Engineering, Building, and Architecture

Not many museums collect houses. The National Museum of American History has four, as well as two outbuildings, 11 rooms, an elevator, many building components, and some architectural elements from the White House. Drafting manuals are supplemented by many prints of buildings and other architectural subjects. The breadth of the museum's collections adds some surprising objects to these holdings, such as fans, purses, handkerchiefs, T-shirts, and other objects bearing images of buildings.

The engineering artifacts document the history of civil and mechanical engineering in the United States. So far, the Museum has declined to collect dams, skyscrapers, and bridges, but these and other important engineering achievements are preserved through blueprints, drawings, models, photographs, sketches, paintings, technical reports, and field notes.

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no. 283144.
The model represents a furnace grate made up of long grate bars, which are pivoted midway of their depth and have projecting from the upper part of one side of each bar a series of teeth or ribs. When in their normal positions the bars stand obliquely and the smooth solid back of one bar and the ribbed face of the next form the two sides of a trough across the grate. The solid portion is designed to support very fine coal, while the ribbed portion permits the passage of air for combustion.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
patent date
1883-08-14
inventor
Rexford, Philander
ID Number
MC.309218
catalog number
309218
accession number
89797
patent number
283,144
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Silas C. Salisbury, June 24, 1879, no. 216898.The model represents a burner in which two concentric annular chambers are framed around a central hollow tube.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Silas C. Salisbury, June 24, 1879, no. 216898.
The model represents a burner in which two concentric annular chambers are framed around a central hollow tube. The chambers are connected to pipes so that the fuel is fed to the outer chamber, steam to the inner one, while air for combustion is supplied through the central tube. The shells forming the annular chambers, and the positions of the parts to be varied for the purpose of controlling the combustion. The inventor described a burner with the forward ends of the shells and tube flared outward as well as one with the ends curved inward, wither of which would be used depending upon the shape of the flame desired.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-06-24
inventor
Salisbury, Silas C.
ID Number
MC.308764
catalog number
308764
accession number
89797
patent number
216,898
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, August 29, 1848, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, August 29, 1848, no. 5745.
This is an adjustable drop cut-off valve gear in which a poppet valve is raised by a lift rod but is permitted to return to its seat sooner or more rapidly than the lift rod returns.
The model represents a poppet steam valve raised from its seat by an arm fixed at right angles to a lift rod, which works vertically and parallel to the valve stem. Upon the face of the arm is a moveable block a part of the upper surface of which is parallel to the face of the arm and a part of which is a steep curve. All the movement of the valve is transmitted to it through a roller on its stem, which rolls on the surface of this block. The block is so linked with a vibratory rod, which receives its motion from the cross head of the engine, that the block will move along the face of the lift rod arm and bring different points of its surface under the roller of the valve stem. By proper adjustment the roller will rest upon the flat part of the block and move with the lift rod as it is rising and the valve is opening, then the block moves so that the roller comes to the edge of the inclined portion and rolls down the incline permitting the valve to drop more quickly than the lift rod. The movement of the block on the arm and consequently the point of cut-off are fully adjustable.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1848
patent date
1848-08-29
ID Number
MC.308643
catalog number
308643
accession number
89797
patent number
5,745
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, April 30, 1842, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, April 30, 1842, no. 2597.
This model represents a valve gear in which separate steam chests are employed for the head-end and crank-end main steam valves. The supply of steam to each of these steam chests is controlled by additional cut-off valves, the movement of which is adjustable. The inventor refers to this invention as an improvement in the valve gear patented by him August 21, 1841 (patent number 2227).
The model shows a portion of the cylinder of a horizontal engine with only the piston rod and cross head represented. A steam chest in which are located the ports leading to the inner or main steam chests is shown in section, revealing the cut-off valves on their seats. These cut-off valves are plain flat plates connected to opposite ends of a beam, which receives a vibratory motion from the cross head of the engine. The beam and its rock shaft are picoted in a lever by which the pivot can be moved and the time of cut-of varied. This the inventor calls “cut-off with movable rock shaft.” He suggests that a similar result can be obtained by constructing the cut-off ports in a movable plate which he calls “cut-off with single adjustable seat.”
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1842
patent date
1842-04-30
inventor
Allen, Horatio
ID Number
MC.308640
catalog number
308640
accession number
89797
patent number
2,597
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for Patent no. 4800, issued October 7, 1846.This engine is very similar to the Perry engine of 1844 (US National Museum accession number 309253).
