Transportation

1955 Ford Country Squire

Americans have always been a people on the move—on rails, roads, and waterways (for travel through the air, visit the National Air and Space Museum). In the transportation collections, railroad objects range from tools, tracks, and many train models to the massive 1401, a 280-ton locomotive built in 1926. Road vehicles include coaches, buggies, wagons, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles—from the days before the Model T to modern race cars. The accessories of travel are part of the collections, too, from streetlights, gas pumps, and traffic signals to goggles and overcoats.

In the maritime collections, more than 7,000 design plans and scores of ship models show the evolution of sailing ships and other vessels. Other items range from scrimshaw, photographs, and marine paintings to life jackets from the Titanic.

Rollin Motor Company Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Rollin automobile that was manufactured by the Rollin Motors Company of Cleveland, Ohio in 1924 and 1925.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Rollin automobile that was manufactured by the Rollin Motors Company of Cleveland, Ohio in 1924 and 1925. Rollin Henry White has already had a successful career in the automotive field thanks to his involvement in the family’s White Motor Corporation, and his Cleveland Tractor Company business. In 1924 Rollin decided to launch his Rollin automobile, but the company only survived until 1925. The car had a four-cylinder engine and was offered in a variety of body models on a 112-inch wheelbase. The emblem has a large “R” at the top with the raised text “ROLLIN” below.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.209
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.209

Pitcher, "Jacob Knight"

This large creamware pitcher is decorated with maritime-themed images on both sides. One side depicts a shipyard in the process of building a ship while another ship sails away in the background.
Description
This large creamware pitcher is decorated with maritime-themed images on both sides. One side depicts a shipyard in the process of building a ship while another ship sails away in the background. The other side features the image of the now-built ship under sail flying the American flag. Under the spout a medallion features the name “Jacob Knight” in the center. Robert H. McCauley purchased this pitcher from Joseph Kindig of York, PA on August 5, 1938 for $85.00. This pitcher was previously part of the antiques collections of Mrs. G. Winthrop Brown and William Randolph Hearst. In Liverpool Transfer Designs on Anglo-American Potter McCauley attributes the piece to Jacob Knight, a shipbuilder from Portland, Maine who perhaps commissioned this piece to reflect his business. The transfer-print features color on the American flag.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.079
catalog number
63.079
accession number
248881
collector/donor number
306

Patent Model, Life Boat

Joseph Francis of New York (1801–93) made a name for himself in the 1840s and 1850s manufacturing light and sturdy corrugated-iron lifeboats and other nautical gear. This 1841 patent model shows his design for a wood or metal boat fitted with airtight copper tanks.
Description
Joseph Francis of New York (1801–93) made a name for himself in the 1840s and 1850s manufacturing light and sturdy corrugated-iron lifeboats and other nautical gear. This 1841 patent model shows his design for a wood or metal boat fitted with airtight copper tanks. These tanks were to be charged with gas or air to provide buoyancy and, in an emergency, would work in conjunction with several holes through the bottom of the boat. When the boat started taking on water in rough seas, the holes would be opened. That action, combined with the buoyancy of the tanks, would permit drainage.
The well-known inventors of mid-19th-century America—Elias Howe, Cyrus McCormick, and Samuel F. B. Morse—were celebrated as national benefactors. Aspiring inventors regarded applying for a patent not just as a key step on the road to potential wealth, but as a patriotic duty—a contribution to the country’s betterment and future. Solidly within this style, Joseph Francis confidently called his buoyant boat the “great American life boat.” He declared with pride that “the model and application of the buoyant power which I now claim . . . is the best and safest for life boats and all other boats and vessels . . . it is different from and an improvement on all former invention by me and any other person . . . .”
In fact, the 1841 patent represented by this model is but a minor alteration to his first patent, an 1839 design for a double-bottomed boat fitted with buoyant air cylinders. His second attempt simply added additional tanks to the boat’s ends and flattened the bottom of the hull to enable it “to sit upright when left by a retiring surge upon a rock bar or beach, where other modeled boats would be upset.”
Date made
1841
patent date
1841-03-26
patentee
Francis, Joseph
inventor
Francis, Joseph
ID Number
TR.308542
catalog number
308542
accession number
89797
patent number
2,018

