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 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 sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press. A sheet of paper was fed to the first cylinder and printed at the first type form traveling upwards. Next the sheet was passed to the second cylinder and printed on the other side at the other form traveling downwards. Finally, it was deposited under the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-06-07
maker
Kerr, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.103894
accession number
89797
patent number
103894
catalog number
GA*89797.103894
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 a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Patent Date August 9, 1864
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-08-09
maker
Reynolds, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.043796
accession number
89797
patent number
043796
catalog number
GA*89797.043796
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-02-17
maker
Reynolds, George H.
ID Number
GA.89797.037727
accession number
89797
patent number
037727
This one-twentieth scale model of the Harris-Seybold 4-color sheet-fed offset press dates from about 1950.
Description (Brief)
This one-twentieth scale model of the Harris-Seybold 4-color sheet-fed offset press dates from about 1950. The press has a height of 7.5 inches a length of 32.5 inches and a width of 9.5 inches.
Donated by Lithographers National Association, 1953.
Citation: Elizabeth Harris, "Printing Presses in the Graphic Arts Collection," 1996.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
circa 1950
date made
ca 1950
maker
Harris-Seybold Company
ID Number
GA.20396-a
accession number
1953.198538
catalog number
20396-a
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed. This patent covered the Newbury Country Press, a small hand-powered printing machine that was popular with country newspaper shops in the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-09-16
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.89797.015740
accession number
089797
patent number
015740
catalog number
GA*89797.015740
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets. Hill was a pioneer in numbering machines. His city, Buffalo, N.Y., became a center of the rail ticket business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-07
maker
Hill, George J.
ID Number
GA.89797.021418
accession number
089797
patent number
021418
catalog number
GA*89797.021418
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the Duplex Printing Machine which consisted of two printing machines working in unison to produce two perfected sheets at a time, and then fold and deliver them as one product.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the Duplex Printing Machine which consisted of two printing machines working in unison to produce two perfected sheets at a time, and then fold and deliver them as one product. This patent was granted number 195115; it was purchased by and assigned to R. Hoe & Co.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-09-11
patentee
Ford, Edward L.
ID Number
GA.89797.195115
patent number
195115
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.195115
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand-lever printing press which was granted patent number 10717. The press is a self-inking hand press with a fixed bed. The paper was carried into position by a double frisket carriage with inking rollers.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand-lever printing press which was granted patent number 10717. The press is a self-inking hand press with a fixed bed. The paper was carried into position by a double frisket carriage with inking rollers. The carriage was propelled by a crank handle turned continuously in one direction.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-28
maker
Underhill, Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.010717
accession number
089797
patent number
010717
catalog number
GA*89797.010717
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary sheet perfecting press which was granted patent number 15437. Type forms were bedded on the two flat surfaces on opposite sides of the type cylinder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary sheet perfecting press which was granted patent number 15437. Type forms were bedded on the two flat surfaces on opposite sides of the type cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-07-29
maker
Parkes, Thomas
Parkes, Alfred
ID Number
GA.89797.015437
patent number
015437
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.015437
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking press which was granted number 3917. The press has a vertical bed and platen, and sheet grippers traveling on an endless chain. The model is damaged.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking press which was granted number 3917. The press has a vertical bed and platen, and sheet grippers traveling on an endless chain. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
patent date
1845-02-20
maker
Kneeland, J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.003917
accession number
089797
patent number
003917
catalog number
GA*89797.003917
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 3551. This presses’ tapered bearers were attached to the bed to prevent slurring of the impression at the ends of the formCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 3551. This presses’ tapered bearers were attached to the bed to prevent slurring of the impression at the ends of the form
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1844
patent date
1844-04-17
patentee
Hoe, Richard March
maker
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.003551
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.003551
patent number
003551
Hand-inking lever press, made by William Clark and Joshua Daughaday, Philadelphia, 1876.The Model press was invented and patented in 1874 by William Clark, Philadelphia, who went into business for its production with Joshau Daughaday, a publisher.
Description (Brief)
Hand-inking lever press, made by William Clark and Joshua Daughaday, Philadelphia, 1876.
