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.

Topic: Communications

Patent model for lathe (?)

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lathe (?). Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lathe (?). Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.03
catalog number
1997.0198.03
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Plate Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio system that was designed to speed the operation of copperplate wiping, using an ordinary platen lever press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio system that was designed to speed the operation of copperplate wiping, using an ordinary platen lever press. After paper was pressed against the face of the engraved plate, ink was piped from a reservoir to spaces under the plate and then forced up through holes in the plate into the engraved lines. Here the ink made contact with the paper. Unused ink was then sucked back out of the lines, leaving the plate clean as the platen was lifted again for the next sheet. The invention was granted patent number 30495.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-10-23
maker
Oakes, W. H.
ID Number
GA.89797.030495
accession number
89797
patent number
030495
catalog number
GA*89797.030495

Patent model for pantographic carving machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving pantograph, particularly intended for cutting letters from a pattern into stone; the invention was granted patent number 27827. The graver was provided with a rotating and/or a pecking motion.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving pantograph, particularly intended for cutting letters from a pattern into stone; the invention was granted patent number 27827. The graver was provided with a rotating and/or a pecking motion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-04-10
maker
Pease, W. H.
ID Number
GA.89797.027827
patent number
027827
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.027827

Patent Model for a Sheet-Feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
maker
Allen, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.039872
accession number
089797
patent number
039872
catalog number
GA*89797.039872

Patent Model for Stencil Frames for Autographic Writing.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-09-16
maker
De Zuccato, Eugenio
ID Number
1996.0062.07
catalog number
1996.0062.07
accession number
1996.0062
patent number
219665

Patent model for picture frames, assigned patent number 059836.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-11-20
patentee
Hanks, Stedman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.059836
patent number
059836
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.059836

Patent Model for a Card Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-04-27
maker
Clarkson, William W.
ID Number
GA.89797.020039
accession number
89797
patent number
020039
catalog number
GA*89797.020039

Patent model for frame

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.15
catalog number
1997.0198.15
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for trimming machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.16
catalog number
1997.0198.16
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for engraving machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.14
catalog number
1997.0198.14
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-11
maker
Hawkins, John T.
ID Number
GA.89797.221458
accession number
089797
patent number
221458
catalog number
GA*89797.221458

Patent model for web perfecting rotary press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10

Patent model for sewing machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.05
catalog number
1997.0198.05
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185. Model incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1892
patent date
1892-09-27
patentee
Tinsley, William J.
ID Number
GA.89797.483185
patent number
483185
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.483185

Patent model for printers' quoins and chases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-01-27
patentee
Warren, Edmond A.
ID Number
GA.89797.146967
patent number
146967
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.146967

Patent model for folding concertina rack

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.11
catalog number
1997.0198.11
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Squintani, Carlo G.
ID Number
1996.0062.17
patent number
228410
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.17

Patent model for inking apparatus for printing presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently. The invention was granted patent number 188386.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-03-13
maker
Macdonald, F.
ID Number
1997.0198.13
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
188386
catalog number
GA.89797.188386

Patent model for stretcher frames for canvases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-06-19
patentee
Witt, John H.
ID Number
GA.89797.192319
patent number
192319
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.192319

Patent model for picture frames

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning. The invention was granted patent number 190068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-04-24
maker
Odenbaugh, Frank
ID Number
1997.0198.12
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
190068
catalog number
1997.0198.12

Patent model for stencil writing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-03
maker
Hix, Albert E.
patentee
Hix, Albert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.192624
accession number
089797
patent number
192624
catalog number
GA*89797.192624

Patent model for stencils for sign painter's template

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-02-24
patentee
Hutchison, Merrill
ID Number
GA.89797.147942
accession number
089797
patent number
147942
catalog number
GA*89797.147942

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-01-24
maker
Dunn, William Wallace
ID Number
GA.89797.111111
patent number
111111
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.111111

Patent Model of Pulsating Stencil Pencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel. Josiah Gunning (1840-1910) graduated from medical school and spent the Civil War as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. After his wife's death in 1869, he entered seminary and was ordained. His invention of a pulsating pen was considered remarkable enough to win him a bronze medal from the American Institute.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-06-03
maker
Gunning, Josiah H.
Weiland, Harry B.
ID Number
GA.89797.216086
patent number
216086
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.216086

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