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 small, self-inking clockwork press that printed from curved stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 71103.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a small, self-inking clockwork press that printed from curved stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 71103.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
patent date
1867-11-19
maker
Wilbur, J. M.
ID Number
GA.89797.071103
patent number
071103
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.071103
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-cutting machine which was granted patent number 31333. The patent details a machine for sawing type from a solid block of letters by first cutting a strip of letters from the block, then notching the strip, and finally cutting apart the letters. The block could be cast by Smith's patent of 1859.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1861
patent date
1861-02-05
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.031333
patent number
031333
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.031333
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-06-26
maker
Harger, H.
ID Number
1997.0198.07
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.07
patent number
28857
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of printing large music charts for educational purposes; the invention was granted patent number 78855. The type was made of wood.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of printing large music charts for educational purposes; the invention was granted patent number 78855. The type was made of wood. Each note came with its part of the staff lines, and with shoulders that interlocked and overlapped with those of its neighbors, to produce a continuous line of music.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-06-16
patentee
Balch, Edward L.
ID Number
GA.89797.078855
patent number
078855
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.078855
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press, which was granted patent number 40099. In this invention, one of a series on Gordon's platen presses, the platen was pivoted on long legs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press, which was granted patent number 40099. In this invention, one of a series on Gordon's platen presses, the platen was pivoted on long legs. The bed, rocking on its own axis, was locked into vertical position to take the impact of impression. The model is incomplete: the platen assembly is missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-29
maker
Gordon, George Phineas
ID Number
GA.22836
accession number
249602
patent number
040099
catalog number
GA*22836
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1886-10-12
maker
Heysinger, Isaac W.
ID Number
GA.89797.350588
accession number
089797
patent number
350588
catalog number
GA*89797.350588
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the common method of fastening composite wood blocks together with bolts; the invention was granted patent number 43057. Wells was the proprietor of a wood type manufactory.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the common method of fastening composite wood blocks together with bolts; the invention was granted patent number 43057. Wells was the proprietor of a wood type manufactory.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-06-07
maker
Wells, Heber
ID Number
GA.89797.043057
patent number
043057
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.043057
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combined tool in which bodkin and tweezers folded into their own handle for portability; the invention was granted patent number 70261.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combined tool in which bodkin and tweezers folded into their own handle for portability; the invention was granted patent number 70261. The bodkin (a small pointed awl) and tweezers were tools with many uses in the print shop, and always ready to the printer's hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
patent date
1867-10-29
maker
Quail, William
ID Number
GA.89797.070261
patent number
070261
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.070261
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
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
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
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
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day. The trees in the distance are dimly seen through the tremulous air, and the pine twigs droop from the eaves of the but as if a fire had scorched them. The hoofs of the horse are buried in burning dust, and the boots of the men are loaded with powdered earth. By the tall pine in the back-ground, a little tent seems to be vainly seeking the shadow, while over all glares a hot sky, without a cloud to relieve the weary eyes. The parched ground and arid appearance of the landscape was characteristic of the country about Petersburg, where the constant movements of troops crushed out vegetation. Forests, houses, and fences were swept away, and the fields were transformed into vast commons, where the winds raised clouds of sand, and covered everything with the sacred soil. On these glaring deserts, with no covering but the shelter tent and withered brush, the army toiled and fought through many months, filling the valleys with graves, and sapping the vigor of men in the prime of life. Many are the dead that might now be living but for the poison of those torrid days, and all through the land are feeble veterans, who look back upon that campaign as does the pilgrim on his journeyings across the great Sahara.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-08
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.27
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.27
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
In such rude manner did the lusty artificers of the corps carry on their needful trades, doing much good work under the scorching rays of the southern sun. At one time the majority of these hardy workmen were detailed from the ranks, with extra pay and allowances, but when every soldier was needed behind his musket, skilled men were hired for such duty, and some of the soldiers ordered back to their regiments. On the right of the view is the stocks, a neat contrivance, to facilitate the shoeing of mules, an operation which those self-willed animals had a decided objection to undergo. Time being precious, the farriers could not be expected to waste much in the exercise of their persuasive abilities. The refractory mule was led into the stocks, often by the seductive display of a peck of oats, suddenly to find himself suspended in air upon a huge belly-band. Four stout fellows seizing his feet, fastened them securely with thongs in the required position, and while impotent rage convulsed his frame, rapidly nailed on the shoes, finally releasing the hybrid in a state of wretched uncertainty as to the intents and purposes of his masters.
The tent fly, with its partial walls of loose bricks, covers the forge. Around it are the wheel and harness-makers, evidently resting, with pleasing expectations of forming a prominent feature of the photograph, while the contrabands have assumed positions of determined fixedness, worthy of the occasion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.20
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.20
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
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
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
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
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary web perfecting press which was granted patent number 91191. The two pairs of printing cylinders had surfaces that were half type bed and half impression blanket, the type on one backing onto the blanket on its mate.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary web perfecting press which was granted patent number 91191. The two pairs of printing cylinders had surfaces that were half type bed and half impression blanket, the type on one backing onto the blanket on its mate. As the web passed through the first pair, alternating parts of the paper were printed on each side. Then the web passed through the other pair, and the impression was completed. After printing, the web was cut into sheets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-06-08
maker
Wright, John K.
ID Number
GA.89797.091191
accession number
89797
patent number
091191
catalog number
GA*89797.091191
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-02-17
maker
Reynolds, George H.
ID Number
GA.89797.037727
accession number
89797
patent number
037727
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759. The patent details an engraving machine capable of producing copies of the same size as the pattern, or larger or smaller, or of altered proportions; also, a ruling machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-05-15
patentee
Oldham, Edmund
ID Number
GA.89797.054759
patent number
054759
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.054759
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for coating electrotype; the invention was granted patent number 85411.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for coating electrotype; the invention was granted patent number 85411. The patent details a machine for brushing black lead (plumbago, graphite) or bronze powder onto either wax or gutta percha molds, in order to give them conducting surfaces. Stephen Tucker was an employee and, from I860, a partner with R. Hoe & Co. He was responsible for numerous patents for the company, and was the author of the company history, "A History of R. Hoe & Company, 1834- 1885.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-12-29
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.085411
patent number
085411
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.085411
This patent model demonstrates an invention for mechanical quoins, which expanded by means of paired screw gears; the invention was granted patent number 93603.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for mechanical quoins, which expanded by means of paired screw gears; the invention was granted patent number 93603.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-08-10
maker
Dorrity, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.093603
accession number
089797
patent number
093603
catalog number
GA*87979.093603
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-03-20
maker
Koehler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.053309
accession number
089797
patent number
053309
catalog number
GA*89797.053309

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