Engineering, Building, and Architecture

Engine Room From Coast Guard Buoy Tender Oak

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.

Topic: Architecture

Plate 88. Ruins of Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, Across the James

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
When Jefferson Davis directed the evacuation of Richmond, he left instructions with Breckinridge and Ewell to burn the Confederate supplies and munitions of war. Davis left on Sunday night, and on the following morning, after they had crossed the river, this bridge was fired. The structure was built of wood, and rested on sixteen large stone piers. It had two passage-ways, one along the top for the cars, and one beneath the railroad track, for carriages. This view was taken from the Richmond side of the river, where are the ruins of a large paper mill.
In the back ground are seen the heights of Manchester, on which the rebels erected earthworks to defend Richmond when General Butler was making demonstrations from Bermuda Hundreds. The river is shallow at this point, and obstructed by huge boulders, between which are holes where the water is dune deep, rendering the stream unfordable. Belle Isle, where so many Union prisoners were starved and frozen, is about three fourths of a mile above this bridge.
A new structure has been built on the piers since this photograph was made, and the trains now cross regularly. Many of the ruins along the river side have been removed. Handsome buildings are in progress of erection, and the cities of Richmond and Manchester are resuming their bustle of trade and improvement.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.38
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.38

Plate 66. Chesterfield Bridge, across the North Anna

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.This bridge is on the road known as the Telegraph road to Richmond. On the 23d of May Gen.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This bridge is on the road known as the Telegraph road to Richmond. On the 23d of May Gen. Hancock found it defended by earthworks, manned, and offering a spirited resistance. These were speedily carried by a brilliant assault of the old "Berry Brigade," and the bridge taken before damage had been done it by the defenders. The 93d New York, in the heat of the charge, carried their colors to the centre of the structure, the enemy still holding the opposite bank. The bridge and its approaches remained exposed to the fire of a battery of the enemy, so posted that the Union artillery could not silence it as long as we held possession. Everything crossing it had to run the gauntlet of a wicked fire, rapidly delivered, and at good range. Pouring over at the double-quick, those commands that were obliged to cross, offered a capital mark to the rebel gunners. In this way several large regiments of New York heavy artillery went over, not without serious casualties, the shells bursting about their heads with deafening explosions. Captain Bleeper's battery, the 10th Massachusetts, crossed it about this time, the rebels redoubling their efforts in hope of blowing up the ammunition, but the captain only passed over one piece at a time, thus materially diminishing the target; and as the rule is to go no faster than a walk, (unless at the risk of severe pains and penalties at the hands of the local authorities), the aforesaid captain passed over with each piece in turn, enforcing the observance of the law, and proving the discipline of his battery. The ridge in the distance was the position held by the Second Corps, till it was determined not to advance any further in that direction.
It is a curious fact that this bridge received hardly any damage from the continual fire of the rebel battery; nor was the loss among the troops exposed to it anything like what might have been expected, owing to the fire of the Second Corps artillery, which must have considerably confused its aim.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-05
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.16
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.16

Plate 61. Commissary Department, Headquarters Army of the Potomac

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The commissary at General Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was nothing less than an immense grocery establishment.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The commissary at General Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac was nothing less than an immense grocery establishment. Coffee, tea, sugar, molasses, bacon, salt pork, fresh beef, potatoes, rice, flour, &c., were always kept on hand in large quantities, and of the best quality. This institution was under the charge of Brevet Major J. R. Coxe, whose portly form adorns the photograph of "What do I want, John Henry?" Occasionally some command out of provisions would suddenly call on Major Coxe for a hundred thousand rations or more, and never was the gallant Major found unable to respond. Rain, snow, darkness, fathomless roads, or unexplored forests, never hindered his wagon trains. Upon him depended the sustenance of Headquarters, and the Commissary General and Staff. It was never his fault if they went hungry.
It was interesting in the last year of the war to witness the Virginia families flock to Headquarters for the purpose of purchasing supplies of the Commissary. Decrepit [sic] men, ladies, children, and family servants crowded the Commissary at stated periods for rations, carrying off their purchased provisions in the oddest vehicles, on horseback, and on foot, some individuals every week walking twenty miles to get their supplies. The provisions sold by the Commissary were disposed of at prices far below market rates, the Government only charging the cost price at wholesale; and as great care was taken in the selection of supplies by the Government agents, it was highly desirable to citizens to purchase rations. This was especially the case with respect to tea, coffee, and sugar, which were bought by the Government in as unadulterated a form as could be found.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.11
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.11

