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.

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308. Roughened sides of the quoin prevented slippage on other furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Lame, Samuel C.
Briggs, Ferdinand Sherwin
ID Number
1996.0062.11
patent number
148308
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.11

Patent model for drawing and shading pictures

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
patent date
1890-07-29
maker
Fausel, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.432994
accession number
089797
patent number
432994
catalog number
GA*87979.432994

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-14
maker
O'Shea, Andrew Jackson
ID Number
1996.0062.13
patent number
167780
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.13

Patent Model of a Lithographic Scraper Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Parks, John A.
ID Number
GA.89797.228271
patent number
228271
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228271

Patent model for printers' sidesticks and quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-12-17
maker
McGrath, Thomas
ID Number
1996.0062.12
patent number
133948
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.12

Patent Model for a Sheet Feed Apparatus for Cylinder Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-03-25
maker
Stuart, Robert J.
ID Number
1997.0198.08
catalog number
1997.0198.08
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
137156

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

Patent model for typesetting machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-06-26
maker
Harger, H.
ID Number
1997.0198.07
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.07
patent number
28857

Engraving of lizard species"Euphryne obesus"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]”, now "Sauromalus ater" or Northern chuckwalla, from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.068
catalog number
2009.0115.068
accession number
2009.0115

Engraving of lizard species "Crotaphylus wislizenii"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [B & G]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [B & G]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 31 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Crotaphylus wislizenii [sic] [B & G],” now "Gambelia wislizenii" or Longnose leopard lizard, from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 31 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
ID Number
2009.0115.060
catalog number
2009.0115.060
accession number
2009.0115

Engraving of snake species "Dryophis vittatus"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXVI in Volume 2, following page 210 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.30
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.30

Engraving of fossilized "Mastodon Andium"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of “Mastodon andium,” from an original illustration by O. J. Wallis (fl. 1850s).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of “Mastodon andium,” from an original illustration by O. J. Wallis (fl. 1850s). The image was published as Plate XIII in Volume 2, following page 278 of Appendix H (Fossil Mammals) by Jeffries Wyman (1814-1874) 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.24
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.24

Engraving of lizard species "Cnemidophorus Presignis"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Cnemidophorus Presignis, B&G" now Ameiva ameiva (Giant ameiva or Amazon racerunner), from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Cnemidophorus Presignis, B&G" now Ameiva ameiva (Giant ameiva or Amazon racerunner), from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXVIII in Volume 2, following page 226 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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. The print is signed "Correct CGirard."
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.25
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.25

Chromolithograph of "Mission and Plain of San Fernando"

This tinted lithograph of “Mission and Plain of San Fernando” was originally drawn by an expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate VI following page 74 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Mission and Plain of San Fernando” was originally drawn by an expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate VI following page 74 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake (1826-1910), Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of Volume V, Part II of the "Report of Lieutenant R. S. Williamson (1825-1882), Corps of Topographical Engineers, Upon the Routes in California to Connect with the Routes Near the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-second Parallels" by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson ... in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) in Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
Blake, William Phipps
original artist
Koppel, Charles
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.38
accession number
62261

Engraving of snake species "Elaps nigrocinctus"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Elaps nigrocinctus [Grd]," now "Micrurus nigrocinctus nigrocinctus" or Central American coral snake, from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Elaps nigrocinctus [Grd]," now "Micrurus nigrocinctus nigrocinctus" or Central American coral snake, from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXV in Volume 2, following page 210 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
book printer, publisher
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.08
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.08

Chromolithograph of "Mirage on the Colorado Desert"

This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description
This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of Volume V, Part II of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
expedition leader
Williamson, Robert Stockton
author
Blake, William Phipps
original artist
Blake, William Phipps
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.32
accession number
62261

Engraving of lizard species "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctoretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XL in Volume 2, following page 216 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.29
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.29

Engraving of fish and frog species "Trichomycterus Maculatus, Cheiroden Pisciculus, Cystignathus Taeniatus, and Phyllobates Auratus"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv.
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv. -Val.], Cheiroden pisciculus [Grd], Cystignathus taeniatus [Grd], and Phyllobates auratus [Grd]” now "Trichomycterus maculatus," "Cheiroden pisciculus," "Batrachyla taeniata," (Banded tree frog), and "Dendrobates auratus" (Poison dart frog, Green poison frog, Green and black poison dart frog) from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXIV in Volume 2, following page 208 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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. The print is also signed in pen "Correct, C.Girard."
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.16
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.16

Engraving of fish species "Nematoenys inermis"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXII in Volume 2, following page 248 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.17
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.17

Chromolithograph of "Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass"

This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
original artist
Koppel, Charles
Koppel, Charles
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
original artist
Koppel, Charles
ID Number
GA.10729.33
accession number
62261

Chromolithograph of bird species "Phalacrocorax Brasilianus"

Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860).
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XXVIII in Volume 2, following page 204 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
original artist
Dreser, William
publisher
United States Navy
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.02
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.02

Patent model for printing photomechanical plates

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs. The invention was granted patent number 493850.
Tonal photomechanical reproductions had an objectionable coarseness because of the perceptible pattern of the halftone screen. By this invention, screened plates-either bearing an image or blank-were printed several times slightly out of register with each other, softening the effect of the screen. The key impression of the image would be made first in a dark ink with a heavy body, and then the other impressions in paler or lighter-bodied inks. To imitate sepia photographs, later impressions were made in brown tinted inks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1893
patent date
1893-03-21
patentee
Woodward, Charles B.
ID Number
GA.89797.493850
patent number
493850
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.493850

Patent Model of a Type-rubbing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width. The machine was hand fed, but otherwise automatic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-04-06
maker
Webster, Cyrus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.226377
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.226377

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-12-30
patentee
Torsch, Edward L.
Lee, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.223192
patent number
223192
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223192

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.