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for Patent no. 4800, issued October 7, 1846.
This engine is very similar to the Perry engine of 1844 (US National Museum accession number 309253). It differs in that the cylinder is water-jacketed and the hot cooling water is used to heat the fuel retort. Ignition is effected by heated platinum exposed to or separated from the explosive mixture by a valve.
The model shows a horizontal double-acting engine completely water-jacketed. Beside the cylinder is the retort for generating the vapors. Air is mixed with the vapor in a valve box above the retort, and valves operated by cams from a lay shaft admit the explosive mixture to passages leading to the cylinder. The gas is ignited by incandescent platinum, and combustion continues during about one-third of the stroke, the expansion of the products of combustion forcing the piston to the end of the stroke.
To start the engine it was necessary to heat the water about the retort to generate the vapor and to heat the igniter. When running, the engine developed sufficient heat for both purposes.
Perry designed this engine so that the water served not only to cool the cylinder but also to lubricate the piston and piston rod.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1846
patent date
1846-10-07
inventor
Perry, Stuart
ID Number
ER.251278
accession number
48865
catalog number
251278
patent number
4,800
date made
1855
patent date
1855-07-31
inventor
Ericsson, John
ID Number
MC.251279
catalog number
251279
accession number
48865
patent number
13,348
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for Patent no. 111088, issued to Alexander K. Rider, of New York, New York, January 17, 1871, reissued August 24, 188-, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for Patent no. 111088, issued to Alexander K. Rider, of New York, New York, January 17, 1871, reissued August 24, 188-, no. 9353.
This engine consists of a power piston and a transfer piston so connected with valves and passages that the cold air is received and compressed in the same cylinder in which the hot air performs its work. Its simple construction is an improvement on the John Ericsson hot-air engines of 1855-1858.
A vertical cylinder contains two independent pistons with suitable valves that permit cold air to be drawn into the cylinder, compressed, circulated between heated furnace walls, expanded under a power piston and then exhausted. The upper piston is equipped with two spring-closed intake valves that open on the upstroke of the piston allowing air to fill the cylinder between the upper and lower pistons. This air is then compressed on the downstroke of the upper piston until the pressure is sufficient to open a valve in a passage leading to a heated space surrounding the furnace. The heated and compressed air then passes into the cylinder below the lower piston where it expands, performing work against the piston.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-01-17
inventor
Rider, Alexander K.
ID Number
ER.308714
accession number
89797
catalog number
308714
patent number
111,088
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 3, 1863, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 3, 1863, no. 40510.
The condenser represented in the model consists of a large vertical cylinder and pump plunger with various connected chambers designed to function as a condenser, a condenser air pump, and feed-water hot well and heater.
The invention “consists in simplifying the apparatus that condenses the steam discharged by the first eduction from the cylinder of a condensing steam engine by closing the hot well of the engine against the atmosphere and by keeping a portion of the space of the hot well free from water, and by delivering the steam discharged from the cylinder by the first eduction into the hot well, so that it may be condensed or partially condensed by the water delivered by the air-pump into the hot well.” The hot well is thus made “to act also as an additional condenser and dispense altogether with an additional air pump to draw the water from the additional condenser.”
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
patent date
1863-11-03
inventor
Stevens, Francis B.
ID Number
MC.309238
catalog number
309238
accession number
89797
patent number
40,510
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, of New York, New York, June 20, 1871, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, of New York, New York, June 20, 1871, no. 116131.
The model is a relief panel showing a section through the two steam cylinders of a duplex pump arranged to use steam at boiler pressure in one steam cylinder of small diameter, expand the exhaust steam in a receiver of much larger volume than the small cylinder, and use the steam at low pressure in a second cylinder of larger diameter. This arrangement was devised to permit the use of steam expansively in a duplex pump without the use of two compound cylinders, as was formerly the method.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-06-20
inventor
Worthington, Henry R.
ID Number
ER.308681
accession number
89797
catalog number
308681
patent number
116,131
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph Wotapek, of New York, New York, May 6, 1884, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph Wotapek, of New York, New York, May 6, 1884, no. 298329; assigned to the Nation Manufacturing Co.
