Patent Model of Pulsating Stencil Pencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel. Josiah Gunning (1840-1910) graduated from medical school and spent the Civil War as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. After his wife's death in 1869, he entered seminary and was ordained. His invention of a pulsating pen was considered remarkable enough to win him a bronze medal from the American Institute.