Balloon Factory

Balloon factory in Paris. 19th century. Probably looks a lot like the place where prepare for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade.

Invasion of Britain

A French raft design for the invasion of Britain. Late 18th century.

Columbus Monument

This Columbus Monument was designed for the Chicago Exhibition. "Conveying visitors by lift to the Equator, and thence by spiral railway to the North Pole." I don't remember seeing it in Chicago, so I will assume it was never built?

Cat piano

Cat piano. A fine 19th century invention. "The keys press the cats' tails, each of which mews a certain note." Yes, from the way it's worded it appears as if the tails were expected to be mewing, but I'm sure they eventually figured it out.

19th century tattoos

The Last Supper tattoo? God will be pleased.



The motto across this late 19th century tattoo enthusiast clearly says "Forget me not." Seriously, how can this be erased from ones memory?

Birthday Greeting

"Birthday Greeting" by Ernst Payer. Why is this child not frightened to death?

American Knight

A stunning thing of political propaganda: "American Knight, the world's challenger" (1911). Notice the gauntlet thrown on the ground.