a vessel enclosed in the casing at a for con-
taining water, the inverted mouth of which communicates with a pad b, which
is thereby kept moist. The presser c when not in use is turned sideways, as
shewn, so as to rest upon the edges of the trough containing the pad, and is
consequently not in contact with the moistened pad, which would have the
effect of attracting too much moisture. The under side of the presser may be
padded or faced with gutta percha or other suitable material, as shewn, and-is
provided with sharp points for the purpose herein-before referred to. d is a
spring which holds the presser in its place when not in use, the end of the
spring engaging into a nick or notch.on the top of the presser.

page_text: The gumholder I (Figure 7) is also on the fountain principle, the gum
being contained in an inverted vessel in the casing at e, and the brush n
(Figure 8) is made sufficiently large at its lower end o to fill the mouth of the
fountain, and act as a stopper thereto, as shewn. A packing ring p serves to
keep the aperture air-tight, whilst the spring 9 engaging into the notch at the
top of the brush handle keeps the brush in its place.
Figure 9 represents a simple form of clip, which may be fitted to any
writing pad or tablet for the purpose of holding the paper thereon without
the necessity for touching it with the hand. a, a, are two metal fingers under
which the paper is to be slipped; b is an under plate, which is rivetted to the
upper or finger plate a, and serves to secure the clip to the edge of the pad or
tablet; and C is a hinged plate, which may be used as a clasp when the clip
is applied to a writing folio.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said
Invention, and the manner in which the same is or may be used or carried
into effect, I would.observe, in conclusion, that what I consider to be novel
and original, and therefore claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-
before in part recited Letters Patent, is;-
The general construction-and-arrangement-of-writing-desks or-cases-and
apparatus connected therewith, as herein-before described. .
In witness whereof, I, the said John Garnett, have hereunto set my.
hand and seal, this Thirteenth day of February, One thousand eight
hundred and sixty-one.
JOHN GARNETT. (L.S.)