The improvement involved in this injector is the use of a nozzle holder by which the scale-incrusted nozzle or tube of the injector may be easily removed to permit cleaning. The holder is threaded into the shell of the injector from which it and the tube are drawn by unscrewing the bolder. The holder turns independently of the tube so that the tube itself is not subjected to torsion when being withdrawn from the shell.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1884
patent date
1884-05-06
inventor
Wotapek, Joseph
ID Number
MC.309181
catalog number
309181
patent number
298,329
accession number
89797
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Adam S. Cameron, of New York, New York, November 10, 1874, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Adam S. Cameron, of New York, New York, November 10, 1874, no. 156769.
This invention relates to a design of pump valves so controlled by spindles and guides that the necessity of central bearings in the valve seat is avoided, leaving a clear circular opening for the passage of the fluid being pumped.
The model represents a valve chest of a pump cylinder equipped with four valves arranged in pairs, in which one valve is located above the other. In each pair the valve stem of the upper valve projects upward into a hollow plug in the top of the valve chest and downward into a socket in the lower valve. The socket of the lower valve extends downward into a hollow plug or guide in the bottom of the valve chest. Both valves are spring closed and the lower valve is free to move independently of the upper valve.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-11-10
inventor
Cameron, Adam S.
ID Number
ER.308686
accession number
89797
catalog number
308686
patent number
156,769
associated institution
Faesch & Piccard
ID Number
EM.315850
catalog number
315850
accession number
221414
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Sewell and Adam S. Cameron, of New York, New York, May 10, 1864, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Sewell and Adam S. Cameron, of New York, New York, May 10, 1864, no. 42694.
The model represents a direct-connected steam pump in which the water piston rod is keyed in a socket in the end of the steam piston rod, so that the two may be disconnected when it is desired to operate the pump by hand. The socket is sufficiently long to serve as a guide for the water piston rod, and a suitable rock shaft and capstan head is provided for working the pump by hand.
The purpose of the combination is to provide a hand pump for the various purposes for which a pump might be required aboard a vessel when steam is down and the steam pump cannot be used, while eliminating some of the piping that would be necessary if separate pumps were provided.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
date made
1864
patent date
1864-05-10
inventor
Sewell, William
Cameron, Adam S.
ID Number
MC.308669
catalog number
308669
accession number
89797
patent number
42,694
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John W. Carhart, of Troy, New York, March 27, 1866, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John W. Carhart, of Troy, New York, March 27, 1866, no. 53410.
The model represents a conical plug valve with an annular exhaust space between the plug and the valve and a steam passage through the hollow core of the plug. The peculiar feature of the valve is the provision of recessed annular spaces in the valve, which, with the valve seat, form small pistons and cylinders designed to balance the valve longitudinally when connected to the steam passages. Screw adjustments on the valve stem and the small end of the valve are provided for setting the valve in a position giving proper contact with the minimum of friction.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
patent date
1866-03-27
inventor
Carhart, John W.
ID Number
ER.308671
accession number
89797
catalog number
308671
patent number
53,410
This patent model accompanied Abijah S. Hosley’s patent application for a caliper to measure ship models that received patent number 8,307 on August 19, 1851. Vessel construction in the nineteenth century started with wooden models.
Description
This patent model accompanied Abijah S. Hosley’s patent application for a caliper to measure ship models that received patent number 8,307 on August 19, 1851. Vessel construction in the nineteenth century started with wooden models. Built to disassemble into pieces, the carefully shaped models would be taken apart and measured, and the measurements would be used to create full-sized patterns for fabricating the vessel's components. If drawings were created at all, they too were based on measurements from models. Hosley claimed his caliper provided greater accuracy, greater speed, and greater ease of use than ordinary measuring devices.
The ebony and brass model is comprised of two wooden posts attached to form an L. A curved handle projects from the top of the main post. A measuring arm slides along the bottom, its ivory scale and brass straight- edge rest. A second, curved measuring arm, now missing, once slid perpendicular to the secondary post; its headstock is still attached to the threaded rod that once adjusted its position. The secondary post's ivory scale is also missing. Two thumb screws at one end of the device control the measuring arms.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
patent date
1851-08-19
patentee
Hosley, Abijah S.
inventor
Hosley, Abijah S.
ID Number
TR.308544
catalog number
308544
accession number
89797
patent number
8,307
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Theophilus Mayhew, of New York, New York, July 8, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Theophilus Mayhew, of New York, New York, July 8, 1879, no. 217392.