Man smoking a cigar inside a car

black and white photograph; man wearing a suit and hat sitting inside a car on the front passenger side, his right hand hangs out the open window, he has a cigar in his mouth; driver's seat is empty; car is parked along a street; two cars, partially visible in backgroundCurrently
Description (Brief)
black and white photograph; man wearing a suit and hat sitting inside a car on the front passenger side, his right hand hangs out the open window, he has a cigar in his mouth; driver's seat is empty; car is parked along a street; two cars, partially visible in background
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Zalesky, Roy Joseph
ID Number
2017.0306.0003
catalog number
2017.0306.0003
accession number
2017.0306

Sugi of Imaichi Nikko

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
2012.0203.0065
accession number
2012.0203
catalog number
2012.0203.0065

Stutz 8 Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Stutz Eight automobile that was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1926 until 1935. Prior to 1926 the primary Stutz automobile was the Bearcat, with an eight-cylinder being introduced in 1926.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Stutz Eight automobile that was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1926 until 1935. Prior to 1926 the primary Stutz automobile was the Bearcat, with an eight-cylinder being introduced in 1926. The emblem has a green background with yellow wings and a yellow number “8.” The emblem reads “Stutz” in black.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.233
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.233

Templar Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Templar automobile that was manufactured by the Templar Motors Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio from 1917 until 1924.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Templar automobile that was manufactured by the Templar Motors Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio from 1917 until 1924. The Templar was a small, sporty car with a four-cylinder engine that advertised itself as the “Superfine Small Car.” Some models even came equipped with a compass and a Kodak camera. Their name was an homage to the Templar Knights of the Middle Ages, and the logo on this oval badge bears an image of a mounted knight with the white text “TEMPLAR” underneath.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.234
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.234

emblem, radiator

Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles.
Description
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblems is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.274
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.274

Marquette Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged a Marquette automobile that was manufactured by the Buick Motor Company in Flint, Michigan in 1930.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged a Marquette automobile that was manufactured by the Buick Motor Company in Flint, Michigan in 1930. The Marquette was a distinct marque from Buick in an effort to establish a more budget friendly vehicle, similar to Oakland with its Pontiac and Cadillac with LaSalle. Approximately 35,000 vehicles were produced in 1930, which came in a six body models, and sold for about $1000. This emblem resembles a family crest with a white scroll across its front that reads “Marquette” in black. The crest is in quarters, 1st and fourth are white argents on a black field, 2nd and 3rd are red fields.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.154
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.154

Flyer Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to an Ace model automobile that was manufactured by the Continental Automobile Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan during 1933 and 1934.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an Ace model automobile that was manufactured by the Continental Automobile Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan during 1933 and 1934. The Continental Motors Corporation manufactured a variety of engines for numerous automobile manufacturers during the early 20th century. In 1932 Continental Motors took over the De Vaux-Hall Company and produced the Continental-De Vaux brand automobile. In 1933 the Continental Automobile Company began to produce their own vehicles. Three models were produced at three different price points, the budget ($395) Beacon, the mid-range ($510) Flyer, and the high-end ($816) Ace. The curved emblem has a blue background and reads “FLYER” in silver lettering.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.109
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.109

Fisher Body Craftsman's Guild Model Car, 1949

This automobile model was entered into the 1949 Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild competition by Gale P. Morris of Portland, Oregon. He was awarded third place nationally in the junior division for this model, winning a $2,000 scholarship.
Description
This automobile model was entered into the 1949 Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild competition by Gale P. Morris of Portland, Oregon. He was awarded third place nationally in the junior division for this model, winning a $2,000 scholarship. The wood model has a metallic green paint job with silver bumpers, opaque windows, and white walled tires.
From 1930 until 1968, the Fisher Body Division of General Motors sponsored the Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild and its annual model-building competition. For the first seven years of the contest, the young men in the Guild built models of a Napoleonic carriage (the Fisher Body logo) to show their high precision skills in craftsmanship. In 1937 the contest expanded to include model automobiles, which became a source of inspiration for new GM automobiles. By 1948 model cars became the only accepted entry for the contest. Winning car models were both practical and stylish original designs made with superior craftsmanship on an exacting 1/12th scale. For General Motors, the competition was a major public relations success while also serving as a type of design aptitude test for the entrants. For the young men of the Guild, the contest was a chance to win scholarships, cash prizes, and an once-in-a-lifetime all-expenses paid trip to Detroit for the regional winners. Designs featured in these models would often presage production automobiles, as many winners went on to work for General Motors or other automotive companies as designers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1949
maker
Morris, Gale P.
ID Number
1987.0447.01
catalog number
1987.0447.01
accession number
1987.0447

