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: 1870s

Telegraph Sounder

Telegraph sounders convert electrical pulses into audible sounds and are used to receive Morse code messages. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. Short pulses make a dot, slightly longer pulses make a dash.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph sounders convert electrical pulses into audible sounds and are used to receive Morse code messages. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. Short pulses make a dot, slightly longer pulses make a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. The pulses energize the sounder’s electromagnets which move a lever-arm. The arm makes a loud “click” when it strikes a crossbar and the operator translates the pattern of sounds into the original language. This sounder was made by Arinoldo S. Chubbuck, who took over the telegraph making business established by his father Samuel W. Chubbuck.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
Chubbuck, Arinaldo S.
ID Number
EM.332371
accession number
294351
catalog number
332371

Young America "Secretary Press"

This self-inking, bench-top, lever press was is known as a Young America, Circular Press. It was manufactured after 1870 until about 1895 by Joseph Watson, of the Young American Company, in New York.
Description (Brief)
This self-inking, bench-top, lever press was is known as a Young America, Circular Press. It was manufactured after 1870 until about 1895 by Joseph Watson, of the Young American Company, in New York. The press has a height of ?
Like other Young Americans described here separately this press style came in different sizes, each size denoted by a different name. The 4 inch by 6 inch size platen press was called the Circular.
Donated by Stan Harris, 2001.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Personal Impressions, The Small Printing Press in Nineteenth-Century America, 2004.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1880
date made
after 1870
maker
Watson, Joseph
ID Number
2001.0274.02
catalog number
2001.0274.02
accession number
2001.0274

Patent Model of a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 116406. A self-inking rotary press carrying the stone or plate on a segment of a large cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 116406. A self-inking rotary press carrying the stone or plate on a segment of a large cylinder. The bed of the stone and the shaft of the cylinder were adjustable, to meet the surface of the smaller impression cylinder. The rights to this patent were assigned jointly to Boynton and Charles Parker of Meriden, Connecticut.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-06-27
maker
Boynton, Edward S.
ID Number
GA.89797.116406
accession number
089797
patent number
116406
catalog number
GA*89797.116406

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 168635. The patent details an oscillating press in which the type bed was a flattened surface of the ink-distributing cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 168635. The patent details an oscillating press in which the type bed was a flattened surface of the ink-distributing cylinder. Fed by hand, printed sheets were delivered automatically to a pile beneath the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-10-11
maker
Griffith, Frederick W.
Byrne, George P.
ID Number
GA.89797.168635
catalog number
GA*89797.168635
patent number
168365

Patent Model of a Rotary Perfecting Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary perfecting press which was granted patent number 113769.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary perfecting press which was granted patent number 113769. The patent allows for separating and piling set-off sheets on perfecting presses, and providing easier access to the blankets on the second cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-04-18
patentee
Hoe, Richard March
maker
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.113769
accession number
089797
patent number
113769
catalog number
GA*89797.113769

Williams telegraph repeater

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.
This repeater was made by Charles Williams, Jr. of Boston and used in experiments by Moses Farmer. Williams was a well known instrument maker who also made early telephone devices for Alexander Graham Bell. Someone, Farmer himself perhaps, removed the electromagnet coils from this repeater prior to the donation of the relay by his daughter in 1899.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
maker
Charles Williams, Jr.
Farmer, Moses G.
ID Number
EM.181953
catalog number
181953
accession number
2015.0173

Engraved woodblock of "Climbing the Grand Canyon"

This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S.
Description
This engraved woodblock of “Climbing the Grand Canyon” was prepared by F. S. King and the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C.; the print was published in 1875 on page 98 of John Wesley Powell's Report of the Exploration of the Colorado River of the West and Its Tributaries. Explored in 1869, 1870, 1871, and 1872, under the direction of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Thomas Moran (1837-1926) was the original artist.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
1875
publisher
Bureau of American Ethnology
printer
Government Printing Office
author
Powell, John Wesley
original artist
Moran, Thomas
graphic artist
King, Francis Scott
maker
V. W. & Co.
ID Number
1980.0219.0474
accession number
1980.0219
catalog number
1980.0219.0474

