#32 • United States Patent Office Publication – “Process of Producing Fried Chicken Under Pressure” Patent No. 3,245,800

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $10,000.00

Status: Sold

DESCRIPTION Original printed United States Patent Office publication for Patent No. 3,245,800, titled Process of Producing Fried Chicken Under Pressure, issued to Harland Sanders and assigned to Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation. The document contains the complete patent text, technical specifications, and engineering illustrations detailing the pressure-frying process that became the foundation of Kentucky Fried Chicken's signature product. Included are the original patent diagrams depicting the pressure-cooking apparatus and method. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE Few documents are more closely associated with the success of Kentucky Fried Chicken than Colonel Sanders' pressure-frying process. The patent formalized a cooking method that dramatically reduced preparation time while producing chicken with the flavor, texture, and moisture retention that distinguished KFC from competitors. This innovation allowed for consistent preparation across an expanding franchise network and helped transform Kentucky Fried Chicken from a regional restaurant operation into one of the most successful food-service brands in the world. The patent represents one of the most important technological and culinary developments in fast-food history. STORY & CONTEXT The publication outlines Sanders' method for frying chicken under pressure, including precise temperatures, cooking times, pressure levels, and preparation techniques. The patent traces its origins to Sanders' years of experimentation as he sought a way to produce high-quality fried chicken quickly enough for commercial service. By combining pressure-cooking principles with deep frying, he created a process that became central to the Kentucky Fried Chicken business model. For collectors and historians, this document offers a direct connection to the innovation that helped build the KFC empire and cement Colonel Sanders' place in American culinary history. PROVENANCE From the preserved personal collection associated with Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders, maintained by the Settle family at Blackwood Hall. The collection was preserved through the longstanding relationship between the Sanders and Settle families and remained together for decades. CONDITION Document exhibits age-related toning, edge wear, fold lines, light staining, and handling marks consistent with long-term storage and use. Staple and binding wear are present, and pages show expected discoloration from age. Patent diagrams and text remain legible. Overall condition is consistent with a period technical publication retained for reference and archival preservation.