Work

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking percussion stamp; the invention was granted patent number 16608.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1857
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-02-10
maker
Ramsay, P. A.
ID Number
1996.0062.15
patent number
016608
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.15
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small self-inking card press which was granted patent number 17405. A traveling frame carried the inking and impression rollers across the fixed type bed and ink plate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-05-26
maker
Learned, S. D.
ID Number
GA.89797.017405
accession number
089797
patent number
017405
catalog number
GA*89797.017405
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus to receive and stack sheets as they came from a press, or cut and pile printed sheets from a web. The invention was granted patent number 25068.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus to receive and stack sheets as they came from a press, or cut and pile printed sheets from a web. The invention was granted patent number 25068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
patentee
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.89797.025068
accession number
089797
patent number
025068
catalog number
GA*89797.025068
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates. A blower, operated by a steam engine, drove air through a wooden tube around the casting room. Tin pipes from the tube supplied each casting machine with a double blast of air, one directed at the fuel to fire it, the second at the mold to cool it. George Bruce (1781-1866) followed his brother David to America from Scotland in 1795. The brothers first worked around the printing trades, and in 1816 set up their own type foundry. David retired in 1822 and was followed in the business by his son David Jr., author of the patents listed above.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-11-14
maker
Bruce, George
ID Number
GA.89797.011955
patent number
011955
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011955
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-31
maker
Underwood, Benjamin
ID Number
GA.89797.010483
patent number
010483
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010483
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box. The printing block was then cast in any suitable material such as type metal, plaster-of-paris, vulcanized rubber, or, by preference, gutta percha - a popular material in the mid nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-14
maker
Berry, James
ID Number
1996.0062.02
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.02
patent number
010630
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-13
maker
Sprague, E. H.
ID Number
1996.0062.16
patent number
011091
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.16
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
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder. A web of paper was moistened and folded concertina-fashion for feeding. It was printed at the first series of impression cylinders and refolded. Then it was turned, and printed on the other side at the next series. Finally, it was cut into sheets. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this patent was bought by R. Hoe & Co., probably more to keep it out of the market than with a mind to its development.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.009987
patent number
009987
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009987
This patent model demonstrates an invention for 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
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
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377. The improvements to the typecaster include placing the mold below its "axis of oscillation" instead of the usual higher position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-03
maker
Mueller, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.010377
patent number
010377
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010377
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
patentee
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.89797.025069
patent number
025069
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.025069
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood. The wooden blocks gave trouble when wet, and their inclined walls tended to spread the color and broaden lines in printing fabric. This patent covered a method of making metal printing blocks with high vertical walls. Matrices were first constructed of numerous pieces of rectangular type of different lengths, then molded in wax, and finally electrotyped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-11-01
maker
Crossley, Thomas
ID Number
GA.89797.025953
patent number
025953
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.25953
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing. Then the carriage withdrew with the paper, and it was lifted off by a sheet fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-02
ID Number
GA.89797.012183
accession number
89797
patent number
012183
catalog number
GA*89797.012183
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991. The pantographic apparatus is used for engraving multiple images precisely placed and at extreme reduction; also for the engraving of cylinders for calico printing, and for the decoration of wallpaper. The patentee was Isaac Taylor, from Stamford Rivers, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-06-01
maker
Taylor, Isaac
ID Number
GA.89797.008991
patent number
008991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.008991
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type. The specification includes a brief description of other distributers of his day--the Gaubert, Clay and Rosenberg, and Sorenson machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-21
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.010656
patent number
010656
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010656
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-06-29
maker
Hanscom, Alpheys A.
ID Number
GA.89797.020710
patent number
020710
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.020710
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 13935. Type was passed endwise through the cutters, one piece at a time.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 13935. Type was passed endwise through the cutters, one piece at a time. This avoided the damage to hairlines or to the face produced by machines that took the type either sideways or in an endwise procession.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-12-11
maker
Moore, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.013935
patent number
013935
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.013935
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed. This patent covered the Newbury Country Press, a small hand-powered printing machine that was popular with country newspaper shops in the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-09-16
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.89797.015740
accession number
089797
patent number
015740
catalog number
GA*89797.015740
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 21591.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 21591. The patent details a sheet-feeding apparatus, operating independent of the printing machine, with improved registration.
William Bullock (1813-1867) made himself a name in 1852 with a hand-cranked wooden press to which a self-feeder was attached. He followed this with other fast presses, focusing on the problems of feeding. This led him to his most famous press, the web perfecting press (Patent 38200). In 1867 Bullock was caught in a press he was installing for the Philadelphia Public Ledger, and died from the injuries.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-21
patentee
Bullock, William
ID Number
GA.89797.021591
accession number
089797
patent number
021591
catalog number
GA*89797.021591
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-03-22
maker
Comby, John P.
ID Number
GA.89797.009623
accession number
089797
patent number
009623
catalog number
GA*89797.009623
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets. Hill was a pioneer in numbering machines. His city, Buffalo, N.Y., became a center of the rail ticket business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-07
maker
Hill, George J.
ID Number
GA.89797.021418
accession number
089797
patent number
021418
catalog number
GA*89797.021418
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a traveler’s letter copying press which was granted patent number 21902. The copying press could be dismantled and packed up for the road.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a traveler’s letter copying press which was granted patent number 21902. The copying press could be dismantled and packed up for the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-10-26
maker
Platt, Edwin
Platt, Jacob B.
ID Number
GA.89797.021902
patent number
021902
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.021902

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