Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a patent model for the Skyrocket patented by John W. Hadfield in 1867. Hadfield, a pyrotechnicist, took out this patent as an improvement over his 1865 rocket patent. As in his original patent, this rocket features fins, or what Hadfield called "wings." He thereby eliminated the use of conventional wooden guidesticks. Hadfield claimed his rocket was also easier to pack and transport.

The use of wings on skyrockets was not unique by this period, however, and could be found in firework books going back to the 17th century. In any event, it does not appear that Hadfield's improvements were adopted by the fireworks industry.

Alan D. Dunphy gave this patent model to the Smithsonian in 1983.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date 1867 Country of Origin United States of America Type MODELS-Missiles & Rockets Manufacturer John W. Hadfield
 Dimensions Overall: 11 in. long x 1 in. diameter x 3 1/4 in. fin span (27.94 x 2.54 x 7.62cm)
Other (fins): 2 1/4 in. long (5.72cm)
 Materials Cylindrical body, pasteboard; cap, pasteboard; fins, sheet iron; collar, sheet iron: Tin/lead solder
 Inventory Number A19830023000 Credit Line Gift of Alan D. Dunphy. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.