Patent Model (Reproduction)
1967

In his early 20s, Lincoln helped pilot a flat boat down the Mississippi River but it often got stuck on sandbars.  Later he developed a system of bellows designed to float boats off sandbars.  It did not work well so it was never used. However, Lincoln received a patent on the invention, No. 6469, in March 1849. He was the only U.S. President to hold a patent.

Wood. H 32, W 83.4, D 17.7 cm
Lincoln Home National Historic Site, LIHO 6763