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 Flatbed Cylinder Perfecting Press: Set-off Web

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder perfecting press which was granted patent number 175036. The patent dealt with perfecting presses in which the first side of a sheet was printed from type on a cylinder, and the second from a flat form.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder perfecting press which was granted patent number 175036. The patent dealt with perfecting presses in which the first side of a sheet was printed from type on a cylinder, and the second from a flat form. Normally slip sheets were used in such presses. This invention replaced the slip sheets with a length of tympan paper stretched between rollers, a new section being wound out for every impression. The invention was widely adopted.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-03-21
maker
Cottrell, Calvert B.
ID Number
GA.89797.175036
accession number
089797
patent number
175036
catalog number
GA*89797.175036

Bernice Palmer's Kodak Brownie camera, No. 2A Model B

Sometime around her 17th birthday, Canadian Bernice Palmer received a Kodak Brownie box camera (No. 2A Model), either for Christmas 1911 or for her birthday on 10 January 1912.
Description
Sometime around her 17th birthday, Canadian Bernice Palmer received a Kodak Brownie box camera (No. 2A Model), either for Christmas 1911 or for her birthday on 10 January 1912. In early April, she and her mother boarded the Cunard liner Carpathia in New York, for a Mediterranean cruise. Carpathia had scarcely cleared New York, when it received a distress call from the White Star liner Titanic on 14 April. It raced to the scene of the sinking and managed to rescue over 700 survivors from the icy North Atlantic. With her new camera, Bernice took pictures of the iceberg that sliced open the Titanic’s hull below the waterline and also took snapshots of some of the Titanic survivors. Lacking enough food to feed both the paying passengers and Titanic survivors, the Carpathia turned around and headed back to New York to land the survivors. Unaware of the high value of her pictures, Bernice sold publication rights to Underwood & Underwood for just $10 and a promise to develop, print, and return her pictures after use. In 1986, she donated her camera, the pictures and her remarkable story to the Smithsonian.
date made
ca 1912
user
Ellis, Bernice P.
maker
Eastman Kodak Company
ID Number
1986.0173.38
accession number
1986.0173
catalog number
1986.0173.38

Patent Model for Bed-and-Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a double bed-and-platen power press with a frisket at each end and is considered an unnumbered patent. The bed was raised by toggles beneath against the fixed platen.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a double bed-and-platen power press with a frisket at each end and is considered an unnumbered patent. The bed was raised by toggles beneath against the fixed platen. This patent provided the basis for the single-ended Adams Power Press, a well-loved iron machine later produced by R. Hoe & Co. In the 1870s it was still considered to produce finer letterpress work than any other machine on the market. It was pre-eminently a book press. Isaac Adams (1803-1883), with no schooling but ample inventive genius, introduced his power press at the age of 25 and derived his living from its success.
Date made
1830
ca 1830
patent date
1830-10-04
maker
Adams, Isaac
ID Number
GA.11024
accession number
48865
catalog number
GA*11024
GA.11024
patent number
6178X

Patent Model of an Apparatus for Making Paper Stencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stretcher frame for holding sheets of paper while multiple stencil designs were cut in them with a jigsaw. That patent was granted patent number 211988.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stretcher frame for holding sheets of paper while multiple stencil designs were cut in them with a jigsaw. That patent was granted patent number 211988.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-02-04
maker
Gifford, John Z.
ID Number
GA.89797.211988
accession number
089797
patent number
211988
catalog number
GA*89797.211988

Patent Model of a Type-distributing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 174915. The machine was invented by Charles W. Dickinson and was patented in 1872 and 1875. The rights were assigned to Samuel W.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 174915. The machine was invented by Charles W. Dickinson and was patented in 1872 and 1875. The rights were assigned to Samuel W. Green, who reassigned them to Edward N. Dickerson, trustee for Henry A. Burr. Burr, a hat manufacturer, was the proprietor of the Burr, later Empire, typesetter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-03-21
maker
Lorenz, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.174915
accession number
89797
patent number
174915
catalog number
GA*89797.174915

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.06566.07
catalog number
06566.07
accession number
19048

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.06566.02
catalog number
06566.02
accession number
19048

drawing

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
GA.06566.08
catalog number
06566.08
accession number
19048

Patent Model for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action. Patentee Averell is best known as the inventor of a wire stitcher (or stapler), which he patented in 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-11
maker
Averell, Ellicott D.
ID Number
GA.89797.135751
accession number
89797
patent number
135751
catalog number
GA*89797.135751

Patent model for bed for lithographic press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-03-20
maker
Koehler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.053309
accession number
089797
patent number
053309
catalog number
GA*89797.053309

Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

This model BK-416 “Soundmirror” is a modified version of Brush’s model BK-401. Like the earlier unit, the BK-416 used a paper tape coated with a magnetizable material in a reel-to-reel configuration. The retail price in 1953 was about $280, nearly $2300 in 2012 dollars.
Description (Brief)
This model BK-416 “Soundmirror” is a modified version of Brush’s model BK-401. Like the earlier unit, the BK-416 used a paper tape coated with a magnetizable material in a reel-to-reel configuration. The retail price in 1953 was about $280, nearly $2300 in 2012 dollars. Working in parallel with Bell Laboratories and the Armour Research Foundation, Brush Development Company spearheaded American research efforts in magnetic recording prior to World War II. Building on the research of Semi Begun, the company made military wire recorders during the war and introduced consumer products like this Soundmirror after the war ended.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1948
maker
Brush Development Company
ID Number
1995.0316.02
accession number
1995.0316
catalog number
1995.0316.02