Wooden Pond's Insulator With Zinc Cap

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
maker
Pond, Chester H.
Kenosha Insulator Company
ID Number
EM.003535.2
catalog number
003535.2
accession number
8914

Patent model for paper-ruling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements principally to the pen cylinder and striker of ruling machines; the invention was granted patent number 194497. William O. Hickok (1815-1891) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was in the bookbinding trade from about 1840.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements principally to the pen cylinder and striker of ruling machines; the invention was granted patent number 194497. William O. Hickok (1815-1891) of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was in the bookbinding trade from about 1840. In 1852 he patented his first ruling machine, an improvement on the Hathaway machine then in use. In 1874, with the O-A Striker machine, he established the principles of all ruling machines to come.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-08-21
maker
Hickok, William O.
Cooper, Albert
ID Number
GA.89797.194497
patent number
194497
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.194497

Patent Mode for a Hand Stamp

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand stamp which was granted patent number 136458.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking hand stamp which was granted patent number 136458.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-03-04
maker
Rountree, George H.
ID Number
GA.89797.136458
accession number
089797
patent number
136458
catalog number
GA*89797.136458

Patent Model of a Lithographic Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic rotary printing press which was granted patent number 116335. The patent details a small press with a stone cylinder that was removable for wetting and inking.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic rotary printing press which was granted patent number 116335. The patent details a small press with a stone cylinder that was removable for wetting and inking. The stone was taken out and rolled across the ink and wetting slabs, then replaced for printing. The pressure roller below was hung on adjustable bearings. From 1868 Maurice took out several patents for rotary and flatbed lithographic printing. He advertised this and his other presses as "Autographic Cylinders for Offices.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-06-27
maker
Maurice, Charles C.
ID Number
GA.89797.116335
accession number
089797
patent number
116335
catalog number
GA*89797.116335

Indians discovery U.S. Cavalry

Koba aka Wild Horse (Kiowa),drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida"Indian Discovery of U.S. Cavalry"Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878Colored pencil, ink, and watercolorThe focus of this drawing by Koba is a Kiowa warrior coming down from his lookout hill.
Description
Koba aka Wild Horse (Kiowa),
drawn between 1875 and 1878 at Fort Marion, Florida
"Indian Discovery of U.S. Cavalry"
Collected by Richard Henry Pratt about 1878
Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor
The focus of this drawing by Koba is a Kiowa warrior coming down from his lookout hill. He carries a pair of field glasses (either a trade item or possibly taken from an enemy combatant) which assisted him in the discovery of the cavalry unit riding nearby. The Kiowa camp below is at rest; tribesmen welcome the scout's return and warning.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875-1878
original artist
Koba
ID Number
2008.0175.52
catalog number
2008.0175.052
accession number
2008.0175

Patent Model of a Pen-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pen-ruling machine which was granted patent number 148381.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pen-ruling machine which was granted patent number 148381. The patent details an apparatus for arranging all the cams operating the pen bar and stop gate on a hub to the side of the pen cylinder, for quick access and adjustment.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Piper, Edwin J.
ID Number
GA.89797.148381
patent number
148381
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.148381

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press; the invention was granted patent number 188151. The patent describes improvements to the ink fountain and the movement of the platen in a platen jobbing press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press; the invention was granted patent number 188151. The patent describes improvements to the ink fountain and the movement of the platen in a platen jobbing press. Patentees Kritch and Greenwood were from Leeds, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-03-06
maker
Kritch, William C.
Greenwood, Arthur
ID Number
GA.89797.188151
accession number
089797
patent number
188151
catalog number
GA*89797.188151

