Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2022.05.19 |
Object Name |
Pin, Safety |
Year Range from |
1919 |
Features |
8 small safety pins attached to a cardboard backing. Cardboard backing is coloured white with pattern of orange cross hatch and dark blue text "JOHNSON'S//SAFETY PINS// No. 1" and "Johnson & Johson//Ltd.//MONTREAL CANADA" |
Object Story |
These safety pins were stored in the first aid kit originally owned by William Edward Vine c.1910 and stored at the family cottage located just south of the Napanee River. They could have been added by William himself (1883-1948) or one of his descendants (listed under 2022.05.01). New York mechanic and independent inventor Walter Hunt created the safety pin in 1849. The motivation for inventing the safety pin, which he originally referred to as a 'dress pin', was that Mr. Hunt owed another man a debt of $15, and designed the pin to make money fast so as to repay the sum. Its key improvement on other similar pins was the spring included in the design. He patented the design for the safety pin April 10, 1849 (U.S. Patent No. 6281), however he did not have much confidence in the invention and sold the rights to it for just $400. Later businessmen made significant fortunes off the success of the invention, and Mr. Hunts unfortunate decision to sell the rights. |
People |
Vine, William Edward Hunt, Walter |
Subjects |
Safety Pins First Aid Kit Cottage Safety |
Search Terms |
Napanee River River Road Napanee Vine Cottage |