Patent model for autographic printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink. The completed writing was pressed onto a plate coated with sensitized gelatine, which received the image in a form that could be printed like a lithograph. The invention was granted patent number 223873. The patent model consists of a coated plate with an image. Both coating and image have deteriorated badly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-27
maker
Bardwell, John Jex
ID Number
GA.89797.223873
accession number
089797
patent number
223873
catalog number
GA*89797.223873

Patent Model of a Typecasting and Composing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for the casting, dressing, and setting of type; the invention was granted patent number 115796. Type was set in a continuous line, to be divided up later by the operator.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for the casting, dressing, and setting of type; the invention was granted patent number 115796. Type was set in a continuous line, to be divided up later by the operator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-06-06
maker
Wescott, Charles S.
ID Number
GA.24908
patent number
115796
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24908

Patent Model of a Railway Ticket Printing and Registering Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a railway ticket printing and registering machine; the invention was granted patent number 141336. A roll of card blanks was pre-numbered and printed with the station name.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a railway ticket printing and registering machine; the invention was granted patent number 141336. A roll of card blanks was pre-numbered and printed with the station name. This machine added the destination and date and cut off each ticket, while printing a record copy of the sale. It was an improvement on an earlier Dyer patent (1872, Patent 134042).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-29
maker
Dyer, John
ID Number
GA.89797.141336
accession number
089797
patent number
141336
141336
catalog number
GA*89797.141336

Quaker James Naylor's Entry into Bristol

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1700
ID Number
2014.0250.53.01
accession number
2014.0250
catalog number
2014.0250.53.01

Patent model for painting on translucent surfaces

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495. The inventor named the process Tachygraphic Painting. J. Bishop Hall of Philadelphia may have been the same as the John Bishop Hall of New York whose invention is also listed here.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
patent date
1848-03-28
maker
Hall, J. Bishop
ID Number
GA.89797.005495
accession number
089797
patent number
005495
005495
catalog number
GA*89797.005495

Patent Model of a Rotary Printing Press for Printing or Branding Wooden Box Covers

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 194902. This press had a feed table to steer boards between the impression cylinder and the hollow plate cylinder, the inking apparatus was overhead.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 194902. This press had a feed table to steer boards between the impression cylinder and the hollow plate cylinder, the inking apparatus was overhead. For branding, a heating unit was fitted inside the plate cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-09-04
maker
Hainque, Martial
ID Number
GA.89797.194902
accession number
89797
patent number
194902
catalog number
GA*89797.194902

Patent model for a web perfecting rotary press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a compact rotary press with forms for printing both sides of the paper, mounted on the two ends of a single type cylinder. The invention was granted patent number 212444.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a compact rotary press with forms for printing both sides of the paper, mounted on the two ends of a single type cylinder. The invention was granted patent number 212444. After one side of the paper was printed, the web was turned and moved sideways so the other side could be printed. The press was designed particularly for newspaper printing.
Luther Crowell (1840-1903) began his adult life as a sailor, then turned to questions of aerial navigation and patented a flying machine. He also invented machines to make paper bags, then machines to print the paper bags, and from there moved on to printing presses. In 1879 a fast press that he built for the Boston Herald brought a suit for infringement from R. Hoe & Co., as a result of which Hoe was compelled to buy all of Crowell's patents for printing, and ended up hiring him as a superintendent of their mechanical department. There Crowell was responsible for several important improvements to Hoe's presses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-02-18
maker
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
GA.89797.212444
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.212444

Patent model for printers' furniture

This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883. The device was pulled open to the desired width and locked in that position by driving wedges under two of the feet, which slid in grooves on their side bar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-06-09
patentee
Kearney, James A.
ID Number
GA.89797.151883
accession number
089797
patent number
151883
catalog number
GA*89797.151883

Patent model for elastic underlay for printing on glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136. Model consists of numerous rubber blocks, once fixed to a base but now detached and hardened.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-11-16
patentee
Wells, Joseph L.
ID Number
GA.89797.170136
patent number
170136
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.170136

Patent model for wood blocks for engraving

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856. This sandwich was then cut through the middle to give two new blocks, each with a thin face of boxwood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-05-21
patentee
Setchell, George C.
ID Number
GA.89797.203856
patent number
203856
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.203856

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-03-05
patentee
Whittlesey, George D.
ID Number
GA.89797.201075
patent number
201075
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.201075

Patent Model of a Type Mold

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-22
maker
Davis, R. W.
Davis, D.
ID Number
GA.89797.040076
patent number
040076
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.040076

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters.
Description (Brief)
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Description
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
March 17, 1838
Patent Date March 17, 1838
ca 1838
date made
ca 1838
patent date
March 17, 1838
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.000632
patent number
000632
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.000632

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