The engine consists of a hemispherical cuplike chamber over the concave opening of which is stretched a flexible diaphragm. This chamber connects to a valve chest in which a flat plate valve works over the intake and exhaust ports. A lever extends from the frame of the machine over the diaphragm upon which a projection of the lever rests. Inflation and deflation of the diaphragm by admitting and exhausting steam raise the lever and permit it to fall by its own weight. A system of cranks and spring actuated by the lever operates the valve. The engine was designed as a simple device for operating churns and similar machines.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-07-08
inventor
Mayhew, Theophilus
ID Number
MC.308705
catalog number
308705
accession number
89797
patent number
217,392
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Richards, of Lansingburg, New York, May 22, 1866, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Richards, of Lansingburg, New York, May 22, 1866, no. 54959.
This model represents a slightly conical plug valve fitted within a conical valve housing, which is provided with eight equally spaced steam ports so arranged that diametrically opposite ports are connected together in pairs. The result is that the pressure on the valve due to the steam or exhaust pressure in each pair of ports is perfectly balanced.
Three adjoining ports in the valve housing are continued through the housing, which is provided at that point with a flat surface that permits the valve to be placed against the ordinary valve seat of a D-slide valve engine, the three ports registering with the steam passages to the ends of the cylinder and with the exhaust passage at the center of the seat. The valve is constructed with four equally spaced longitudinal recesses with four alternate bands. The valve is operated by rocking it a part of a turn in each direction from the center.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1866
patent date
1866-05-22
ID Number
ER.308676
accession number
89797
catalog number
308676
patent number
54,959
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John C. King, of New York, New York, September 20, 1870, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John C. King, of New York, New York, September 20, 1870, no. 107504.
The model represents a direct-connected steam pump provided with rotary oscillating valves on the steam and water cylinders operated by an arm on the piston rod and a swinging lever. The peculiar feature of the design is the use of a sharp-edged spring-actuated slide, which acts upon a roller on the swinging lever to rapidly change the valve position as the pistons near the end of their strokes. During the first part of the stroke the roller on the swinging lever acts upon one side of the slide and forces it up against a coil spring. Toward the end of the stroke the roller passes under the sharp edge of the slide and the force of the spring causes the slide to push the roller and swinging lever rapidly in the direction in which it is traveling.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
patent date
1870-09-20
inventor
King, John C.
ID Number
ER.308682
accession number
89797
catalog number
308682
patent number
107,504
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Babcock, of Plainfield, Hew Jersey, and Stephen Wilcox, of Brooklyn, New York, April 4, 1876, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Babcock, of Plainfield, Hew Jersey, and Stephen Wilcox, of Brooklyn, New York, April 4, 1876, no. 175548.
The model represents the typical elements of an inclined tube, horizontal longitudinal drum boiler upon which are shown the mode of mounting and supporting such boilers and the provisions for making the connections of the parts that are the subject of the patent.
The drum of the boiler is represented as having cast-iron ends, each of which is formed with a stout horn near the top adapted to receive a suspension link from a cross girder resting upon columns at the sides of the boiler. Each end casting is further provided with a series of holes near the bottom properly adapted to receive tubes joined thereto by the process known as expanding. These tubes are joined at the front and back to the vertical tubes rising from the water-tube headers by means of hollow castings in which hand holes are provided that permit both sets of tubes to be expanded in the openings in the castings.
These improvements are said to be the results of the inventors’ experience with the boiler patented by them February 18, 1873, no. 135877.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
patent date
1876-04-04
inventor
Babcock, George H.
Wilcox, Jr., Stephen
ID Number
ER.308690
accession number
89797
catalog number
308690
patent number
175,548
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William H. Baker and Samuel H. Baldwin, of Cohoes, New York, August 21, 1839, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William H. Baker and Samuel H. Baldwin, of Cohoes, New York, August 21, 1839, no. 1295.
This is an early example of a steam engine in which two cams turn together in a closed casing so that steam admitted to the casing will force apart abutments on the cams and cause the cams and the shafts on which they are mounted to turn. This engine may also be used as a pump.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1839
patent date
1839-08-21
inventor
Baldwin, Samuel H.
Baker, William H.
ID Number
ER.308647
accession number
89797
catalog number
308647
patent number
1,295
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, October 23, 1849, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, October 23, 1849, no. 6811.
The model shows a combination of a horizontal cylinder with a vertical beam to which the engine’s force is applied between the fulcrum and the connecting rod to the engine crank. It permits locating the propelling machinery of a side-wheel steamboat low within the hull.