Plate 85. Blandford Church, Petersburg

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
"Old Blanford Church," of which a view is here presented, is a great object of interest to all visitors; the cemetery surrounding it having monuments erected one hundred and fifty years ago. The walls of the main body of the building are of English brick, imported from the mother country. The services of the Episcopal Church were first performed in 1735, and continued to be read until 1825, nearly a century. Since that time, owing to the movement of the inhabitants of Blandford to the present site of Petersburg, the church has not been used, although the cemetery, now much enlarged, still continues to be the general depository of the dead. The ivy-covered walls now stand as a historic monument of what was formerly the aristocratic portion of the city. In the cemetery the stranger is not only shown the almost obliterated slab beneath which rests the remains of General Phillips, who died in May, 1781, during the war of independence, but also the monument. erected to the memory of the brave volunteers from the "Cockade City," who left houses and friends in the war of 1812. The greater space, however, has been allotted during the last four years to the graves of "Our Soldiers," these words being cut on a simple wooden cross, to mark the resting place of the Confederate dead.
A somewhat eccentric sexton, whose father before him performed the same duties, is generally on the spot to enlighten visitors in regard to the history of the church, and is apparently much pleased to do so from the manner in which he enters upon his oft-repeated narrative. During the siege the edifice and its surroundings suffered but little damage from shot or shell, although the position was in front of the point of attack at the time of the explosion of the mine on the 30th July, 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.35
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.35

Plate 97. Appomattox Station, Virginia

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This station is on the railroad between Petersburg and Lynchburg; distant from the former place ninety-six miles, and from Appomattox Court-House, three miles. The place in itself is very insignificant, but received some notoriety from the fact that the last train conveying provisions to General Lee's army, during his retreat, was captured there by the United States forces. The train had arrived very early in the morning, (April 8, 1865,) and the supplies were being transferred to wagons and ambulances, by a detail of about four thousand men, many of them unarmed, when suddenly our cavalry charged upon them, having reached the spot by a by-road leading from the Red House. The rebel officers made strenuous efforts to force their men to resist the attack, but, after a few shots, they fled in confusion, and scattered through the adjoining woods. This was the last effort made by Lee to obtain food for his half-famished army, and with its failure, he evidently gave up all hope. Without halting a moment, the cavalry pushed on, driving the enemy (who had reached the depot about the same hour) in the direction of Appomattox Court-House, capturing many prisoners, twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital train, and a large park of wagons.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.47
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.47

Plate 7. Ruins of Stone Bridge, Bull Run

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by William R. Pywell, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This sketch represents a portion of the field of the battle of Bull Run, fought on the 21st of July, 1861, by the forces under Gen. McDowell and Gen. Beauregard. In a general order, issued on the 20th, Gen. McDowell said: "The enemy has planted a battery on the Warrenton turnpike to defend the passage of Bull Run; has seized the stone bridge, and made a heavy abatis on the right bank, to oppose our advance in that direction. The ford above the bridge is also guarded, whether with artillery or not, is not positively known, but every indication favors the belief that he proposes to defend the passage of the stream. It is intended to turn the position, force the enemy from the road, that it may be re-opened, and, if possible, destroy the railroad leading from Manasses to the Valley of Virginia, where the enemy has a large force." General McDowell commenced operations with the divisions of Tyler, Hunter, Heintzelman, and Miles-33,000 men; 18,000 of whom were engaged. The strength of the enemy was about the same, and was all engaged. The plan of the attack was for Tyler's division to threaten the passage of the bridge, Miles to make a demonstration at Blackburn's Ford, two miles below, and the divisions of Hunter and Heintzleman to move up the stream ten miles, and by a flank movement surprise and overwhelm the enemy while occupied with the two other divisions.
The country at that time was densely wooded, and the entire portion shown in the sketch occupied by the Confederates. It was expected that Hunter and Heintzelman would strike the left of the enemy at daylight on the 21st, but owing to unforeseen obstacles, failed to reach the designated point until after ten o'clock. This delay revealed the movement to Beauregard, who immediately disposed his forces to meet it by extending them obliquely across the turnpike, facing the bridge, at a distance of about two miles. Hunter, Heintzelman, and Tyler, who had crossed the bridge, attacked the enemy, and the engagement became general; our forces, after a severe struggle, driving him in great confusion from the field, and occupying the turnpike. The fighting had nearly ceased, and Gen. McDowell was expressing his thanks to some of his officers for their services, when Johnston's reinforcements from Winchester suddenly appeared in rear of our right, and threw our lines into utter confusion. A feeble attempt was made to repulse the attack, but the regiments rapidly broke to pieces, and forming a mass of terror-stricken fugitives, rushed from the field down across the bridge, which soon became obstructed by wagons, and to prevent pursuit by the enemy was destroyed. A portion of this ground was fought over in the battles of Gen. Pope in 1862, and hundreds of acres still bear evidences of those fearful scenes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-03
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.07
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.07

