Communications

WANN Microphone

Tools of communication have transformed American society time and again over the past two centuries. The Museum has preserved many instruments of these changes, from printing presses to personal digital assistants.

The collections include hundreds of artifacts from the printing trade and related fields, including papermaking equipment, wood and metal type collections, bookbinding tools, and typesetting machines. Benjamin Franklin is said to have used one of the printing presses in the collection in 1726.

More than 7,000 objects chart the evolution of electronic communications, including the original telegraph of Samuel Morse and Alexander Graham Bell's early telephones. Radios, televisions, tape recorders, and the tools of the computer age are part of the collections, along with wireless phones and a satellite tracking system.

Date: 1850s

Califonia Cabin at the Mines

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
associated date
1856
graphic artist
Ballou, Maturin Murray
ID Number
GA.309390.16
catalog number
309390.16
309390.16

Merchant's Exchange, San Francisco

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1857
associated date
1852 - 1857
graphic artist
Peirce, Joshua H.
original artist
Waud, William
ID Number
GA.309390.08
catalog number
309390.08
309390.08

Map of the Pilgrim's Progress

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1850
date made
ca 1800
graphic artist
Melish, John
ID Number
1985.0303.05
accession number
1985.0303
catalog number
1985.0303.05

Lowe Press No. 2 press

Samuel W. Lowe of Philadelphia invented the Lowe printing press, an unusual conical cylinder press patented in 1856. Like Adams's Cottage printing press, it did not include a frisket and included an automatic tympan.
Description
Samuel W. Lowe of Philadelphia invented the Lowe printing press, an unusual conical cylinder press patented in 1856. Like Adams's Cottage printing press, it did not include a frisket and included an automatic tympan. The rights for the press were sold in 1858 to Joseph Watson, who marketed both presses in Boston and Philadelphia.
The Lowe printing press does not appear to have been as heavily advertised as the Adams, although the company notes that we have sold many presses … to druggists … in this country and in other lands. Every boy and business man seems to be having one.
As for portability, the Lowe was more than a third lighter than the Adams, ranging from between 12 and 120 pounds as compared to Adams's press at between 100 and 400 pounds. The Lowe used a simpler frame and relatively thin castings.
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1856
maker
Lowe, Samuel W.
ID Number
1988.0650.03
accession number
1988.0650
catalog number
1988.0650.03

Patent Model for an Artificial Blast for Typecasting Machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates. A blower, operated by a steam engine, drove air through a wooden tube around the casting room. Tin pipes from the tube supplied each casting machine with a double blast of air, one directed at the fuel to fire it, the second at the mold to cool it. George Bruce (1781-1866) followed his brother David to America from Scotland in 1795. The brothers first worked around the printing trades, and in 1816 set up their own type foundry. David retired in 1822 and was followed in the business by his son David Jr., author of the patents listed above.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-11-14
maker
Bruce, George
ID Number
GA.89797.011955
patent number
011955
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011955

Gleason's Pictorial...View of the Town of Marysville, California

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852
associated date
1852
publisher
Gleason, Frederick
ID Number
GA.309390.09
catalog number
309390.09
309390.09

Patent Model for a Rotary Web Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing. The invention was granted patent number 468.
According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, Wilkinson built a press along these lines for the New York Sun in 1842, but never succeeded in printing the paper at it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-01-04
maker
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.11019
catalog number
GA*11019
accession number
48865
patent number
009525
catalog number
GA*48865.009525

"Bureau Knob" insulator

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
ID Number
EM.181409.1
catalog number
181409.1
accession number
31545

Patent Model for a Flatbed Cylinder Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed. This patent covered the Newbury Country Press, a small hand-powered printing machine that was popular with country newspaper shops in the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-09-16
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.89797.015740
accession number
089797
patent number
015740
catalog number
GA*89797.015740

Patent Model for a Card Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-04-27
maker
Clarkson, William W.
ID Number
GA.89797.020039
accession number
89797
patent number
020039
catalog number
GA*89797.020039

Lithograph of bird species "Chrysomitris Marginalis"

Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Chrysomitris marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female" (common name: Black-chinned Siskin) after an original illustration by William Dreser (b. 1820, fl. 1849-1860).
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Chrysomitris marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female" (common name: Black-chinned Siskin) after an original illustration by William Dreser (b. 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XVII in Volume 2, following page 180 of Appendix F (Zoology-Birds) by John Cassin (1813-1869) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Description
Thomas Sinclair (c.1805–1881) of Philadelphia printed this lithograph of “Chrysomitris Marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female," now "Carduelis barbata" or Black-chinned siskin, from an original sketch by William Dreser (c.1820–after 1860) of Philadelphia (1847–1860) and New York (1860). The illustration was published in 1855 by A.O.P. Nicholson in Washington, D.C. as Plate XVII in the “Birds” section of volume II of The United States Naval Astronomical Survey to the Southern Hemisphere, written by John Cassin (1813–1869).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
Dreser, William
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.03
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.03

Patent Model for a Bed-and-Platen Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-12-09
maker
Sargent, Charles G.
Keach, Abram
ID Number
GA.89797.016221
patent number
016221
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016221