The model is a panel representing a horizontal cylinder with piston rod connecting to a short beam pivoted at a point below the level of the cylinder. From a short distance above the point at which the piston force is applied to the beam a long connecting rod connects to the crank on the engine shaft located above the cylinder and at the middle of its length. The location of the condenser below the cylinder and the location of the air pump and the manner of operating it are shown by the model.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
patent date
1849-10-23
inventor
Lighthall, William A.
ID Number
MC.308641
catalog number
308641
accession number
89797
patent number
6,811
This model formed part of the application to the U.S. Patent Office for the patent issued to William Mont Storm on July 11, 1865, no.
Description
This model formed part of the application to the U.S. Patent Office for the patent issued to William Mont Storm on July 11, 1865, no. 48777.
This is a 3-cylinder engine of a radial type, designed to produce rotary motion with compactness and simplicity.
The engine consists of two horizontal, opposed, single-acting cylinders and one vertical double-acting cylinder. The pistons of the horizontal cylinders are extended and joined to form a slotted crosshead in which one crank of the crankshaft moves. The piston in the vertical cylinder has a much shorter stroke and the piston rod from it extends to a second cross head and crank. D-slide valves are operated by a very small crank at the end of the crankshaft, in a valve chest located at the center of the engine. The engine is reversible.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
patent date
1865-07-11
inventor
Storm, William Mont
ID Number
MC.309195
catalog number
309195
accession number
89797
patent number
48,777
"The Battle of the Sewing Machines" was composed and arranged by F. Hyde for the piano, and was published in 1874 by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of 547 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. The lithograph by R. Teller of 120 Wooster St., N.Y., N.Y., illustrates a "battle" of sewing machines.
Description
"The Battle of the Sewing Machines" was composed and arranged by F. Hyde for the piano, and was published in 1874 by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of 547 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. The lithograph by R. Teller of 120 Wooster St., N.Y., N.Y., illustrates a "battle" of sewing machines. The Remington "army" is marching towards the fleeing Singer, Howe, Succor, Weed, and Willcox & Gibbs sewing machines. The soldiers are riding the Remington treadle machines like horses and are carrying Remington rifles. The Remington No. 2 sewing machine had just come out to market in June 1874. The family treadle machine with a drop-leaf table and two drawers would have cost $75.00.
On the top left of the sheet music, a woman is pictured sewing on a Remington machine in the Remington office at Madison Square, New York. In the right box is featured the Remington Works of Ilion, N.Y. The music consists of 11 pages, with such subtitles as: "Howe the battle began"; "Advent of all the best machines"; "Song of the Sewing Machine Man: 'How Can I Leave Thee'"; "Triumph of the Remington Sewing Machine," and "Home Sweet Home."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1874
referenced
Remington Sewing Machine Company
composer
Hyde, F.
publisher
William A. Pond & Co.
lithographer
Teller, R.
ID Number
1991.0130.01
catalog number
1991.0130.01
accession number
1991.0130
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Hiram S. Maxim, of New York, New York, December 22, 1874, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Hiram S. Maxim, of New York, New York, December 22, 1874, no. 158105.
This model represents a steam engine, pump, and gas-fired boiler, equipped with automatic valves for maintaining the proper level of water in the boiler and for holding a steady pressure in the boiler by starting or stopping the burner. The combination is a steam-pumping unit intended to function automatically without the services of an attendant.
The engine is supported upon the boiler and consists of a rectangular bed, which serves as the pump suction chamber, upon which is the vertical pump cylinder and the pedestal that supports the flywheel and crankshaft journals and the oscillating steam cylinder. Within the base of the pedestal is a feed-water heater through which the exhaust from the engine passes. A float-operated, weighted, pin valve admits water to the boiler from the discharge pipe of the pump when the level in the boiler falls. The boiler is a cylindrical shell type with combustion chamber formed by water legs in the shape of a truncated cone. A ring burner for gas or kerosene is located in a cylindrical firepot within the combustion chamber. The fuel valve to the burner is held open by a spring and is closed by the pressure within the boiler exerted upon a diaphragm and lever. A hole through the valve permits a small pilot flame to burn at all times.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-12-22
inventor
Maxim, Hiram S.
ID Number
ER.308683
accession number
89797
catalog number
308683
patent number
158,105

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