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 of a Machine for Rounding and Backing Books

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding and backing books as two successive and automatic operations; the invention was granted patent number 161089.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding and backing books as two successive and automatic operations; the invention was granted patent number 161089.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-03-23
maker
Bailey, George L.
ID Number
GA.89797.161089
patent number
161089
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.161089

Slip Stream

Minna Citron (1896-1991) was an American printmaker, whose style dramatically transformed from representational to abstract art in the 1940s.
Description (Brief)
Minna Citron (1896-1991) was an American printmaker, whose style dramatically transformed from representational to abstract art in the 1940s. She became a member of Atelier 17, a renowned avant-garde print studio in New York, and was known for her experimental printmaking techniques.
"Slip Stream" is an etching and aquatint printed in 1956. The creation of "Slip Stream" and similar prints, collectively known as the series "The Uncharted Course," grew out of Citron's interest in the relationship between spontaneity and control. She embraced the inherent mishaps of printmaking and found inspiration in the accidental forms they produced. This is an example of the first state of the etching in blue.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1956
maker
Citron, Minna
ID Number
GA.21149
catalog number
21149
accession number
240678

Slip Stream

Minna Citron (1896-1991) was an American printmaker, whose style dramatically transformed from representational to abstract art in the 1940s.
Description (Brief)
Minna Citron (1896-1991) was an American printmaker, whose style dramatically transformed from representational to abstract art in the 1940s. She became a member of Atelier 17, a renowned avant-garde print studio in New York, and was known for her experimental printmaking techniques.
"Slip Stream" is an etching and aquatint printed in 1956. The creation of "Slip Stream" and similar prints, collectively known as the series "The Uncharted Course," grew out of Citron's interest in the relationship between spontaneity and control. She embraced the inherent mishaps of printmaking and found inspiration in the accidental forms they produced. This is an example of the second state of the etching in green.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1956
original artist
Citron, Minna
ID Number
GA.21150
catalog number
21150
accession number
240678

Patent model for miscellaneous parts

This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.22
catalog number
1997.0198.22
accession number
1997.0198

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use. The straight lever was used in the mid nineteenth century. This key was used in the 1870s on the Railroad Overland Telegraph Line.
date made
1869
ID Number
EM.231787
catalog number
231787
accession number
43532

Patent Model of a Sheet Perfecting Flatbed Cylinder Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press. A sheet of paper was fed to the first cylinder and printed at the first type form traveling upwards. Next the sheet was passed to the second cylinder and printed on the other side at the other form traveling downwards. Finally, it was deposited under the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-06-07
maker
Kerr, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.103894
accession number
89797
patent number
103894
catalog number
GA*89797.103894

Patent Model of a Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder. A web of paper was moistened and folded concertina-fashion for feeding. It was printed at the first series of impression cylinders and refolded. Then it was turned, and printed on the other side at the next series. Finally, it was cut into sheets. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this patent was bought by R. Hoe & Co., probably more to keep it out of the market than with a mind to its development.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.009987
patent number
009987
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009987

Water Carrier

Henrietta Shore (1880-1963) was an early pioneer of the Modernism movement of art on the West Coast. She discovered lithography while traveling in Mexico, and took inspiration from the southern landscape and indigenous traditions.
Description (Brief)
Henrietta Shore (1880-1963) was an early pioneer of the Modernism movement of art on the West Coast. She discovered lithography while traveling in Mexico, and took inspiration from the southern landscape and indigenous traditions. On returning to California in 1928, Shore began working in the Los Angeles lithography workshop of master printer Lynton Kistler making her one of the first women lithographers working in California. "Water Carrier" was one of the prints produced during her time there.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1928
original artist
Shore, Henrietta
graphic artist
Kistler, Lynton R.
ID Number
1978.0650.1746
accession number
1978.0650
catalog number
1978.0650.1746

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' quoins including locking bars which secured the type within the chase, and the chase on the bed of the press, without the use of wooden furniture to pack spaces.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' quoins including locking bars which secured the type within the chase, and the chase on the bed of the press, without the use of wooden furniture to pack spaces. One end of the bar was oblique and included a toothed pinion. A short toothed piece with a matching taper fit across the end of the bar to lock against the chase or bed wall, and was tightened by turning the toothed pinion. The invention was granted patent number 212683.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1878
patent date
1879-02-25
patentee
Gillin, Robert F.
ID Number
GA.89797.212683
patent number
212683
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.212683

Patent model for printing surfaces, assigned patent number 160177.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177. (Friedlander and Moeller were from Leipzig, Saxony.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-02-23
maker
Friedlaender, Julius
Moeller, Peter Korfitz
ID Number
GA.89797.160177
patent number
160177
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.160177

Patent model for stamp cancelling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1879
maker
Leavitt, Thomas
ID Number
1997.0198.04
catalog number
1997.0198.04
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for perforating machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.02
catalog number
1997.0198.02
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model for an Ellipsographic Copying Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern. Typically, it was to be used in making wood type, which could be enlarged or reduced, extended or compressed, thrown into perspective, or turned into "grotesque type of any given fashion from the same plain pattern."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1842
patent date
1842-12-31
maker
Carpenter, Luman
ID Number
GA.89797.002894
patent number
002894
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.002894

Patent Model of a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Patent Date August 9, 1864
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-08-09
maker
Reynolds, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.043796
accession number
89797
patent number
043796
catalog number
GA*89797.043796

Patent Model of a Paper-cutting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-20
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.223744
patent number
223744
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223744

Patent model for paper cutting machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-05-28
maker
Dooley, Thomas B.
ID Number
GA.89797.127226
patent number
127226
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.127226

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine with Pantograph

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-05-24
patentee
Blair, John B.
ID Number
GA.89797.009743
patent number
009743
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009743

Patent Model for Engraving and Printing on Glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder. The invention was granted patent number 11189.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-27
maker
Whipple, Milton D.
Whipple, Lyman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.011189
patent number
011189
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011189

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine for Drilling Straight or Oblique Holes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576. The invention was designed for engraving and was probably intended for working ornamental plates rather than printing plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-05-31
maker
Coulter, Charles J.
ID Number
GA.89797.103576
patent number
103576
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.103576

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine with Rotating Engraver

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-07
maker
Johnson, Roice W.
ID Number
GA.89797.167542
patent number
167542
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.167542

Patent Model of a Multicolor Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas. Six sets of sheet grippers were mounted around a third rotating frame geared to the other two. But the gripper frame was one fifth larger in diameter than the two cylinders, so each sheet of paper was shifted one step for each revolution. The sheet would be printed at the first plate on the first revolution, at the second plate on the next revolution and so on. When the sheet had collected all the impressions, it was released, one fully printed sheet for every revolution of the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-03-10
maker
Dunk, A. A.
ID Number
GA.89797.075394
accession number
089797
patent number
075394
catalog number
GA*89797.075394

Patent Model of an Ink-feeding Device for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-01
maker
Handy, William
ID Number
GA.89797.208592
patent number
208592
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.208592

Patent Model of a Paper-Ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-04-19
maker
Town, Edward
Chichester, James L.
ID Number
GA.89797.042418
patent number
042418
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.042418

Patent Model of a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-10-13
maker
Tregurtha, James
ID Number
GA.89797.155815
patent number
155815
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.155815

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