The Model press was invented and patented in 1874 by William Clark, Philadelphia, who went into business for its production with Joshau Daughaday, a publisher. The press was intended for tradesmen and amateurs (including children), two groups outside the ordinary printing trade. It came in a range of sizes and models, from hand-inking card presses to full-sized job presses, and was produced well into the twentieth century.
Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Gilder, 1996
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1890
maker
Daughaday, William
Clark, William
Clark, William
ID Number
1996.0034.01
accession number
1996.0034
catalog number
1996.0034.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed-and-platen machine, in which the paper and inking rollers were carried on endless chains; the invention was granted number 16221.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-12-09
maker
Sargent, Charles G.
Keach, Abram
ID Number
GA.89797.016221
patent number
016221
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016221
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a web perfecting rotary press, with cutters and folding apparatus. The patent model was granted patent number 221704.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a web perfecting rotary press, with cutters and folding apparatus. The patent model was granted patent number 221704.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-18
maker
Scott, Walter
ID Number
GA.89797.221704
accession number
89797
patent number
221704
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, with a steam heating system and improved plate-wiping mechanism; the invention was granted patent number 16952.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, with a steam heating system and improved plate-wiping mechanism; the invention was granted patent number 16952.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-03-31
maker
Stewart, Linus
McClelland, John
ID Number
GA.89797.016952
patent number
016952
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.016952
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stop cylinder press with inking apparatus and sheet fly; the invention was granted patent number 9408.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stop cylinder press with inking apparatus and sheet fly; the invention was granted patent number 9408.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-11-16
maker
Northrup, Joel G.
ID Number
GA.89797.009408
patent number
009408
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009408
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 18744. The small hand-cranked cylinder press included a movable feed table. Paper was fed not to the cylinder but to a flat frisket. After printing, the frisket flipped up to drop the sheet on the delivery board. Inking was by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-01
patentee
Henry, John
ID Number
GA.89797.018744
accession number
089797
patent number
018744
catalog number
GA*89797.018744
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-handling system for printing both sides of a rotary press; the invention was granted patent number 24875. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-handling system for printing both sides of a rotary press; the invention was granted patent number 24875. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this apparatus did not work well and was never brought into use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-07-26
patentee
Hoe, Richard March
maker
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.024875
accession number
089797
patent number
024875
catalog number
GA*89797.024875
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable hand press which was granted patent number 16718. The cylinder and handle of this portable roller press are fastened on the end of a long sliding shaft.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable hand press which was granted patent number 16718. The cylinder and handle of this portable roller press are fastened on the end of a long sliding shaft. In the 1870s, patentee Nathaniel Chamberlain, as he spelled his name then, ran a Boston business specializing in office stamps for banks and counting houses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-03-03
patentee
Chamberlin, Nathaniel L.
ID Number
GA.89797.016718
accession number
089797
patent number
016718
catalog number
GA*89797.016718
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 7413. The platen jobbing press was manufactured as Hawkes's Lion.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 7413. The platen jobbing press was manufactured as Hawkes's Lion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1850
patent date
1850-06-04
maker
Hawkes, Charles W.
ID Number
GA.89797.007413
patent number
7413
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.007413
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a plate attached to an endless chain that was carried past stations for automatic inking, wiping, and printing; the invention was granted patent number 12213. There was provision for applying bands of different colors.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a plate attached to an endless chain that was carried past stations for automatic inking, wiping, and printing; the invention was granted patent number 12213. There was provision for applying bands of different colors. According to Tucker, this press was built by R. Hoe & Co. for D. Steffens in 1858. Robert Neale, an American, was living in London when he took out this patent. He patented the press there in 1853.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-09
maker
Neale, Robert
ID Number
GA.89797.012213
patent number
012213
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.012213
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 108785. The patent details methods of controlling the motion of the type bed. The model is broken.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder printing press which was granted patent number 108785. The patent details methods of controlling the motion of the type bed. The model is broken.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1870
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-01
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.108785
accession number
89797
patent number
108785
catalog number
GA*89797.108785

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.