Patent Model for a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 148530. The patent describes a self-inking, self-dampening, flatbed cylinder press. Patentee Charles Waddie was from Edinburgh, Scotland.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 148530. The patent describes a self-inking, self-dampening, flatbed cylinder press. Patentee Charles Waddie was from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Waddie, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.148530
patent number
148530
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.148530

Patent Model of a Pneumatic Sheet-Feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 109224. The patent details a sheet feeder using two suction tubes to lift and carry each sheet from the paper bank to the cylinder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 109224. The patent details a sheet feeder using two suction tubes to lift and carry each sheet from the paper bank to the cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-15
patentee
Knight, Margaret
ID Number
GA.89797.109224
accession number
089797
patent number
109224
catalog number
GA*89797.109224

Telegraph Key Patent Model

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 sequence and duration of pulses represent letters and numbers.
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 sequence and duration of pulses represent letters and numbers. This patent model shows Lucien Crandall's design for an automatic key. His idea involved a key for each letter, number and character, set on a frame like a typewriter. Each key included a ratcheted wheel with conducting and insulated segments around the edge. When the operator pressed a key, the wheel rotated and generated morse code pulses at a regular speed. His goal was to permit operators to send messages, "with greater rapidity, uniformity, and certainty than with the common telegraphic key."
Note: the US Patent Office tag for this model misspells the inventor's name: Randall instead of Crandall.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
maker
Crandall, Lucien S.
ID Number
EM.308883
catalog number
308883
accession number
89797
patent number
168144

Patent Model of an Inking Apparatus for Platen Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872. The new invention was granted patent number 141077.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-22
maker
Prouty, G. W.
ID Number
GA.22839
accession number
249602
patent number
141077
catalog number
22839
GA*22839

Patent Model of a Flatbed Cylinder Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 221459.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 221459. The patent describes a means of lifting the cylinder of a press by springs, rather than by the usual counterweights, so that the full weight of the cylinder could be used for the impression.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-11
maker
Hawkins, John T.
ID Number
GA.89797.221459
accession number
089797
patent number
221459
catalog number
GA*89797.221459

Patent Model for a Paper-Cutting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting "Paper, Envelopes, Collars, Boxes etc." and also for cutting measured lengths of paper from the roll; the invention was granted patent number 193327.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting "Paper, Envelopes, Collars, Boxes etc." and also for cutting measured lengths of paper from the roll; the invention was granted patent number 193327.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1877-07-24
maker
Frost, Edward J.
ID Number
GA.22844
patent number
193327
accession number
249602
catalog number
22844
GA*22844

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 203335. Patentee Edward Gilman's simple treadle press was intended for job printers and amateurs. The rotating ink disk was on a plane with the type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 203335. Patentee Edward Gilman's simple treadle press was intended for job printers and amateurs. The rotating ink disk was on a plane with the type. The platen with paper was brought down against the type by a direct connection with the treadle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-05-07
maker
Gilman, Edward L.
ID Number
GA.89797.203335
patent number
203335
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.203335

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215011. The patent describes a simplification of the drive of a platen jobbing press, with the object of making a cheaper press.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215011. The patent describes a simplification of the drive of a platen jobbing press, with the object of making a cheaper press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-06
maker
Manley, Horace A.
ID Number
GA.89797.215011
patent number
215011
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.215011

Thornton and Borland, New Hope, San Joaquin Co., California

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870s
graphic artist
Evert, Louis H.
ID Number
GA.69.181
catalog number
69.181
accession number
282174

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Finishing Roll

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinding roll which was granted patent number 156678.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinding roll which was granted patent number 156678. The patent details a bookbinding roll, on which the design was cast on a strip "secured to the roller after the fashion of a tire to a wheel." The strip was usually of bronze, and was bent to fit around the wheel. A projection on the back of the strip fit into a groove in the wheel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-11-10
maker
Skelton, Daniel J.
Feely, Michael
ID Number
GA.89797.156678
patent number
156678
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.156678

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