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.

Engraving of fish species "Caragnus esculentus, Doliodon carolinus, Chorinemus lanceolatus, Chloroscombrus cambraeus, Argyreiosus capillaris, Vomer setapinnis"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of a fish species after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of a fish species after an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The engraving was printed as Plate 1 in “Ichthyology of the Boundary” by Charles Girard (1822-1895), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. Species represented in the engraving include:
Figs. 1- 3 - Caragnus esculentus [Grd], Fig. 4 - Doliodon carolinus [Grd],
Fig. 5 - Chorinemus lanceolatus [Grd], Fig. 6 - Chloroscombrus carribaeus [Grd], (Atlantis bumper), Fig. 7 -- Argyreiosis capillaris [De Kay], and Fig. 8 - Vomer setapinnis [Grd]; now "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket).
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Caragnus esculentus [Grd], Doliodon carolinus [Grd], Chorinemus lanceolatus [Grd], Chloroscombrus carribeaus [Grd], Argyreiosis capillaris [De Kay], and Vomer setapinnis [Grd]; now "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket), "Trachinotus carolinus" (Florida pompano), "Oligoplites saurus" (Leatherjacket), "Chloroscombrus carribaeus" (Atlantic bumper), and "Selene setapinnis" (Atlantic moonfish or horsefish); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 11 in the “Fishes” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by Charles Girard (1822–1895). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
author
Girard, Charles
publisher
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.080
catalog number
2009.0115.080
accession number
2009.0115

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-10-03
maker
Tapley, Jesse F.
Kilbon, George B.
ID Number
GA.89797.265463
patent number
265463
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.265463

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 197575. The patent details a shuttle sewing machine for stitching productions such as pamphlets, catalogs and periodicals, with a continuously lubricated needle.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 197575. The patent details a shuttle sewing machine for stitching productions such as pamphlets, catalogs and periodicals, with a continuously lubricated needle. Patentee Carl Theine was from Minden, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-11-27
maker
Theine, Carl
ID Number
GA.89797.197575
catalog number
GA*089797.197575
accession number
089797
patent number
197575

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Standing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinders standing press which was granted patent number 30243.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinders standing press which was granted patent number 30243. The press has a platen, or upper follower, lowered in the usual way by an iron screw, and a bed, or lower follower, that was raised by a rack and pinion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-10-02
maker
Pelletreau, Maltby K.
ID Number
GA.89797.030243
patent number
030243
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.030243

Patent Model of a Numbering and Paging Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering and paging machine which was granted patent number 112292. The patent details improvements to a numbering machine to be operated by hand, foot, or mechanical power.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering and paging machine which was granted patent number 112292. The patent details improvements to a numbering machine to be operated by hand, foot, or mechanical power.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-02-28
maker
Sine, Alpheus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.112292
patent number
112292
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.112292

Patent Model for a Machine for Trimming Books and Paper

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with clamp and knives, for trimming paper to any size; the invention was granted patent number 29532.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with clamp and knives, for trimming paper to any size; the invention was granted patent number 29532.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-08-07
maker
Utley, Gabriel
ID Number
GA.89797.029532
patent number
029532
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.029532

Patent model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879). The model is incomplete, only the folding metal signature holder and wooden carriage rack survive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-09-21
maker
Boynton, Edward S.
ID Number
GA.89797.232446
patent number
232446
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.232446

Patent Model of a Book-sewing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for various improvements to David Smyth's book sewing patents of 1868 and 1869; the invention was granted patent number 151507.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for various improvements to David Smyth's book sewing patents of 1868 and 1869; the invention was granted patent number 151507.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-06-02
maker
Parkhurst, Edward G.
Thompson, Henry G.
ID Number
GA.89797.151507
patent number
151507
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.151507

Patent model for autographic printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for the conversion of a sheet of paper into a printing plate by writing using a special ink. The invention was granted patent number 200759. Josiah Pumphrey was from Birmingham, England.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the conversion of a sheet of paper into a printing plate by writing using a special ink. The invention was granted patent number 200759. Josiah Pumphrey was from Birmingham, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-02-26
maker
Pumphrey, Josiah
ID Number
GA.89797.200759
accession number
089797
patent number
200759
catalog number
GA*89797.200759

Printing press and sheet-fed apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model. Despite the dates of the patents, both applications were made on 10 July 1880. They were granted after unusually long delays.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884
ca 1888
patent date
1884-08-12
1888-07-17
maker
Swift, Henry D.
Swift, D. Wheeler
ID Number
GA.89797.303550
patent number
GA*303550
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.303550
386440

Patent Model for Automated Postmarking and Canceling Stamps

This patent model demonstrates an invention for the automated cancelling of postal stamps. A cylinder was engraved with place and state names; the date was inserted in moveable type. The invention was granted patent number 121099.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the automated cancelling of postal stamps. A cylinder was engraved with place and state names; the date was inserted in moveable type. The invention was granted patent number 121099.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-11-21
maker
Hargrave, Thomas C.
ID Number
GA.89797.121099
accession number
089797
patent number
121099
catalog number
GA*89797.121099

Patent Model of a Typesetting for Stereotype Plates

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetter for stereotype plates which was granted patent number 52073. The invention included the use of a "perpetual font of type" for impressing letters into a plastic molding material.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetter for stereotype plates which was granted patent number 52073. The invention included the use of a "perpetual font of type" for impressing letters into a plastic molding material. Type was stored in a permanent holder, each piece tied by a thin strip of metal. At the touch of a key, type fell to casting position, the faces protruding below the holder. After casting, the type was returned to the storage cell.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-01-16
patentee
Paulding, John
ID Number
GA.89797.052073
patent number
052073
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.052073

