Free Art Download: 8 Vintage Patent Designs

Looking for something simple, beautiful, and cheap to hang on your walls?

Some things become so common, it's easy to forget there was a time before they existed. These 8 beautiful patent designs, graciously found and formatted by Primer reader ColbyJH, show the early lives of just a few of these kinds of things. The motorcycle. The Telecaster guitar. The bicycle. All had to be designed, built, and patented before they could be sold.

I love these prints: They're minimalist in design and work in any room with almost any kind of frame. They're beautiful line drawings – just imagine the skill needed to draw one of these before computers. They're also incredibly versatile. You can hang them vertically or horizontally, based on whichever works best for you or what you think looks the coolest.

They're offered here, free to download in two sizes. First, is 11×14, the common size of the Free Art Downloads. I love putting mine in $5 black frames from Wal-Mart. They look much more expensive than they are.  Simply have them printed at Staples or Costco on 11×17 paper, for a buck or two a piece.

The second size is a gigantic 36×48, sized to be printed as a $7 engineering print at Staples the same way we did on our map project. For more detailed instructions on printing, check that article for specifics and more art ideas.  Both sizes include a built in white border that mimics a matte.

Some of the patent prints aren't the earliest design, but may be a common variation or had the coolest drawing. And if you want to find more patent drawings check out Google's Patent Search.

The Motorcycle – Adam Ziska Jr., 1919

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Motorcycle patent art print

The Telecaster – CL Fender, 1951

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Fender guitar art print

Camera with Coupled Exposure Meter – E. Sauer, 1962

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Camera patent art print

Double Edge Safety Razor Embodying Flexible Blade Pressure Control – Frederick L. Risher, 1972

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Razor patent art print

Bicycle – EJ O'Connor, 1894

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Bicycle patent art print

Precision Bass – CL Fender, 1952

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Guitar patent art print

Electric Guitar Design – Ted McCarty, 1955

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Electric guitar patent art print

Fender Guitar Amplifier – CL Fender, 1959

Download: 11×14 | 36×48

Amplifier patent art print

Be sure to also check out our collection post, with over 40 free printable wall art downloads.

Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.