Cameron Car Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Cameron car that was produced by the Cameron Car Company in Brockton, Massachusetts between 1906 and 1908.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Cameron car that was produced by the Cameron Car Company in Brockton, Massachusetts between 1906 and 1908. The company started in Pawtucket, Rhode Island in 1903, then moved to Brockton, then opened plants in New London, Connecticut, Attica, Ohio, and Alma, Michigan in 1909. The company operated until 1915, when financing ran out and the outbreak of World War I made some materials hard to obtain. This emblem reads “THE CAMERON CAR CO/BROCKTON, MASS.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.039
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.039

Doble Steam Motors Co. Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Doble steam automobile that was manufactured by the Doble Steam Motors Company between 1924 and 1931. Doble was originally located in Detroit, but moved to California in 1921 before going out of business in 1931.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Doble steam automobile that was manufactured by the Doble Steam Motors Company between 1924 and 1931. Doble was originally located in Detroit, but moved to California in 1921 before going out of business in 1931. During the early years of car production, gasoline, electric, and steam engines all competed in the marketplace for consumer preference. While gasoline powered internal combustion engines eventually proved to be the commercial winner, the Doble steam car was marvelously engineered. The Doble steam car was self-starting, under full steam in 40 seconds, operated silently, went zero to sixty miles per hour in 12 seconds, powerful enough to handle any hill, and lacking many of the moving parts (transmission, clutch, belts, etc.) that caused mechanical issues in gasoline engines. The black emblem simply reads “STEAM/DOBLE/MOTORS/CALIFORNIA” in silver.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.076
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.076

Racing Go-Kart

A truly "grass roots" sport, organized "go-karting" arose in the late 1950s.
Description
A truly "grass roots" sport, organized "go-karting" arose in the late 1950s. In the 1930s and late 1940s, various types of smaller open-wheeled race cars had been developed for certain classes of organized racing on oval tracks, including the "midget racers" - diminutive but full-fledged, single-seat, high-speed cars. But for would-be racers of limited means in the 1950s, even these midget race cars were out of financial reach. Meanwhile, marketers of leisure-time products had started producing small, motorized "karts" for pre-teens. Such a kart, intended for driving on paved surfaces off the public roadways, had a light frame made of tubular steel, no "body" at all, a rudimentary open seat, and was equipped with a small gasoline engine mounted behind the driver and tiny tires. Adults thought up the idea of installing more-powerful motors, and the racing "go-kart" was born. Racing of such karts by kids was soon organized -- but racing classes for adults were created as well. Such races were sometimes held at regular paved race tracks but were usually run on specialized, short paved courses designed and built expressly for the karts. In the early days, races ran on large parking lots, with courses marked off for the day with stripes and rubber cones.
Many racing drivers who became well known in the 1970s, '80s, and through the present -- such as NASCAR's Jeff Gordon, 'Indy 500' drivers Al Unser, Jr. and Michael Andretti, and European 'Formula-1' drivers -- learned their early skills by becoming champion kart drivers in the classes for pre-teens.
Elwood "Pappy" Hampton (1909-1980), however, was one of thousands who took to the sport as adults. He was a Washington, DC, machinist who became interested in go-kart racing as a hobby. He built several karts, each time refining their design and improving their performance.
This kart is one made about 1960, which Hampton raced frequently from 1960 through 1962 to first-, second-, and third-place finishes, mostly at the Marlboro Speedway in Maryland. In 1962, he won the East Coast Championship. At age 51 in 1960, "Pappy" was one of the oldest successful kart racers in the mid-Atlantic area, hence his nickname.
The kart has a duralumin chassis (duralumin for strength with extreme lightness) made especially for racing karts by Jim Rathmann of Indianapolis (the winning driver in the 1960 Indianapolis 500), and a drive train engineered and made by Hampton. The engine is one made in England, fueled on alcohol.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Hampton, Sr., Elwood N. "Pappy"
Rathmann, James
ID Number
1997.0378.01
accession number
1997.0378
catalog number
1997.0378.01

