Industry & Manufacturing

The Museum's collections document centuries of remarkable changes in products, manufacturing processes, and the role of industry in American life. In the bargain, they preserve artifacts of great ingenuity, intricacy, and sometimes beauty.

The carding and spinning machinery built by Samuel Slater about 1790 helped establish the New England textile industry. Nylon-manufacturing machinery in the collections helped remake the same industry more than a century later. Machine tools from the 1850s are joined by a machine that produces computer chips. Thousands of patent models document the creativity of American innovators over more than 200 years.

The collections reach far beyond tools and machines. Some 460 episodes of the television series Industry on Parade celebrate American industry in the 1950s. Numerous photographic collections are a reminder of the scale and even the glamour of American industry.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1857
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-02-10
maker
Ramsay, P. A.
ID Number
1996.0062.15
patent number
016608
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.15
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-05-26
maker
Learned, S. D.
ID Number
GA.89797.017405
accession number
089797
patent number
017405
catalog number
GA*89797.017405
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus to receive and stack sheets as they came from a press, or cut and pile printed sheets from a web. The invention was granted patent number 25068.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus to receive and stack sheets as they came from a press, or cut and pile printed sheets from a web. The invention was granted patent number 25068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
patentee
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.89797.025068
accession number
089797
patent number
025068
catalog number
GA*89797.025068
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates. A blower, operated by a steam engine, drove air through a wooden tube around the casting room. Tin pipes from the tube supplied each casting machine with a double blast of air, one directed at the fuel to fire it, the second at the mold to cool it. George Bruce (1781-1866) followed his brother David to America from Scotland in 1795. The brothers first worked around the printing trades, and in 1816 set up their own type foundry. David retired in 1822 and was followed in the business by his son David Jr., author of the patents listed above.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-11-14
maker
Bruce, George
ID Number
GA.89797.011955
patent number
011955
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011955
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-31
maker
Underwood, Benjamin
ID Number
GA.89797.010483
patent number
010483
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010483
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box. The printing block was then cast in any suitable material such as type metal, plaster-of-paris, vulcanized rubber, or, by preference, gutta percha - a popular material in the mid nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-14
maker
Berry, James
ID Number
1996.0062.02
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.02
patent number
010630
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-13
maker
Sprague, E. H.
ID Number
1996.0062.16
patent number
011091
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.16
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-04-27
maker
Clarkson, William W.
ID Number
GA.89797.020039
accession number
89797
patent number
020039
catalog number
GA*89797.020039
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder. A web of paper was moistened and folded concertina-fashion for feeding. It was printed at the first series of impression cylinders and refolded. Then it was turned, and printed on the other side at the next series. Finally, it was cut into sheets. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this patent was bought by R. Hoe & Co., probably more to keep it out of the market than with a mind to its development.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.009987
patent number
009987
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009987
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-05-24
patentee
Blair, John B.
ID Number
GA.89797.009743
patent number
009743
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009743
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder. The invention was granted patent number 11189.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-27
maker
Whipple, Milton D.
Whipple, Lyman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.011189
patent number
011189
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011189
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377. The improvements to the typecaster include placing the mold below its "axis of oscillation" instead of the usual higher position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-03
maker
Mueller, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.010377
patent number
010377
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010377
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
patentee
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.89797.025069
patent number
025069
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.025069
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood. The wooden blocks gave trouble when wet, and their inclined walls tended to spread the color and broaden lines in printing fabric. This patent covered a method of making metal printing blocks with high vertical walls. Matrices were first constructed of numerous pieces of rectangular type of different lengths, then molded in wax, and finally electrotyped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-11-01
maker
Crossley, Thomas
ID Number
GA.89797.025953
patent number
025953
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.25953
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing. Then the carriage withdrew with the paper, and it was lifted off by a sheet fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-02
