Combination-Tool. (open access)

Combination-Tool.

Patent for a combination tool "specifically adapted for use as a pan or plate lifter or a stove-lid lifter and which may also be used for holding dishes while being washed" (lines 4-7), including illustrations.
Date: May 18, 1897
Creator: Swenson, Charles E. & Swenson, Olive C.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Ant-Trap. (open access)

Ant-Trap.

Patent for a "trap designed to be placed around an ant-hill and adapted to capture ants leaving or returning to the ant-hill." (Lines 11-13) Includes instructions and illustrations.
Date: May 18, 1897
Creator: Bond, William Beebe
System: The Portal to Texas History
Wrist-Guide and Foot-Guard for Pianos. (open access)

Wrist-Guide and Foot-Guard for Pianos.

Patent for “…a piano attachment consisting of an adjustable wrist-pin and foot-guard adapted to serve as a means for securing the proper position of the wrist and forearm in practice and also adapted to protect the front panel of the instrument and serve, with children, as a foot-rest. Further objects and advantages of this invention will appear in the following description, and the novel features thereof will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims” (lines 8-19).
Date: May 18, 1897
Creator: Norcross, Levi Watson
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oil Substitute. (open access)

Oil Substitute.

Patent for an oil paint substitute consisting of furniture glue, water, soda ash, and salicylic acid, rosin, and pigment. Includes instructions for three different formulas.
Date: May 18, 1897
Creator: Reynolds, Walter James
System: The Portal to Texas History
Freezer. (open access)

Freezer.

Patent for improvements to freezers for freezing liquids and confections, with illustrations.
Date: May 18, 1897
Creator: Jordan, James T.
System: The Portal to Texas History