SALESMAN SAMPLE SELF-CLOSING GATE HINGE

Recent auction find. As of now it is of unknown origin. It is small enough to be a patent model, however, the 2nd photo is of another one painted silver/gray which leads me to believe they are both salesman samples.

Swinging the gate open lifts the gate to clear obstructions in its path. Handy in areas with accumulated snow. The hinge design allows the gate to close automatically.

UPDATE: November 10, 2018 I stumbled onto the original patent model located at the Hagley Musuem in Wilmington, Deleware on the site of the E. I. DuPont gunpowder plant founded in 1802. Photo included not intended to infringe on any copyright.

Thomas Crane, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin received patent No. US218494 dated August 12, 1879 for Improvement in Gate Hinges.

My gate model was awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Mechanical Items category of the 2018 State Fair of Texas Hobby Collections Division of the Creative Arts Department.