Plate 82. View on the Appomattox, Near Campbell's Bridge

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The scenery hereabouts is of a highly romantic character, the ground being very much broken, and the water, "now seen in sunshine, now lost in shade, having to find its way, as best it can, over an exceedingly rough bed, and through various intricate channels formed by the rocks and several small, but densely wooded, islands, until it reaches the narrow granite gorge, or strait, spanned by the bridge. Through the latter it rushes with accelerated force to Bolling's Dam, and thence pursues its course more quietly to City Point, there to be swallowed up by the mightier James.
On the right hand side of the view here taken is introduced a portion of one of the "Merchant Manufacturing Company's Cotton Mills," established in the early part of the year 1832, and employing, we are told, one hundred and fifty to two hundred operatives. In the middle ground are several other buildings, some being used for the grinding of corn and such purposes, and others as saw-mills, the water power being here very extensive; while in the background of the picture is to be seen the high road abruptly ascending from Petersburg, by way of Campbell's Bridge towards Enricks [sic], and into the county of Chesterfield generally.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-05
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.32
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.32

Plate 98. High Bridge, across the Appomattox

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The South Side Railway, between Petersburg and Lynchburg, crosses the Appomattox river and its broad valley, by what is now well known as High Bridge. With one exception, it is the highest structure of the kind on this continent, being one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the river, and two thousand four hundred feet in length.
On the morning of the 7th of April, 1865, the Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac, in pursuit of the enemy, came up with them at this point. The Confederates endeavored not only to burn the railroad bridge, but also the common road bridge, which crosses the river a short distance below. The latter was fortunately saved, and but three spans of the former were burned. The picture shows that this damage has since been repaired by the substitution of, a trestle bridge along the sections destroyed. Owing to the great height of the piers, and the haste with which the bridge was repaired, it is now rather insecure, rendering it necessary for the trains to pass over at a very slow rate of speed. At high water the river covered the whole of the flats, and extended above the stone base of the piers.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.48
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.48

Plate 4. Stone Church, Centreville

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Barnard & Gibson, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
Perched upon the gentle slope of the ridge that bears its name, and looking across fertile fields to the mountains that rise up grandly hiding the West, Centreville had smiled on many generations, and grown feeble with all its pleasant things about it. The houses were leaning structures with huge stone chimneys, doors that creaked in their old age, and fences that straggled every way, but there was always an odor of wild roses and honey suckle about it, and a genial hospitality to welcome the stranger. War crushed it, piled earthworks upon its ruins to protect hostile camps, built cantonments in its gardens, and made hospitals of the churches. Scarcely a vestige of its former self remains. Redoubts and riflepits stretch along its knolls; graves, half hidden by the grass, tell where the dead of both armies slumber, and the spot now only interests the visitor because of the wreck that has come upon it. Here the divisions of McDowell gathered strength after their weary march to assault the position of the enemy, and here his rear-guard checked the returning tide of half-beaten Confederates. Pope next sought it as a rock of strength in his fierce struggle back from Cedar Mountain, and again, in 1863, Meade turned his columns towards its ridges for a bulwark to defend the Capital. Guerillas have swarmed about it, cavalry have charged over its untilled fields, and demoralized divisions have bivouacked for roll-call behind its hills.
Through all these scenes a few of its people have lived and suffered, faithful to their homes. Others are turning back from uncertain wanderings to the resting place of their fathers, and, with returning peace, the husbandman finds that nature has not forgotten its fruitfulness in the years of war and devastation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-03
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0334.04
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0334.04

