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 commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham facing right. The legend reads: SALVATOR PATRIAE.
Reverse: Rimmed with laurel branches, and a central legend that reads: IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE ACTS AND DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ BORN FEBRUARY 12 1809 DIED APRIL 15 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1204
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1204
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 Abraham Lincoln facing right. legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ IN GOD WE TRUST/ 25.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The legend reads: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ FOREVER INSEPERABLE 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1109
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1109
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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. The Republican Party depicted Lincoln as a rugged frontiersman, and used this motto to do so.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 1860.
Reverse: Two men splitting rails, log cabin in the background. The legend reads: THE RAIL SPLITTER OF THE WEST.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1141
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1141
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods.
Obverse: Labeled busts of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson facing each other. Busts are surrounded by four flags, a shield on the bottom reads “War for the Union,” a eagle is perched at the top with a scroll that reads “FREEDOM TO ALL MEN.”
Reverse: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES 1864/ FOR PRESIDENT/ ABRAHAM LINCOLN OF ILLINOIS/ FOR VICE PRESIDENT/ ANDREW JOHNSON OF TENNESSEE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Johnson, Andrew
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1297
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1297
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. 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 1860. 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 Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Reverse: Crossed rails in the center. The legend reads: THE PEOPLES CHOICE 1860/ LINCOLN & HAMLIN/ FREEDOM & PROTECTION.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
referenced
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1613
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1613
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: HON: ABRAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Legend around rim reads: LINCOLN & HAMLIN FREEDOM & PROTECTION. Center legend reads: THE MAN THAT CAN SPLIT RAILS OR GUIDE THE SHIP OF STATE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
referenced
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1123
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1123
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges. There is a hole in the top of the frame so the badge could be worn.
Obverse: Labeled photograph of Abraham Lincoln. The legend reads: UNION OF THE STATES 1860.
Reverse: Labeled photograph of Hannibal Hamlin. The legend reads: THE CONSTITUTION 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1113
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1113
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1865. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1865. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES/ ASSASSINATED BY THE PLOTTERS OF TREASON APR. 14 1865.
Reverse: Image of an obelisk with 36 stars emanating from it. Legend: MARTIR FOR LIBERTY. The obelisk’s base reads: A. LINCOLN APR 15 1865. Below are the words: Lewis Joy New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1203
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1203
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. 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 badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln in metal frame. There is a legend around the rim that reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Tintype photograph of Hannibal Hamlin in metal frame. There is a legend around the rim that reads: HANNIBAL HAMLIN 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1295
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1295
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. 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 1860. 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 badges.
Obverse: Profile image of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend reads: HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 1860.
Reverse: Depiction of two men splitting logs with a log cabin in the background. Legend reads: THE RAIL SPLITTER OF THE WEST.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1074
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1074
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges. There is a hole at the top of the frame to allow for the badge to be strung and worn.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln set into a brass oval frame. The photo is labeled: ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1182
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1182
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. 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 badges.
This badge features a photograph of Abraham Lincoln in a brass oval frame. The badge was likely attached to a pin so it could be worn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1068
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1068
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. 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 badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled “Lincoln.” The tintype is set into a red, white and blue fabric button.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1256
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1256
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled: A. LINCOLN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1171
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1171
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln set into a circular bronze frame, the image is labeled “A. LINCOLN.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1114
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1114
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled “A. LINCOLN.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1175
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1175
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1872. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1872. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 1860. \
Reverse: The legend reads: FREEDOM NATIONAL SLAVERY SECTIONAL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1209
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1209
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Legend reads: OUR POLICY IS EXPRESSLY THE POLICY OF THE MEN WHO MADE THE UNION NO MORE, NO LESS. Below, in smaller letters the words: JENSCH & MEYER, CHICAGO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1205
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1205
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 Abraham Lincoln facing left. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT 1860.
Reverse: Legend: THE GREAT RAILSPLITTER OF THE WEST MUST & SHALL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. The legend is surrounded by a rail fence with animals sitting on the rails.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1211
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1211
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1865.The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1865.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: Raised bust of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The legend reads: SALVATOR PATRIAE.
Reverse: There is a wreath around the rim. Central legend reads: IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE ACTS AND DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ BORN FEBRUARY 12 1809/ DIED APRIL 16 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1569
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1569
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges.
Obverse: Bust depiction of Abraham Lincoln facing forward. The legend reads: ABRAM LINCOLN/ FREE LAND, FREE SPEECH & FREE MEN.
Reverse: An image of an eagle with the U.S. shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The legend reads: UNION OF THE STATES.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1085
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1085
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the 1860s. 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 1860s. 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 Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: ABR'M LINCOLN/ A FOE TO TRAITORS.
Reverse: Legend reads: NO COMPROMISE WITH ARMED REBELS/ MAY THE UNION FLOURISH.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1298
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1298
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that 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 badges. This star-shaped badge likely would have had a pin on its back so it could be worn.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln that is labeled: A. LINCOLN 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1163
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1163
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. 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 badges. The badge is holed at the top so it could be worn on an article of clothing.
Obverse: Photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled “A. Lincoln.” Housing reads: PAT. APR. 2.1861.
Reverse: Photograph of Andrew Johnson labeled “Johnson.” Housing reads: PAT. APR. 2.1861.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Johnson, Andrew
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1077
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1077

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