Slide Shows | Technology

Mechanical Advertising Novelties from 1911 [Slide Show]

From Scientific American, September 30, 1911

  • Share
  • Email
  •  1 of 9  
Figure 1.
thumb: Figure 1.

Figure 1.

THE BOTTLE THAT CANNOT BE EMPTIED

A recently patented apparatus, which has been quite successful as an advertising novelty, consists of a bottle suspended in an inclined position and from its mouth there pours a constant stream of liquid into a tank....[More]

Figure 2.
thumb: Figure 2.

Figure 2.

A CLOCK WITH NO APPARENT DRIVING TRAIN

A clock, keeping excellent time and consisting of a plate of glass on which is painted a dial, a bolt passing through the center of the dial and forming an axis for hands, with no apparent place for a clock movement, will always attract much notice....[More]

Figure 3.
thumb: Figure 3.

Figure 3.

THE CONCEALED MAGNET CAUSES THE BALL TO ROLL AROUND BUT NEVER OFF THE BOX

Here is a clever apparatus for attracting attention. ...[More]

Figure 4.
thumb: Figure 4.

Figure 4.

THE CHIMNEY SWEEP BEFORE AND AFTER IMMERSION

Our illustration shows a device for calling attention to the excellence of a certain brand of soap....[More]

Figure 5.
thumb: Figure 5.

Figure 5.

THE CRESENT MOON SMOKES WITH THE AID OF A PUMP

Most people imagine that the wooden Indian has a monopoly on the tobacco business, but he has a competitor in this dummy which ostensibly smokes a cigar....[More]

Figure 6.
thumb: Figure 6.

Figure 6.

AN AUTOMATON THAT BLOWS SOAP BUBBLES

The blowing of soap bubbles is an occupation usually accorded to children, but an automaton for doing this has been patented....[More]

Figure 7.
thumb: Figure 7.

Figure 7.

THE DECEPTIVE CUP OF STEAMING COFFEE

Nothing is quite so comforting to a hungry man on a cold day as the steaming dishes of food displayed in the windows of restaurants....[More]

Figure 8.
thumb: Figure 8.

Figure 8.

A MECHANICAL BUTTERFLY 

The combination of flower and butterfly is designed for the display of precious stones. By means of a clockwork mechanism, a cavity in the flower is alternately opened and closed....[More]

Figure 9.
thumb: Figure 9.

Figure 9.

THE GLASS OF IMITATION CHAMPAGNE

Shows a display for effervescent wines. The stem of the wine glass is hollow and in the lower end is a porous plug, through which air is forced by a concealed pump....[More]

risk free title graphic

YES! Send me a free issue of Scientific American with no obligation to continue the subscription. If I like it, I will be billed for the one-year subscription.

cover image
ADVERTISEMENT

1 Comments

Add Comment
View
  1. 1. avb1989 12:17 AM 1/21/12

    Could you provide some more information about the clock with no drive train? The construction seems amazing.

    Reply | Report Abuse | Link to this
Leave this field empty

Add a Comment

You must sign in or register as a ScientificAmerican.com member to submit a comment.
Click one of the buttons below to register using an existing Social Account.
Advertisement

Email this Article

X
Scientific American Magazine

Subscribe Today

Save 66% off the cover price and get a free gift!

Learn More >>

X

Please Log In

Forgot: Password

X

Account Linking

Welcome, . Do you have an existing ScientificAmerican.com account?

Yes, please link my existing account with for quick, secure access.



Forgot Password?

No, I would like to create a new account with my profile information.

Create Account
X

Report Abuse

Are you sure?

X

Institutional Access

It has been identified that the institution you are trying to access this article from has institutional site license access to Scientific American on nature.com. To access this article in its entirety through site license access, click below.

Site license access
X

Error

X

Share this Article

X