Plate 91. Ruins of Arsenal, Richmond

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The Confederate Arsenal at Richmond was one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the South.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The Confederate Arsenal at Richmond was one of the most extensive establishments of the kind in the South. At the commencement of the war the rebel authorities took possession of a large number of private buildings, such as tobacco and cotton warehouses, and manufactories, and transformed them into Government shops. The masonry shown in the photograph formed the abutment of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad bridge. The depot was immediately at the end of the structure, and became a portion of the arsenal. In the background are the ruins of the Franklin paper mill, and on the right those of the carbine manufactories. The space occupied by shells, stone, and blocks of iron formed the yard of the shops, in which the ordnance was made. In the foreground are piled up eleven-inch shells. In the middle distance are thirty pound shells, near which are half a dozen charges of canister and a large number of grape shot, each bundle of rings enclosing about thirty pounds of balls, and constituting a charge for a gun. Scattered over the yard, and standing near the base of the arch, are seen the elongated one hundred pound shell for rifled cannon.
The arsenal was destroyed by the great fire, at the evacuation of Richmond. The Tredegar Iron Works, where the Confederates manufactured a considerable portion of their artillery, were situated a short distance to the left of the ruins shown here, and escaped the conflagration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.41
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.41

Plate 68. Charles City Court-House, Virginia

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This place is the county seat of Charles City County, about twenty-five miles southeast from Richmond, and is a fair specimen of many Virginia Court-Houses. This neighborhood was the scene of a number of severe cavalry fights during the war, the Court-House, in 1862, being only three miles from the intrenched camp of Gen. McClellan, whose army marched past the village in its retreat from before Richmond to Fortress Monroe. Gen. Meade's army, in 1864, again occupied this section, and passed over its roads from Coal Harbor to Petersburg, when the building was sacked by the troops, and many of the records were destroyed. There were but two or three dwellings and a church composing the village, and a stranger might pass through the place without dreaming that it possessed a name. Its history dates from the early settlement of Virginia, and the cemeteries round about it contain the names of those who passed away one hundred years ago.
The return of peace has here failed to quicken the people, and everything is rapidly sinking to decay. The aristocratic families, impoverished by the war, and deprived of the labor of their slaves, barely manage to live, and the whole country along the James is rapidly becoming overgrown with scrub timber and chaparral.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-06
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.18
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.18

Plate 92. View on Canal, Near Haxall & Crenshaw's Mill, Richmond

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.The principal object in this picture is the ruin of what was once one of the finest flour mills of the country.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Alexander Gardner, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
The principal object in this picture is the ruin of what was once one of the finest flour mills of the country. Haxall's Mill had a floor surface of eight acres, and a water-power that never failed. The great preservative qualities of the flour made here procured for it an extended reputation, and rendered it very desirable in the navy, as on shipboard it would keep a couple of years unchanged. On this account large quantities were purchased for the British navy. During the war the mill was kept busy by the rebel government, supplying the wants of the army, and when Richmond was evacuated, fell a prey to the fire, which, in its progress, burned over thirty squares of the business part of the city, consuming many of the public buildings. Crenshaw's Mill on the left of the canal, escaped the torch of the incendiary, and owing to a favorable wind was preserved, as were also the wooden shops on the right.
The canal was of much value in bringing supplies to the Confederate capital, thus relieving the overworked railroads. From its position it was very difficult to permanently injure it. Wyndham reached it during Stoneman's raid in 1863, but for want of powder to blowup the aqueduct, did only temporary damage. Sheridan in the spring of 1864, again destroyed a portion of it, which was not repaired until after the surrender of Lee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.42
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.42