Jeffery Company Radiator Emblem

The Thomas B. Jeffery Company manufactured its automobiles in Kenosha, Wisconsin from 1902 until 1917. Thomas Jeffrey began his career as part of the Gormally & Jeffery Bicycle Manufacturing Company.
Description
The Thomas B. Jeffery Company manufactured its automobiles in Kenosha, Wisconsin from 1902 until 1917. Thomas Jeffrey began his career as part of the Gormally & Jeffery Bicycle Manufacturing Company. He started prototyping automobile models in 1897, and sold the bicycle business in 1900 to buy an automobile factory. The first Rambler automobile model went into production in 1902. When Thomas Jeffrey passed in 1910, his son Charles became the head of the company. The company began producing the Jeffrey model automobile in 1914, named to honor the company head. In 1917 Charles Nash purchased The Thomas B. Jeffery Company, renaming it the Nash Motors Company. This radiator emblem belonged to the Jeffrey model automobile, produced sometime between 1914 and 1917. The emblem has a blue center with the white lettering “Jeffery” in the center. The red rim reads “The Thomas B. Jeffery Company/Kenosha, Wis. U.S.A.” in silver lettering.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.130
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.130

Ajax Six Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to an Ajax Six automobile that was manufactured by the Nash Motor Car Company in Racine, Wisconsin from 1925 until 1926. Charles Nash decided to call his $1000, six-cylinder engine, 40 horsepower car the Ajax in reference to the mythological hero.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to an Ajax Six automobile that was manufactured by the Nash Motor Car Company in Racine, Wisconsin from 1925 until 1926. Charles Nash decided to call his $1000, six-cylinder engine, 40 horsepower car the Ajax in reference to the mythological hero. This negated the use of the trusted Nash brand name, and early ads stressed that “Ajax is Nash and Nash is Ajax.” The message did not get through to the consumers, and by 1926 the car was renamed the Nash Light Six and new nameplates and hubcaps were shipped to dealers to make the name change immediately. This emblem has a black enamel background with the text “AJAX/SIX” in white with a white banner below that reads “NASH-BUILT” in black.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.007
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.007

Kansas City Car Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Kansas City Car that was manufactured by the Kansas city Car Company of Kansas City, Missouri between 1906 and 1908. In 1909 the company tried to reorganize as the Kansas City Wonder, before shuttering in the same year.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Kansas City Car that was manufactured by the Kansas city Car Company of Kansas City, Missouri between 1906 and 1908. In 1909 the company tried to reorganize as the Kansas City Wonder, before shuttering in the same year. The company produced two and four cylinder engine in runabout and touring car models. The emblem reads “THE KANSAS CITY CAR/KC/MOTOR/CAR CO./KANSAS CITY, MO./U.S.A.”
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.134
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.134

Wills Sainte Claire Radiator Emblem

This radiator emblem belonged to a Wills Sainte Claire automobile that was manufactured by C. H. Wills & Company of Marysville, Michigan from 1921 until 1927.
Description
This radiator emblem belonged to a Wills Sainte Claire automobile that was manufactured by C. H. Wills & Company of Marysville, Michigan from 1921 until 1927. The company was owned by Childe Harold Wills, who originally worked as a metallurgist for Henry Ford before starting his own company. This radiator emblem features a Canadian geese flying over a wooded lake. Wills chose the geese as his company’s mascot due to its ability to travel, and it appeared on the company’s emblems and advertising.
Radiator emblems are small, colorful metal plates bearing an automobile manufacturer's name or logo that attached to the radiators grilles of early automobiles. Varying in shape and size, the emblems served as a small branding device, sometimes indicating the type of engine, place of manufacturing, or using an iconic image or catchy slogan to advertise their cars make and model. This emblem is part of the collection that was donated by Hubert G. Larson in 1964.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TR.325528.273
accession number
260303
catalog number
325528.273

