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.

Patent model for printing surfaces, assigned patent number 160177.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177. (Friedlander and Moeller were from Leipzig, Saxony.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-02-23
maker
Friedlaender, Julius
Moeller, Peter Korfitz
ID Number
GA.89797.160177
patent number
160177
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.160177

Artificial Leg

Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb.
Description (Brief)
Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.
Description
Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb. 10, 1863). Dubois Duncan Parmalee (1829-1897) was a chemist and inventor in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
patent date
1863-02-10
maker
Parmelee, Dubois D.
ID Number
1978.0273.07
accession number
1978.0273
catalog number
1978.0273.07
patent number
37637

Patent model for stamp cancelling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1879
maker
Leavitt, Thomas
ID Number
1997.0198.04
catalog number
1997.0198.04
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for perforating machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.02
catalog number
1997.0198.02
accession number
1997.0198

“W” Transit Fare Token

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this transportation token during the early 20th 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 transportation token during the early 20th 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. The center of the token has been removed to leave the shape of a “W.”
Obverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE
Reverse: The legend reads: GOOD FOR ONE FARE
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1411
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1411

Metal Bangle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
maker
Waterbury Button Company
ID Number
MC.314686.4632
accession number
314686
catalog number
314686.4632

Metal Bangle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
maker
Waterbury Button Company
ID Number
MC.314686.4620
accession number
314686
catalog number
314686.4620

Metal Hardware

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
maker
Waterbury Button Company
ID Number
MC.314686.2719
catalog number
314686.2719
accession number
314686

Edison Employee Band Uniform

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1919
unspecified
National Park Service
associated person
Edison, Thomas Alva
ID Number
MI.73.03.02
catalog number
73.03.02
accession number
301353
catalog number
73.03B

Edison Employee Band Uniform

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1919
transfer
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
ID Number
MI.73.03.01
catalog number
73.03.01
accession number
301353
catalog number
73.03A

Patent Model for an Ellipsographic Copying Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern. Typically, it was to be used in making wood type, which could be enlarged or reduced, extended or compressed, thrown into perspective, or turned into "grotesque type of any given fashion from the same plain pattern."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1842
patent date
1842-12-31
maker
Carpenter, Luman
ID Number
GA.89797.002894
patent number
002894
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.002894

Patent Model of a Lithographic Printing Press

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

Patent Model of a Paper-cutting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-20
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.223744
patent number
223744
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223744

Patent model for paper cutting machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-05-28
maker
Dooley, Thomas B.
ID Number
GA.89797.127226
patent number
127226
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.127226

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine with Pantograph

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-05-24
patentee
Blair, John B.
ID Number
GA.89797.009743
patent number
009743
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009743

Patent Model for Engraving and Printing on Glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder. The invention was granted patent number 11189.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-27
maker
Whipple, Milton D.
Whipple, Lyman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.011189
patent number
011189
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011189

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine for Drilling Straight or Oblique Holes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576. The invention was designed for engraving and was probably intended for working ornamental plates rather than printing plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-05-31
maker
Coulter, Charles J.
ID Number
GA.89797.103576
patent number
103576
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.103576

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine with Rotating Engraver

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-07
maker
Johnson, Roice W.
ID Number
GA.89797.167542
patent number
167542
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.167542

Patent Model of a Multicolor Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas. Six sets of sheet grippers were mounted around a third rotating frame geared to the other two. But the gripper frame was one fifth larger in diameter than the two cylinders, so each sheet of paper was shifted one step for each revolution. The sheet would be printed at the first plate on the first revolution, at the second plate on the next revolution and so on. When the sheet had collected all the impressions, it was released, one fully printed sheet for every revolution of the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-03-10
maker
Dunk, A. A.
ID Number
GA.89797.075394
accession number
089797
patent number
075394
catalog number
GA*89797.075394

Patent Model of an Ink-feeding Device for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-01
maker
Handy, William
ID Number
GA.89797.208592
patent number
208592
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.208592

Patent Model of a Paper-Ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-04-19
maker
Town, Edward
Chichester, James L.
ID Number
GA.89797.042418
patent number
042418
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.042418

Patent Model of a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-10-13
maker
Tregurtha, James
ID Number
GA.89797.155815
patent number
155815
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.155815

Patent Model for a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 3324.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 3324. The patent details improvements to David Bruce's earlier pivotal typecaster, specifically, adjustable parts to the mold, a method of opening the mold and tilting the matrix and the piston to force metal into the mold.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1843
date made
ca 1843
patent date
1843-11-06
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.003324
accession number
89797
patent number
003324
catalog number
GA*89797.003324

Patent Model for a Writing Apparatus for the Blind

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a writing apparatus for the blind including a board with a movable guide for pencil writing (ordinary manuscript, as distinct from braille and other forms of writing with a point).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a writing apparatus for the blind including a board with a movable guide for pencil writing (ordinary manuscript, as distinct from braille and other forms of writing with a point). The model, as it survives, consists of the guide only, without the board. The invention was granted patent number 125024.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-03-26
maker
Cole, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.125024
patent number
125024
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.125024

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