Model of a Cement Mixer

This model was built for its inventors (two brothers from Montana) by a Chicago firm, run by J. T. H. Paterson, Proprietor. Raw materials were loaded into one side and mixed concrete unloaded on the other.Regal Model and Tool Works (122 S. Clarke Street, Chicago, Illinois, J. T.
Description
This model was built for its inventors (two brothers from Montana) by a Chicago firm, run by J. T. H. Paterson, Proprietor. Raw materials were loaded into one side and mixed concrete unloaded on the other.
Regal Model and Tool Works (122 S. Clarke Street, Chicago, Illinois, J. T. H. Paterson, Proprietor) built this model for two inventors, who were brothers from Montana. This cement mixer was patented.
Date made
ca 1910
ID Number
MC.316501
catalog number
316501
accession number
224662

Model, Jacob Perkins 1823 Mill Steam Engine

This model was made by the Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models.
Description (Brief)
This model was made by the Bathe Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the early 20th century. Greville Bathe was a machinist and steam engine hobbyist who would fashion his own parts to complete toy steam engines and models. The model consists of vertical boiler on the first floor powering a horizontal engine on the second floor. The model identifies the building as the home of Perkins & Company Engineers of No. 69 Fleet Street, London, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1823
ID Number
MC.329093
catalog number
329093
accession number
278175

Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Model

This is a half-size model of the boiler that won the award for sectional steam generators at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.
Description
This is a half-size model of the boiler that won the award for sectional steam generators at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. It was in service until recent years and is now preserved by the Babcock and Wilcox Co., the makers.
The boiler represented is a hand-fired, inclined-tube boiler, with two parallel longitudinal drums connected by a cross steam drum. The headers are of the earliest type of cast-steel sinuous header and are seven tubes high. The boiler is suspended from two cast-iron arched beams that rest upon the side walls of the brickwork. The highly ornamental cast-iron front is trimmed in gold paint. The boiler is equipped with a ball-and-lever safety valve, three water-level sight gauges, and a pressure gauge.
The Centennial boiler was sold to the De Castro and Donner Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, New York, after the exposition and was continued in service through the early 20th century.
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 on loan
Currently not on view (Part)
ID Number
ER.309868
accession number
110403
catalog number
309868

Rexford Fire Grate, Patent Model

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

Loper Marine Steam Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no. 6673.
This is a nicely made working model of a 2-cylinder vertical marine engine directly connected to a 2-throw propeller shaft, upon which is mounted a 4-blade propeller. The model is complete with boiler, feed-water pump, condenser, and condenser air pump. The peculiar feature of the invention is the manner of connecting the air pump to the engine and the method of quickly converting the engine from condensing to noncondensing operation.
The engine represented consists of a heavy bed plate shaped to fit the hull of a vessel, upon which are attached the bearing of the propeller shaft and the frame that supports the cylinders. The cylinders are double-acting are “reversed from the ordinary position of engines, the piston rod running down through the lower head and connecting by the usual connecting rod with the cranks on the shaft below.” “The valves of the engine take their motion from eccentrics on the main shaft coupled with a valve lever by proper eccentric rods. The lever is affixed to its axis by its center and is made double, so that the eccentric rod can be thrown to either end to reverse the motion or may be wholly detached.” The cur-off is worked directly from the cross head. The air pump is driven by a beam and connecting rod, which is driven by a crankpin upon a gear wheel that engages a pinion on the crankshaft. The ratio of the gears is such that the air pump performs only one stroke to two of the engine. The air pump communicates with the condenser into which the exhaust pipe opens. The escape pipe is also connected with the condenser, which, when open, allows the steam to escape without condensing.
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
1849-08-28
inventor
Loper, R. F.
ID Number
ER.309198
accession number
89797
catalog number
309198
patent number
6,673

Carette Toy Steam Engine

This toy steam engine does not bear a specific makers mark, but comparisons to other engines reveal similarities to a Carette engine model 108. The model 108 engine was made by Georges Carette of Nuremberg, Germany around 1900.
Description (Brief)
This toy steam engine does not bear a specific makers mark, but comparisons to other engines reveal similarities to a Carette engine model 108. The model 108 engine was made by Georges Carette of Nuremberg, Germany around 1900. The overtype engine has a horizontal slide valve engine and horizontal boiler over a black firebox.
Carrette et Cie (Carrette and Company) was founded in Nuremberg, Germany by Georges Carette and operated from 1886-1917.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid or early 20th century
ID Number
MC.328934
catalog number
328934
accession number
278175