Patent Model for a Book-Trimming and Paper-Cutting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-trimmer and paper-cutting machine which was granted patent number 19654.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-trimmer and paper-cutting machine which was granted patent number 19654. The machine describes a paper cutter on which the table rode up a sloping track, pulling the paper obliquely across the horizontally mounted blade.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-03-16
maker
Semple, Amzi C.
ID Number
GA.89797.019654
accession number
089797
patent number
019654
catalog number
GA*89797.019654

Patent Model for a Flatbed Cylinder Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket. After printing, the frisket flipped up to drop the sheet on the delivery board. Inking was by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-01
patentee
Henry, John
ID Number
GA.89797.018744
accession number
089797
patent number
018744
catalog number
GA*89797.018744

Patent Model of a Sheet Feeder and Fly Operation for a Bed-and-Platen Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing. Then the carriage withdrew with the paper, and it was lifted off by a sheet fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-02
ID Number
GA.89797.012183
accession number
89797
patent number
012183
catalog number
GA*89797.012183

Patent Model of a Machine for Shaping the Backs of Books

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding the backs of books by means of rollers, either before or after binding; the invention was granted patent number 24425.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding the backs of books by means of rollers, either before or after binding; the invention was granted patent number 24425.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-06-14
maker
Coffin, John E.
ID Number
GA.89797.024425
patent number
024425
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.024425

Patent Model of a Hand Stamp

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand stamp which was granted patent number 18907. The patent describes a self-inking hand stamp that accepted ordinary printers' type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand stamp which was granted patent number 18907. The patent describes a self-inking hand stamp that accepted ordinary printers' type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-22
patentee
Jones, John M.
ID Number
GA.89797.018907
accession number
089797
patent number
018907
catalog number
GA*89797.018907

Patent Model for a Self-Inking Platen Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking platen printing press which was granted patent number 9925. Four or more platens rotated intermittently around a single axis. The bed was rocked, clamshell fashion, against each platen in turn.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking platen printing press which was granted patent number 9925. Four or more platens rotated intermittently around a single axis. The bed was rocked, clamshell fashion, against each platen in turn. Sheets of paper were fed to grippers on the uppermost platen, printed when that platen turned to the vertical, and then dropped to a pile beneath the press when the platen went to the bottom position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-08-09
maker
Northrup, Joel G.
ID Number
GA.89797.009925
patent number
009925
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.009925

Farmer telegraph repeater patent model

Telegraph repeaters amplified electrical signals in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages traveled as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver. Short pulses made a dot, slightly longer pulses a dash.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph repeaters amplified electrical signals in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages traveled as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver. Short pulses made a dot, slightly longer pulses a dash. The pulses faded in strength as they traveled through the wire, limiting the distance a message could travel. Repeaters remedied that problem by detecting a weak signal and using a local power source to re-energize and re-transmit the signal down the line.
For many years inventors were required to submit models to the Patent Office when they filed for a patent. In 1856, Moses G. Farmer received U. S. patent #14,157 for his “telegraphic repeater”. This is the model Farmer submitted that shows his circuit for an improved way to retransmit telegraph signals. Prior to this invention repeaters had to be switched manually by a telegraph operator. This sometimes led to delays if the operator were otherwise occupied. Farmer's invention allowed for automatic operation of the repeater.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
maker
Farmer, Moses G.
ID Number
EM.308860
catalog number
308860
accession number
89797
patent number
14,157

Telegraph Register

In 1853 James J. Clark received U. S. patent 10,128 for his “self-winding telegraph register.” Clark submitted this model to the Patent Office to demonstrate his invention, an electromagnet and set of cogs that would automatically wind the spring of a telegraph register.
Description (Brief)
In 1853 James J. Clark received U. S. patent 10,128 for his “self-winding telegraph register.” Clark submitted this model to the Patent Office to demonstrate his invention, an electromagnet and set of cogs that would automatically wind the spring of a telegraph register. Most registers used wind-up springs or a weight-driven mechanism to pull the paper under the pen or embossing stylus. Like a mechanical clock, either type of mechanism would occasionally need to be rewound. Ultimately, Clark’s invention became unnecessary as more operators switched from printing registers to audible sounders as telegraph receivers.
Telegraph registers are electrically-activated printers that receive Morse code messages. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The pulses energize the register’s electromagnets which move a lever-arm holding a pen or stylus. A clockwork mechanism pulls a strip of paper across the pen or stylus, recording the message. Short pulses draw or emboss a dot, slightly longer pulses a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853
maker
Clark, James J.
ID Number
EM.308854
catalog number
308854
accession number
89797
patent number
10128

Hapisgoh (The Summit)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852-1853
1890
ID Number
GA.285049.02.01
accession number
285049
catalog number
285049.02.01

Patent Model of a Hand Stamp

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand stamp which was granted patent number 21980.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand stamp which was granted patent number 21980.
Date made
1858
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-11-02
maker
Phelps, James N.
ID Number
GA.89797.021980
accession number
89797
patent number
021980
catalog number
GA*89797.021980
patent number
021980

Patent Model for a Hand Stamp

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1857
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-02-10
maker
Ramsay, P. A.
ID Number
1996.0062.15
patent number
016608
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.15

Californians Crossing the Isthmus of Panama

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852
associated date
1852
graphic artist
Gleason, Frederick
ID Number
GA.309390.15
accession number
309390
catalog number
309390.15

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