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 sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 227599. The patent describes an improved sheet-collecting cylinder and pasting apparatus.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 227599. The patent describes an improved sheet-collecting cylinder and pasting apparatus.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-05-11
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.227599
accession number
089797
patent number
227599
catalog number
GA*89797.227599
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Parks, John A.
ID Number
GA.89797.228271
patent number
228271
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228271
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width. The machine was hand fed, but otherwise automatic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-04-06
maker
Webster, Cyrus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.226377
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.226377
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1886-10-12
maker
Heysinger, Isaac W.
ID Number
GA.89797.350588
accession number
089797
patent number
350588
catalog number
GA*89797.350588
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-12-12
patentee
Sands, Weimer G.
ID Number
GA.89797.268941
patent number
268941
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.268941
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222. The model consists of three photogravure specimens.
John Wesley Hyatt (born 1837) started his working life as a printer. Early in his career, he took out a patent for a composition for artificial ivory billiard balls, which led him to the invention of celluloid in 1868. In 1869 Hyatt and his brother Isaac founded the Celluloid Manufacturing Company. He held some 250 patents, mostly concerned with the use of celluloid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-08-31
maker
Lefferts, Marshall C.
Hyatt, John W.
ID Number
GA.89797.348222
accession number
089797
patent number
348222
catalog number
GA*89797.348222
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides. The bars could be locked in any position in the chase by four matching toothed blocks that fitted at the crossing points.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
patentee
Kingsland, Jr., Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.228201
patent number
228201
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228201
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376. Model consists of two photogravure specimens.
The patent rights were assigned to the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York. Marshall Clifford Lefferts (born 1848) first worked with the American Telegraph Company. In 1870 he joined with the new Celluloid Manufacturing Company, of which he became president in 1890.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-07-27
patentee
Lefferts, Marshall C.
ID Number
GA.89797.346376
accession number
089797
patent number
346376
catalog number
GA*89797.346376
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Squintani, Carlo G.
ID Number
1996.0062.17
patent number
228410
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.17
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 property, recently, and for many years, better known as Furt's Mill, is situated just below Bolling's Dam, on the Appomattox River, near Campbell's Bridge. It is one of the several large establishments which the city of Petersburg boasts for the manufacture of flour. At the height of the grinding season, we are informed, it is capable of turning out about three hundred barrels daily.
The dam constitutes the terminus of tide-water on this stream, and, with its surroundings, is the subject of one of "Shaw's Illustrations of American Scenery," published in New York, on a large scale, upwards of forty years ago.
The Mill, we further learn, was originally built in seventeen hundred and seventy-three by Mr. Bolling.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-05
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.30
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.30
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 John Reekie, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
A pretentious title for a collection of about a dozen ordinary Virginia houses, including blacksmith shop and store; yet what memories crowd upon the mind at the mention of its name. Memories of the grand old Army of the Potomac, in its youthful flush, digging, hewing, and battling courageously with the Confederates, and their deadly ally, the Chickahominy; of tropical rains that in a day would transform luxuriant meadows into lakes, and make surging floods where before were stagnant pools; of bridges, built through swamps by armed battalions, and of that storm of battle which ended at Malvern Hill. Early in June, 1862, as the Army of the Potomac extended its wings along both banks of the Chickahominy, Mechanicsville fell into our possession. There was a struggle at Beaver Dam Creek and on the neighboring fields, the defenders finally retreating in disorder down the pike, and over the bridge, towards Richmond, three and a half miles distant. The skirmishers sacked the store and dwellings, the blacksmith's forge was immediately put in use by the cavalry and artillery, and the surgeons took possession of the houses for hospitals.
The pickets of each army watched the bridge with jealous eyes till the Union lines were withdrawn, on the 26th of June, and the enemy retaking the village, forced an engagement at Beaver Dam Creek, where they were repulsed by Fitz John Porter's troops. The two-story house, with a fence, seen in the photograph, is on the turnpike to Richmond. In front of this house a barricade was thrown across the road, which was defended by two howitzers, planted to sweep the pike in case a dash should be made by the enemy for the recovery of the place.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865-04
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.45
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.45
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books with two needles and an intermediate looper. The invention was granted patent number 250990.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books with two needles and an intermediate looper. The invention was granted patent number 250990.
