Industry & Manufacturing

Eli Terry Mass-Produced Clock

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.

Date: 1900s

Scovill Agent Pin

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
This pin has a “S” in the center colored blue, and reads “SCOVILL” across the center with a red background, and “AGENT” below on blue background.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1559
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1559

Presidential Campaign Luggage Tag

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this luggage tag around 1908. 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 luggage tag around 1908. 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 Presidential campaign novelty is a square-shaped luggage tag with the inscription: TAFT/1908/SHERMAN. William Taft and James Sherman were elected President and Vice President in 1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
referenced
Taft, William H.
Sherman, James Schoolcraft
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1594
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1594

Scovill Agent Pin

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
This pin has a “S” in the center and reads “SCOVILL” across the center, and “AGENT” below.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1558
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1558

Button

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
The button has the image of a closed hand holding onto a sheaf of grain.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1556
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1556

Unknown Man Button

This button was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in the 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This button was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in the 19th century. 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: Profile bust of an unknown man facing right.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1216
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1216

Puerto Rican Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around the late 19th–century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token around the late 19th–century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, and coins.
Obverse: The legend reads: QUINCALLA Y FERRETERIA/PONCE
Reverse: The legend reads: TRUJILLO Y SUBINA/ 10/ EL COMETA
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1662
catalog number
1981.0296.1662
accession number
1981.0296

Lamb of God Button

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
The button has an image of a haloed lamb with cross and banner.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1557
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1557

Germania Club Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 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 during the late 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 tokens.
Obverse: Space for an engraving in the center. The legend reads: GERMANIA CLUB/Cts./BRENHAM
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1487
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1487

Taft and Sherman Presidential Luggage Tag

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this luggage tag around 1908. 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 luggage tag around 1908. 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 Presidential campaign novelty is a square-shaped luggage tag with the inscription: TAFT/1908/SHERMAN. William Taft and James Sherman were elected President and Vice President in 1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
referenced
Taft, William H.
Sherman, James Schoolcraft
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1592
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1592

La Union Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 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 during the late 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 tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: LA UNION.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1508
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1508

Amusement Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 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 during the late 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 transportation tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: NO VALUE CHECK/FOR AMUSEMENT ONLY.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1565
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1565

Mitad Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 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 during the late 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 tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: MITAD.
Reverse: The legend reads: F.W.S. SANTANDER.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1543
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1543

Scovill Service Award Pin

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
This pin has an “S” in the center with a blue background, and reads “SCOVILL” across the center. “SERVICE AWARD” is written at the bottom, and there is a small jewel at the top and sides of the pin.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1563
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1563

Scovill Service Award Pin

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this pin around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
This pin has a “S” in the center with a blue background, and reads “SCOVILL” across the center. “SERVICE AWARD” is written at the bottom.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1560
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1560

Maryland State Seal Button

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this button around the middle of the 19th century. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill is an important example of early American industrial manufacturing that adapted armory machines to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, coins, and tokens.
The button bears Maryland’s seal, the crest with the Calvert arms, supported by a farmer and a fisherman, an eagle over the crest , and a scroll that reads “CRESCITE ET MULTIPLICAMINI.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1555
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1555

Benjamin Franklin Medal

This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company in the middle of the 19th century. 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 in the middle of the 19th century. 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. This design was likely cast by Joseph H. Merriam of Boston, Massachusetts.
Obverse: Bust of Benjamin Franklin facing left. Legend: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BORN JAN. 17. 1706.
Reverse: Two laurel wreaths tied with a ribbon. Legend reads: DILIGENCE IS THE MOTHER OF GOOD LUCK/ TME IS MONEY.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
depicted
Franklin, Benjamin
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1142
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1142

Pioneer Wagon Works Advertising Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this advertising token during the 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 advertising token during the 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 various consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and tokens.
Obverse: Wagon. Legend: MFR. OF FARM, FREIGHT, & SPRING WAGONS/ FIRST PREMIUM PARIS 1867 PHILADELPHIA 1876/ GEO. A. LOWE. AGT. SALT LAKE CITY.
Reverse: Image of a factory. Legend: THE PIONEER WAGON WORKS OF THE WEST/ ESTABLISHED 1843/ PETER SCHUTTLER CHICAGO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1626
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1626

Bryan and Kern Presidential Campaign Luggage Tag

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this luggage tag around 1908. 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 luggage tag around 1908. 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 Presidential campaign novelty is a square-shaped luggage tag with the inscription: BRYAN/1908/KERN. William Jennings Bryan and John Kern unsuccessfully ran for President and Vice President on the Democratic ticket in 1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
referenced
Bryan, William Jennings
Kern, John W.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1238
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1238

Show Case Manufacturing Company Advertising Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this token during the late 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 during the late 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 tokens.
Obverse: The legend reads: N.W. SHOW CASE MF'G CO./ 59&61 SO CANAL ST, CHICAGO/ 10C.
Reverse: The legend reads: RE'D'M'BLE IN SUMS NOT EX'C'D'G PR CT ON PURCHASE/ GOOD FOR 10C IN MDSE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1564
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1564

George Washington Commemorative Token

This commemorative coin was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in the 19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative coin was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in the 19th century. 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 George Washington facing left. The legend reads: GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN 1732 DIED 1799.
Reverse: Bust of George Washington facing left. The legend reads: GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN 1732 DIED 1799.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
depicted
Washington, George
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1162
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1162

Major Robert Anderson Token

This advertising badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-19th century. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This advertising badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the mid-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, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Melainotype photograph of Major Robert Anderson facing forward. The text reads: OUR FLAG'S PROTECTOR. MAJ. ANDERSON.
Reverse: bears the text: ABBOT & COMPANY, MELAINOTYPE PORTRAITS, PICTURES, BUSINESS CARDS, Medals, &c./ WATERBURY, CONN.--- 143 NASSAU-ST. N.Y.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
mid 19th century
depicted
Anderson, Robert
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1251
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1251

Taft and Sherman Campaign Luggage Tag

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this luggage tag around 1908. 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 luggage tag around 1908. 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 Presidential campaign novelty is a square-shaped luggage tag with the inscription: TAFT/1908/SHERMAN. William Taft and James Sherman were elected President and Vice President in 1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
referenced
Taft, William H.
Sherman, James Schoolcraft
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1237
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1237

Taft and Bryan Political Token

This political flipper coin was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1908. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This political flipper coin was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1908. 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. Taft was the Republican presidential candidate and Bryan was the Democratic candidate.
Obverse: Profile depiction of William Taft facing left. The legend reads: I’LL TOSS YOU/1908.
Reverse: Profile image of William Jennings Bryan facing right. The legend reads: I’ll MATCH YOU/1908.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
depicted
Taft, William H.
Bryan, William Jennings
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1210
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1210

Scovill Centennial Commemorative Medal

This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. 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 in 1902. 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.
Obverse: Bust of James Mitchell Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill facing each other. Legend: SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/ J.M.L. SCOVILL-Wm. H. SCOVILL/1802-1902 WATERBURY, CONN.
Reverse: CENTENNIAL OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO./PRESENTED BY THE COMPANY TO CHAS.S.TREADWAY/ 1802/ABEL PORTER & CO./1811/LEAVENWORTH HAYDEN & SCOVILL/1827/J.M.L. & W.H. SCOVILL/1850/SCOVILL MFG. CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1713
catalog number
1981.0296.1713
accession number
1981.0296

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