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 sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-12-16
maker
Keehn, Francis
ID Number
1996.0062.10
patent number
145574
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a casting printers’ lead; it was granted patent number 155609. Molten lead was rolled out to thickness between two flexible steel belts, then cut into strips, trimmed, and planed smooth.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a casting printers’ lead; it was granted patent number 155609. Molten lead was rolled out to thickness between two flexible steel belts, then cut into strips, trimmed, and planed smooth.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-10-06
maker
Goodale, John
ID Number
GA.24905
patent number
155609
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24905
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-05-27
maker
Ames, Chauncey W.
Ames, Chauncey W.
ID Number
1996.0062.01
patent number
139351
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks. A guage in the center of each sidestick told the compositor how far the quoin could be extended.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-08-12
maker
Gosorn, George T.
ID Number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
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 clockwork press that printed from curved stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 71103.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small, self-inking clockwork press that printed from curved stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 71103.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
patent date
1867-11-19
maker
Wilbur, J. M.
ID Number
GA.89797.071103
patent number
071103
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.071103
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pneumatic sheet-feed apparatus consisting of a suction bar and pins to separate and lift the sheets; the invention was granted patent number 160721.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pneumatic sheet-feed apparatus consisting of a suction bar and pins to separate and lift the sheets; the invention was granted patent number 160721.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-03-09
maker
Scholfield, Socrates
ID Number
GA.89797.160721
patent number
160721
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.160721
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' furniture which was granted patent number 141450.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' furniture which was granted patent number 141450. Furniture of a single length was used, and each piece was slotted horizontally from each end to near the middle, so that the side and end pieces could be fitted through each other.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-08-05
patentee
Montague, Harlan P.
ID Number
GA.89797.141450
accession number
089797
patent number
141450
catalog number
GA*89797.141450
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 a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333. The patent details a machine for sawing type from a solid block of letters by first cutting a strip of letters from the block, then notching the strip, and finally cutting apart the letters. The block could be cast by Smith's patent of 1859.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
patent date
1861-02-05
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.031333
patent number
031333
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.031333
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks composed of two parts that fitted together, tongue in groove, in such a way that the full length of the stick always pressed on the type, no matter how far the two parts were pulled out.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks composed of two parts that fitted together, tongue in groove, in such a way that the full length of the stick always pressed on the type, no matter how far the two parts were pulled out. The invention was granted patent number 115136.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-05-23
maker
Uhlhorn, John F.
ID Number
GA.89797.115136
patent number
115136
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.115136
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 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 sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 143740. The patent is for a pneumatic feeder adaptable to sheets of different sizes, as well as sheets for printing on both sides.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 143740. The patent is for a pneumatic feeder adaptable to sheets of different sizes, as well as sheets for printing on both sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-10-21
maker
Ashley, John T.
Ashley, F.
ID Number
GA.89797.143740
accession number
089797
patent number
143740
catalog number
GA*89797.143740
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable feed gauges for platen presses, to take paper and cards of various sizes. The invention was granted patent number 162207. (James Turner was from Montreal, Canada.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable feed gauges for platen presses, to take paper and cards of various sizes. The invention was granted patent number 162207. (James Turner was from Montreal, Canada.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-04-20
maker
Turner, James
ID Number
GA.89797.162207
accession number
089797
patent number
162207
catalog number
GA*89797.162207
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed printing press; the invention was granted patent number 173295. The patent describes improvements to the movement of the bed, the sheet fly, and the inking table of cylinder presses.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed printing press; the invention was granted patent number 173295. The patent describes improvements to the movement of the bed, the sheet fly, and the inking table of cylinder presses.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1876
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-08
maker
Hoe, Richard March
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.173295
patent number
173295
catalog number
GA*89797.173295
accession number
89797
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.09
catalog number
1997.0198.09
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202. Nutting (1803-1887) was one of the first generation of American lithographers, working at the profession as early as 1826. Later in his life he was also an art teacher, and published a series of art teaching manuals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-09-22
patentee
Nutting, Benjamin F.
maker
Nutting, Benjamin F.
ID Number
GA.22843
accession number
249602
patent number
155202
catalog number
22843
GA*22843
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-15
maker
Polen, George B.
ID Number
1996.0062.14
patent number
173493
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.14
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308. Roughened sides of the quoin prevented slippage on other furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Lame, Samuel C.
Briggs, Ferdinand Sherwin
ID Number
1996.0062.11
patent number
148308
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.11
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improvement on known methods of shading lithographic drawings with molded gelatine sheets, as by the Ben Day method. The invention was granted patent number 432994.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
patent date
1890-07-29
maker
Fausel, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.432994
accession number
089797
patent number
432994
catalog number
GA*87979.432994
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-14
maker
O'Shea, Andrew Jackson
ID Number
1996.0062.13
patent number
167780
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.13
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 sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-12-17
maker
McGrath, Thomas
ID Number
1996.0062.12
patent number
133948
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.12

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