Steam Engine Indicator

This steam engine indicator consists of a steel piston with three grooves; a vented steel cylinder; an external, double wound spring, which can be changed; a small drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus.
Description
This steam engine indicator consists of a steel piston with three grooves; a vented steel cylinder; an external, double wound spring, which can be changed; a small drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus. Accompanying the indicator is a box with an extra piston and line, fourteen extra springs, a wrench, and two small parts.
An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.
A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.
When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.
The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1981.0217.13
accession number
1981.0217
catalog number
1981.0217.13

Schofield Rotary Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick F. Schofield, of Oscoda, Michigan, September 19, 1876, no. 182291.This is a rotary engine in which the outer casing rotates and acts a both a flywheel and belt pulley.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick F. Schofield, of Oscoda, Michigan, September 19, 1876, no. 182291.
This is a rotary engine in which the outer casing rotates and acts a both a flywheel and belt pulley. Otherwise it does not differ materially from the many other rotary engines in which an annular space between a casing and a drum is divided by movable abutments in the out casing, and is traversed by a driving head on the drum. In this case the drum is held stationary and the abutments in the casing are driven around by the pressure between the abutments and the head on the drum.
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
1876-09-19
inventor
Schofield, Frederick F.
ID Number
ER.309193
accession number
89797
catalog number
309193
patent number
182,291

Frost Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Richard L. Frost, of Battle Creek, Michigan, February 11, 1890, no. 421355. The patent was assigned to the Union Manufacturing Co.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Richard L. Frost, of Battle Creek, Michigan, February 11, 1890, no. 421355. The patent was assigned to the Union Manufacturing Co. of the same place.
The model represents a section through the steam cylinder, piston, and steam valve of a direct-connected steam water pump. The valve is a steam-actuated piston valve so designed that an increase in the exhaust pressure cannot act on the valve as to entirely close the live-steam port and stop the engine.
The valve is a piston slide valve that admits live steam at its ends through a hollow section to the cylinder steam ports close to the middle of the valve. The exhaust is to the center. Formed on the ends of the piston valve are enlarged pistons which closely fit cylinders provided for them. Ports in these cylinders are so connected to the main cylinder ports and the main cylinder that pressure on one end serves practically to balance the valve, while pressure on the other end actuates the valve. The main piston is relatively long and has an annular depression between its two ends. The space thus formed between the piston ends and the cylinder in combination with ports in the cylinder acts to supply steam to the valve cylinder to actuate the 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
1890
patent date
1890-02-11
inventor
Frost, Richard L.
ID Number
MC.308718
catalog number
308718
accession number
89797
patent number
421,355

Bartlett Poppet Valve Gear, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis D. Bartlett, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, January 15, 1867, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis D. Bartlett, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, January 15, 1867, no. 61141.
The patent refers to an engine with separate valve chests at head end and crank end, each enclosing balanced steam and exhaust poppet valves, and describes particularly the construction of the valve boxes. These are designed for simplicity of casting, machining, and accessibility but are difficult to describe without reference to the drawings in the patent specifications. The valve gear is said to be similar to one described in a patent granted to Charles H. Brown and Charles Burleigh, January 15, 1856. The valve stems are operated by short levers, which are raised and lowered by cams on a lay shaft paralleling the cylinder. The levers that operated the steam valves have variable fulcrums, which are controlled by a governor so that the steam can be cut off at any point of the stroke.
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
1867
patent date
1867-01-15
inventor
Bartlett, Louis D.
ID Number
MC.308674
catalog number
308674
accession number
89797
patent number
61,141

Hewitt Piston-Rod Packing, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Hewitt, of St. Louis, Missouri, June 3, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Hewitt, of St. Louis, Missouri, June 3, 1879, no. 216038.
The model represents a 2-piece, flange-and-gland stuffing box of the usual form, packed with malleable metal rings with beveled edges. The rings are alternately beveled in opposite directions so that adjoining surfaces match. The edges of the flange and gland are beveled so that when the parts are brought together and tightened the effect is of a number of double wedges sliding together and expanding between the stuffing box and the shaft.
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
1879-06-03
inventor
Hewitt, John
ID Number
MC.309247
catalog number
309247
accession number
89797
patent number
216,038

Salisbury Hydrocarbon Burner, Patent Model

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

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