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-12-13
maker
Smyth, David McConnel
ID Number
GA.89797.250990
patent number
250990
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.250990
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books using a double-loop stitch. The invention was granted patent number 250991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books using a double-loop stitch. The invention was granted patent number 250991.
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-12-13
maker
Smyth, David McConnel
ID Number
GA.89797.250991
patent number
250991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.250991
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-20
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.223744
patent number
223744
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223744
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998. The patent describes a feeding attachment for flatbed cylinder machines that allowed sheets to be held obliquely, so that bands of color could be printed diagonally across the paper-a style popular at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-07-13
maker
Goss, Frederick L.
ID Number
GA.89797.229998
accession number
089797
patent number
229998
catalog number
GA*89797.229998
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base. The invention was said to be particularly appropriate for newspapers, which might otherwise depend on heavy stereotype plates shipped over long distances. The patent was assigned to the American Press Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
patent date
1885-03-10
maker
Cummings, George W.
Cummings, John R.
ID Number
GA.89797.313812
accession number
089797
patent number
313812
catalog number
GA*89797.313812
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink. The completed writing was pressed onto a plate coated with sensitized gelatine, which received the image in a form that could be printed like a lithograph. The invention was granted patent number 223873. The patent model consists of a coated plate with an image. Both coating and image have deteriorated badly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-27
maker
Bardwell, John Jex
ID Number
GA.89797.223873
accession number
089797
patent number
223873
catalog number
GA*89797.223873
Original switch key put in on introduction of the second dynamo, November, 1881. A wooden knife switch mounted on a wooden base. Four binding posts. Used in the Hinds-Ketchum printing plant as part of the first commercial installation of the Edison lighting system.
Description (Brief)
Original switch key put in on introduction of the second dynamo, November, 1881. A wooden knife switch mounted on a wooden base. Four binding posts. Used in the Hinds-Ketchum printing plant as part of the first commercial installation of the Edison lighting system.
Date made
1881
maker
Edison Electric Co.
ID Number
EM.180944
catalog number
180944
accession number
24315
Original safety plugs put in on system in December, 1881. Prior to this a small section of lead wire had been soldered into the trunk line and there were no safety plugs [fuses] on any of the main lines to the lamps.
Description (Brief)
Original safety plugs put in on system in December, 1881. Prior to this a small section of lead wire had been soldered into the trunk line and there were no safety plugs [fuses] on any of the main lines to the lamps. Used in the Hinds-Ketchum printing plant as part of the first commercial installation of the Edison lighting system
Date made
1881
maker
Edison Electric Co.
ID Number
EM.180943
catalog number
180943
accession number
24315
Original switch key by which current was turned on lamps in the building. #499 and 451 Water Street, New York City, on the evening of January 15, 1881. A wooden pivot switch mounted on a wooden base. Four binding posts.
Description (Brief)
Original switch key by which current was turned on lamps in the building. #499 and 451 Water Street, New York City, on the evening of January 15, 1881. A wooden pivot switch mounted on a wooden base. Four binding posts. Used in the Hinds-Ketchum printing plant as part of the first commercial installation of the Edison lighting system.
Date made
1881
ID Number
EM.180942
catalog number
180942
accession number
24315
Donor reported: "Fixture and lamp socket, with covered tin shade, used by engravers to concentrate the light on a small space.
Description (Brief)
Donor reported: "Fixture and lamp socket, with covered tin shade, used by engravers to concentrate the light on a small space. This fixture and shade excited great interest at the time as it was apparently the first shade that any one had ever seen which covered the top of the lamp or light without ventilation. Double swing gas pipe brackets with rough tin shades - one extra shade." A converted gas fixture with a keyless Edison socket for a Johnson bevel-ring incandescent lamp. Used in the Hinds-Ketchum printing plant as part of the first commercial installation of the Edison lighting system.
Date made
1881
ID Number
EM.180939
catalog number
180939
accession number
24315
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723. Both Patentees Lorenz and Johnson had a financial interest in the Burr typesetting machine (see Lorenz's earlier patents).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-07-19
maker
Lorenz, William A.
Johnson, Louis K.
ID Number
GA.89797.244723
patent number
244723
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.244723
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1861. 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 1861. 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. This medal has a hole at the top so the medal could be worn on an article of clothing.
Obverse: Bust of George McClellan facing left. Legend reads: MAJOR GENERAL GEO. B. McCLELLAN/War OF 1861.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
depicted
McClellan, George B.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1220
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1220

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