Early 20th C. Vanderlinden Bending Machine Salesman Sample with Patent Archive

1904; William Vanderlinden - Lansing, IL

Extensive salesman's demonstration set centered on William Vanderlinden's patented hand-operated bending machine, accompanied by its fitted carrying case, patent documentation, sample display, accessories, and six printer's blocks. The soft-metal model closely follows the mechanism illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 755,588, employing a circular platform, interchangeable forming templates, adjustable clamping members, friction roller, and articulated hand levers.

Vanderlinden designed the machine for bending iron rods and bars into closed or open eyes, spirals, angles, and U-shaped hooks. Its adjustable components allowed different forms to be produced using a compact hand-operated machine mounted to an anvil, workbench, or similar support. The accompanying wood display board retains numerous examples of bent wirework, including hooks, loops, eyes, a spiral, and other formed configurations; its easel support is included. The six mounted printer's blocks appear to illustrate the machine and examples of its finished work.

The archive includes the patent grant bearing its attached blue ribbon and red seal, along with a bound copy of the patent specifications and two sheets of technical drawings. The latter are housed in a leather document cover lettered "Scientific American Patent Agency, Munn & Co., New York." Additional accessories, forming pieces, loose hardware, wood-mounted printing blocks, and demonstration components are retained within the case.

William Vanderlinden of Lansing, Illinois, received U.S. Patent No. 755,588 on March 22, 1904, assigning a one-half interest to George Dekker, also of Lansing. Haskell Brothers, whose label appears inside the carrying case only, was a Chicago trunk and luggage manufacturer founded in 1865 and known for producing trunks, valises, traveling bags, and merchants' sample cases.

The leather-covered wood box is in fragile condition, with extensive dryness, peeling, losses, scuffs, and surface wear. The handle is present but cracking at both ends. The front latch operates, as does the left hinge; the right hinge is broken but retained for possible restoration. Documentation is stained and faded but remains legible, and the ribbon and seal remain attached. The leather document envelope is present but has separated at its binding point or fold. The six printer's blocks exhibit varying degrees of image clarity. The soft-metal model shows age-related wear, and several nuts are finger-tight, allowing some mechanical elements to be manipulated easily. The example board and its easel are included. No guarantee is made that all original parts are present. Tested for movement only, not functionality.

Case: 8.25" L x 9" W x 7.5" H (with handle flat)

MM - 22784 - 102626

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