ID Number
GA.89797.012183
accession number
89797
patent number
012183
catalog number
GA*89797.012183
Aaron D. Crane (1804-1860) of Caldwell, New Jersey, was a clockmaker of brilliant inventiveness who worked outside the mainstream. Most of his contemporaries concentrated their energies on the mass production of technically unremarkable clocks.
Description
Aaron D. Crane (1804-1860) of Caldwell, New Jersey, was a clockmaker of brilliant inventiveness who worked outside the mainstream. Most of his contemporaries concentrated their energies on the mass production of technically unremarkable clocks. Crane was a versatile inventor whose best-known work, the torsion pendulum clock (patented in 1841), was startlingly original. This clock employed a torsion pendulum, slowly revolving about the vertical axis in alternating directions, and incorporated a new escapement of Crane's own design. It worked with such freedom of friction that it was capable of running for extremely long periods. Crane advertised his clocks as "month clocks," "twelve-month clocks," and "376-day clocks." He liked to refer to himself as the "One Year Clockmaker."
He installed most of his torsion pendulum clocks in unpretentious, rectangular cases, but in the last decade of his life he built a few clocks based on the ornate design of this one. Five survive.
In addition to telling time, this clock has a dial marked "astronomical" that indicates the day of the year, the position of the sun in the zodiac, the phase of the moon, the length of day and night, and the time of the tides.
Besides his clocks, Crane tried to market a variety of inventions through a number of businesses in Newark, New York City, and Boston. For all his mechanical ingenuity, he had little commercial success.
Some twenty years after his death, the torsion pendulum clock was reinvented independently in Germany and marketed as a "400-day clock" or "anniversary clock."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1850
maker
Crane, Aaron
ID Number
ME.319768
catalog number
319768
accession number
241309
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991. The pantographic apparatus is used for engraving multiple images precisely placed and at extreme reduction; also for the engraving of cylinders for calico printing, and for the decoration of wallpaper. The patentee was Isaac Taylor, from Stamford Rivers, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-06-01
maker
Taylor, Isaac
ID Number
GA.89797.008991
patent number
008991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.008991
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type. The specification includes a brief description of other distributers of his day--the Gaubert, Clay and Rosenberg, and Sorenson machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-21
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.010656
patent number
010656
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010656
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-06-29
maker
Hanscom, Alpheys A.
ID Number
GA.89797.020710
patent number
020710
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.020710
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the 1840s. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the 1840s. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of William Henry Harrison facing right. The legend reads: HONOR WHERE HONOR'S DUE TO THE HERO OF TIPPECANOE/ GEN WILLIAM H. HARRISON.
Reverse: Image of the Bunker Hill Monument in the center, the legend reads: BUNKER HILL. A NATION’s GRATITUDE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
depicted
Harrison, William Henry
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1244
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1244
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1853. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1853. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce various consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and medals.
Obverse: Image of the New York Crystal Palace. Legend: BUILDING FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS/ NEW YORK/ MDCCCLIII.
Reverse: Wreath with two different branches. Legend: THE FIRST PILLAR WAS ERECTED OCTOBER 30th 1852/ OPENED MAY 2nd/ 1853/ MESSrs GARSTENSEN & GILDEMIESTER/ ARHCITECHTS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1609
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1609
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Winfield Scott facing right. The legend reads: GEN. WINFIELD SCOTT/ FIRST IN WAR FIRST IN PEACE.
Reverse: Spread-winged eagle with shield, clutching a laurel branch in one talon and three arrows in the other. Legend reads: SCOTT & GRAHAM/ UNION & CONSTITUTION.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
depicted
Scott, Winfield
referenced
Graham, William Alexander
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1254
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1254
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and transportation tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Professor Johnson facing right. The legend reads: PROFESSOR JOHNSON 317 BOWERY/ 1852.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, gripping arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The legend reads: UNITED STATES/ STARCH POLISH.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1480
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1480
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852.The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852.The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Winfield Scott facing left. Legend reads: MAJOR GENL. WINFD. SCOTT.
Reverse: Fasces topped with a “Liberty Cap,” surrounded by six flags, with a plaque that reads: CHIPPEWA/LUNDY’s LANE/VERA CRUZ/& MEXICO. The legend reads: A GALLANT & SKILLFUL HERO. THE PEOPLES CHOICE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
depicted
Scott, Winfield
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1305
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1305

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