Buckle. (open access)

Buckle.

Patent for a new and improved buckle. This design utilizes two separate tongues that run freely along a middle bar, which lengthens the life of the strap by distributing pressure and allowing for broken out, frayed, or otherwise worn holes to be circumvented for new ones.
Date: May 3, 1881
Creator: Burket, John
System: The Portal to Texas History
Letter Tie. (open access)

Letter Tie.

Patent for a new and improved clasp for letters. This design calls for wire or sheet metal to be shaped into a suitable size and shape for letters, including tabs on the ends to snap together to fasten the letters. This eliminates the need for twine or string, which reduces the flammability of the packages.
Date: May 3, 1881
Creator: Price, James N.
System: The Portal to Texas History
Stamp Canceler and Register. (open access)

Stamp Canceler and Register.

Patent for a new and improved stamp canceller. This design "consists in the combination, with an ordinary hand canceling device, of an indicator" (lines 22-24). This design utilizes a lever, and "[b]y properly adjusting [it], the device will indicate the cancellation of one-cent or three-cent stamps, and it is obvious that by making similar and proper provision for the adjustment of the throw of [the lever] the cancellation of stamps of any denomination may be indicated" (lines 83-89).
Date: May 3, 1881
Creator: Lupton, Lewis R.
System: The Portal to Texas History