Incoming US Presidents typically redecorate the Oval Office at the White House. C-span conducted an interview with President Obama recently. One of the notable changes for readers of this blog is that patent models from the late 1800’s now adorn the shelves of the oval office:
Henry Williams’ 1877 feathering paddlewheel for steamboats
John Peer’s 1874 gear-cutting machine
Samuel Morse’s 1849 telegraph