Patent Model for Color Printing Blocks

This patent model demonstrates an invention for color printing blocks which was granted patent number 172340. The invention included multicolor printing blocks particularly intended for oilcloths, requiring colors to be applied thickly and in an intricate pattern.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for color printing blocks which was granted patent number 172340. The invention included multicolor printing blocks particularly intended for oilcloths, requiring colors to be applied thickly and in an intricate pattern. The blocks were pierced by channels, which conducted the ink from reservoirs of converging tubes surmounting the blocks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-01-18
patentee
Perkins, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.172340
patent number
172340
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.172340

Patent Model of a Book Clamp

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a clamp for holding books while they were backed; the invention was granted patent number 50597. Joshua Wiestling Jones (born 1831) was apprenticed to the printing and binding trades. For a time he worked with the binder W. O.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a clamp for holding books while they were backed; the invention was granted patent number 50597. Joshua Wiestling Jones (born 1831) was apprenticed to the printing and binding trades. For a time he worked with the binder W. O. Hickok and helped in building Hickok's prototype paper-ruling machine. Later he worked in public printing, particularly at the state printing house in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Jones pioneered the use of electric arc lighting in Harrisburg, one of the first American cities to adopt the system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
patent date
1865-10-24
maker
Jones, Joshua W.
ID Number
GA.89797.050597
patent number
050597
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.050597

Patent Model of a Type-setting and Type-distributing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent numbers 152868 and 152869.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent numbers 152868 and 152869. Type stored in a case of vertical channels was selected and pushed out by keyboard action to a moving belt, then dropped down a slot to be assembled in a composing stick. For distribution, the dead matter was placed in front of the operator who read off and keyed in a line of letters. Each piece of type was pushed in turn onto the moving belt and dropped into its appropriate slot for return to the storage case. The two patents are demonstrated on a single model.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-07-07
maker
Reynolds, John A.
ID Number
GA.89797.152868
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.152868

Patent Model for a Type Rubbing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 13935. Type was passed endwise through the cutters, one piece at a time.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 13935. Type was passed endwise through the cutters, one piece at a time. This avoided the damage to hairlines or to the face produced by machines that took the type either sideways or in an endwise procession.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-12-11
maker
Moore, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.013935
patent number
013935
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.013935

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which passed a needle lengthwise through the folded leaves of books; the invention was granted patent number 184989. Patentee James Crawford Smyth was one of David McConnel Smyth's family.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which passed a needle lengthwise through the folded leaves of books; the invention was granted patent number 184989. Patentee James Crawford Smyth was one of David McConnel Smyth's family. The two worked together on a number of inventions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-12-05
maker
Smyth, James C.
ID Number
GA.89797.184989
patent number
184989
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.184989

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 187278. The patent describes a machine for the rapid production of replica type, from originals made for the purpose in a hard metal such as steel.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 187278. The patent describes a machine for the rapid production of replica type, from originals made for the purpose in a hard metal such as steel. The type could have raised or sunken letters, and a straight, concave, or convex surface for printing on flatbed or rotary presses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-02-13
maker
Howard, Anson M.
ID Number
GA.89797.187278
patent number
187278
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.187278

Offset press: Harris Seybold, miniature

This one-twentieth scale model of the Harris-Seybold 4-color sheet-fed offset press dates from about 1950.
Description (Brief)
This one-twentieth scale model of the Harris-Seybold 4-color sheet-fed offset press dates from about 1950. The press has a height of 7.5 inches a length of 32.5 inches and a width of 9.5 inches.
Donated by Lithographers National Association, 1953.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1950
date made
ca 1950
maker
Harris-Seybold Company
ID Number
GA.20396-a
accession number
1953.198538
catalog number
20396-a

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 an Inking Apparatus for Color Printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for color printing; the invention was granted patent number 79910. The press combines two forms on the bed of a press, one to be printed in a single color, and the other in bands of several colors.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for color printing; the invention was granted patent number 79910. The press combines two forms on the bed of a press, one to be printed in a single color, and the other in bands of several colors. Double sheets were printed, rotated, and printed again.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-07-14
maker
Hunt, Joshua
ID Number
GA.89797.079910
accession number
089797
patent number
079910
catalog number
GA*89797.079910

Patent Model of a Sheet-Feed Apparatus with Vacuum Pipes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 100059. The top sheet was lifted by suction cups, the table dropped a little, and jets of air completed the separation of the sheet from the pile.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 100059. The top sheet was lifted by suction cups, the table dropped a little, and jets of air completed the separation of the sheet from the pile.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-02-22
maker
Norelius, Oliver
ID Number
GA.89797.100059
accession number
089797
patent number
100059
catalog number
GA*89797.100059

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Web Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 192954. The patent describes mechanisms to cut, convey, and collect sheets from a web press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 192954. The patent describes mechanisms to cut, convey, and collect sheets from a web press. One of several Tucker patents dealing with the problem of receiving sheets at high speed. This invention was patented in England in 1873. The application for the U.S. patent was filed in May 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-10
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.192954
accession number
089797
patent number
192954
catalog number
GA*89797.192954

Patent Model for a Vacuum Cylinder Sheet-Feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 21591.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 21591. The patent details a sheet-feeding apparatus, operating independent of the printing machine, with improved registration.
William Bullock (1813-1867) made himself a name in 1852 with a hand-cranked wooden press to which a self-feeder was attached. He followed this with other fast presses, focusing on the problems of feeding. This led him to his most famous press, the web perfecting press (Patent 38200). In 1867 Bullock was caught in a press he was installing for the Philadelphia Public Ledger, and died from the injuries.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-21
patentee
Bullock, William
ID Number
GA.89797.021591
accession number
089797
patent number
021591
catalog number
GA*89797.021591

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