Pacific Steam Whaleship Orca

The steam whaler Orca was built at San Francisco in 1882 specifically for the Pacific and Arctic whale fisheries.
Description
The steam whaler Orca was built at San Francisco in 1882 specifically for the Pacific and Arctic whale fisheries. By the late 19th century, the Atlantic whale was too scarce due to overhunting, and whaling had moved almost completely to distant western waters to exploit the remaining whales.
Measuring 177 feet in length and 628 tons, Orca had a 280-HP steam engine for propulsion. It also had a full suit of auxiliary sails for backup and fuel conservation. When built, Orca was the largest auxiliary steam whaler in the United States.
The bark-rigged vessel was heavily built and braced, with a strongly raked bow to work in the Arctic ice pack. The heavy timbers and bow shape allowed it to be driven up onto the ice, where its weight helped to break through. Orca’s propeller had two blades so it could be aligned vertically with the stern timbers when not in use in order to protect it from the ice.
Information collected by Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Conn. indicates that Orca, along with many other Pacific whalers, resorted to shanghaiing, or acquiring crewmen from agents ashore who forced potential crewmen onto their ships in various ways. With around two dozen whaleships clearing San Francisco each year for the Pacific whaling grounds, the need for crewmen was great.
Date made
1894
reference material
Mystic Seaport Museum
ID Number
TR.076237
catalog number
076237
accession number
028022

Letter of Marque Topsail Schooner Lynx

Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled.
Description
Peter Kemp, Baltimore’s best known 19th-century shipbuilder, worked in the Fells Point area. He built the square topsail schooner Lynx in 1812 for just under $10,000. It measured 97 feet long and 25 tons, a bit larger than the swift pilot boats after which it was modeled. Pilot boats had to be fast, for the first one that reached a vessel offshore won the job to lead it through local waters into the port facilities.
The Lynx was a letter of marque—a merchant vessel authorized to take prizes—rather than a privateer designed and built only to raid enemy shipping. Letters of marque were armed merchant vessels which were granted the authority to chase enemy merchantmen during the normal course of business, if an opportunity arose. Unlike privateers, letter of marque vessels paid their crews a regular wage, and their income did not depend on income from enemy ships. As a result, the Lynx carried only six guns and a 40-man crew instead of the many guns and big crews of privateers.
Lynx served less than a year before it was captured by a British fleet of 17 vessels while trying to run a blockade off the Rappahannock River, Virginia. Renamed the Mosquidobit, it served in the British naval squadron blockading Chesapeake Bay. At the end of the War of 1812, it served against France. In recognition of its superior sailing characteristics, its hull shape was recorded by the Royal Navy. In 1820, it resumed service as a private merchant vessel.
Date made
1964
Associated Date
19th century
shipbuilder
Kemp, Peter
ID Number
TR.323263
catalog number
323263
accession number
249753

NO PARKING

A "No Parking" sign from the 58th Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2017.Currently not on view
Description
A "No Parking" sign from the 58th Presidential Inauguration, January 20, 2017.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
2017-01
Associated Date
January 20, 2017
Associated Name
Trump, Donald J.
maker
District of Columbia. Department of Transportation
ID Number
2018.0159.07
accession number
2018.0159
catalog number
2018.0159.07

Whaler's Mincing Knife

Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots.
Description
Whaling crews used mincing knives to cut the blubber strips into thin slices down to, but not through, the thick whale skin. This process increased the surface area of the blubber and helped it melt faster in the try-pots. Cut in this fashion, the sections of whale blubber and skin were known as “bible leaves” because they resembled the pages of a book.
date made
1876
collected
1876
ID Number
AG.025912
accession number
005019
catalog number
025912

The Through Express

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969
original artist
Currier & Ives
publisher
Travelers Companies, Inc.
ID Number
2012.3050.05.09
nonaccession number
2012.3050
catalog number
2012.3050.05.09

Brantford Street Railway Company 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. There is a hole in the center of the token.
Obverse: The legend reads: BRANTFORD ST. RY. CO./ ONE FARE.
Reverse: The legend reads: BRANTFORD ST. RY. CO./ ONE FARE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 20th century
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1681
catalog number
1981.0296.1681
accession number
1981.0296

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