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.

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the early 20th century. 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 token during the early 20th century. 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 tokens.
Obverse: Profile image of Lady Liberty facing left. The legend reads: 1863.
Reverse: Wreath around the rim. The legend reads: ARMY & NAVY.
Location
Currently not on view
date on object
1863
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1603
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1603
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
maker
Waterbury Button Company
ID Number
MC.314686.1314
accession number
314686
catalog number
314686.1314
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. The center of the token has been removed to leave the shape of a “W.”
Obverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1411
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1411
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token around 1863. 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 advertising token around 1863. 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 tokens.
Obverse: Image of a mortar and pestle, surrounded by a wreath. The legend reads: T. BRIMELOW, DRUGIST, 432 THIRD AVENUE. N-Y./ 1863/ 1.
Reverse: Rim encircled by stars. The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE GLASS OF SODA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1526
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1526
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. There is a triangle punched out of the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: CHI. SO. BEND & NO. IND. RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ R. R. SMITH/ VICE PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago, South Bend & Northern Indiana Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1344
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1344
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token in 1906. 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 in 1906. 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. The token has a circular hole in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: MUNICIPAL TRACTION CO./ CLEVELAND.
Reverse: The legend reads: 3 CENT TICKET 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
referenced
Municipal Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1345
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1345
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. There is a star shape punched out in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: CHI. SO. BEND & NO. IND. RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ R. R. SMITH/ VICE PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago, South Bend & Northern Indiana Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1341
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1341
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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: The legend reads: CHI. SO. BEND & NO. IND. RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ R. R. SMITH/ VICE PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago, South Bend & Northern Indiana Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1342
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1342
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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: The legend reads: CHI. SO. BEND & NO. IND. RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ R. R. SMITH/ VICE PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Chicago, South Bend & Northern Indiana Railway Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1343
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1343
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-20th century. 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 commemorative tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Theodore Roosevelt facing left. Legend: 26th PRESIDENT, U.S.A./1901-1909/THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Reverse: "TEDDY"/COLONEL OF THE ROUGH RIDERS IN WAR WITH SPAIN/GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK/VICE PRESIDENT./BECAME PRESIDENT UPON DEATH OF MCKINLEY,/BUILT PANAMA CANAL,/ THE TRUST BUSTER/"SPEAK SOFTLY AND CARRY A BIG STICK."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 20th century
depicted
Roosevelt, Theodore
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1651
catalog number
1981.0296.1651
accession number
1981.0296
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the early 20th century. 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 advertising token during the early 20th century. 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 tokens. There are holes in both sides of the token.
Obverse: Image of Robin Hood drawing his bow. The legend reads: ROBIN HOOD SHOES/ FOR BOYS GIRLS/ A GOLD STANDARD SHOE.
Reverse: The legend reads: ROBIN HOOD/ PLAY 5 MONEY/ LUCKY COIN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1625
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1625
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. The center of the token is stamped out to form a “B.”
Obverse: The legend reads: BRISTOL TRACTION CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Bristol Traction Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1329
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1329
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. This token has three parts punched out in the center.
Obverse: The legend reads: CR&L Lines/CRL CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/CRL CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Connecticut Railway and Lighting Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1350
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1350
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token in 1919. 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 in 1919. 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. The center of the token has been punched out, leaving a “U” shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: UNITED RAILWAYS CO. OF ST. LOUIS/1919.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR/ONE CITY FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
referenced
United Railways Co. of St. Louis
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1452
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1452
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. Scovill 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 during the early 20th century. Scovill 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. There are two semi-circular cutouts in the center of the token.
Obverse: Image of a bus in the center. The legend reads: COOKE STREET LINE, INC.
Reverse: Image of a bus in the center. The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE SCHOOL FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Cooke Street Line, Inc.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1354
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1354
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. 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 political tokens.
Obverse: Bust of Franklin Pierce facing left. Legend: 14TH PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1853/ 1857/ FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Reverse: "POOR PIERCE"/ "FIRES OF CIVIL WAR LIGHTED"/ CONGRESSMAN UNITED STATES SENATOR BRIGADIER GENERAL IN MEXICAN WAR GREATER SOLDIER THAN STATESMAN FAVORED SLAVERY UNTIL OUTBREAK OF CIVIL WAR.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
depicted
Pierce, Franklin
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1283
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1283
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. Scovill 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 political tokens.
Obverse: Bust of John Tyler facing left. Legend: 10TH PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1841-1845/ JOHN TYLER.
Reverse: "ACCIDENTAL PRESIDENT"/ "ANNEXED TEXAS"/ A SOLDIER IN WAR OF 1812 CONGRESSMAN GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA UNITED STATES SENATOR VICE PRESIDENT BECAME PRESIDENT UPON DEATH OF HARRISON SUPPORTER OF THE SOUTH.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
depicted
Tyler, John
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1279
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1279
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This token was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the early 20th century. Scovill 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 political tokens.
Obverse: Bust of James Madison facing left. Legend: 4TH PRESIDENT, U.S.A./ 1809-1817/ JAMES MADISON.
Reverse: "FATHER OF THE CONSTITUTION"/ "DECLARED WAR OF 1812"/ SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER JEFFERSON AS A DEBATER AND DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION HE BECAME ONE OF AMERICA'S GREAT STATESMEN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
depicted
Madison, James
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1274
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1274
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. There are three sections punched out of the center of the token and a central legend of PRT.
Obverse: Small Keystone symbol at the bottom. The legend reads: PHILADELPHIA/PRT
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/PRT/SCHOOL CHILDREN ONLY
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1432
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1432
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token second half of the 19th century. 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 token second half of the 19th century. 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 token. Mitad is Spanish for “half,” and Scovill struck a variety of tokens for Colombian businesses during this time.
Obverse: The legend reads: MITAD
Reverse: The legend reads: VERGARA
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1484
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1484
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. Three sections of the center are punched out.
Obverse: The legend reads: EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS/EM/ST. RY. CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE/EM/ZONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1367
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1367
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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 transportation tokens. The reverse bears the signature of J.A. Harder, the treasurer of the Kansas City Public Service Company.
Obverse: The legend reads: KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SERVICE CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: HALF FARE/ J. A. Harder/ TREAS.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
Kansas City Public Service Company
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1394
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1394
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the mid 19th century. Scovill 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 token during the mid 19th century. Scovill 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 tokens. This 2.5 cent token was likely used to purchase goods at Coll Brandon & Company store in Colon, Panama.
Obverse: Locomotive traveling from left to right, with a palm tree in the background.
Reverse: The legend reads: COLL BRANDON & CO./2 ½ Cts/COLON, (ASPINWALL)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1491
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1491
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th century. 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 during the early 20th century. 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. The center of the token is punched out for resemble a wheel shape.
Obverse: The legend reads: UNITED ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO.
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE/ A. E. Potter./ PRES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
referenced
United Electric Railways Co.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1455
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1455

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