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 sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks with several tapering sections, and grooves or steps to guide the quoins on their path; the invention was granted patent number 145574.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-12-16
maker
Keehn, Francis
ID Number
1996.0062.10
patent number
145574
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a casting printers’ lead; it was granted patent number 155609. Molten lead was rolled out to thickness between two flexible steel belts, then cut into strips, trimmed, and planed smooth.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a casting printers’ lead; it was granted patent number 155609. Molten lead was rolled out to thickness between two flexible steel belts, then cut into strips, trimmed, and planed smooth.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-10-06
maker
Goodale, John
ID Number
GA.24905
patent number
155609
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24905
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins whose two sides were opened or closed by wedges governed by a central double-threaded screw; the invention was granted patent number 139351.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-05-27
maker
Ames, Chauncey W.
Ames, Chauncey W.
ID Number
1996.0062.01
patent number
139351
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.01
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks which was granted patent number 218518. The quoins swiveled on the ends of wide screws that turned into the sides of the metal sidesticks. A guage in the center of each sidestick told the compositor how far the quoin could be extended.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-08-12
maker
Gosorn, George T.
ID Number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.09
patent number
218518
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pneumatic sheet-feed apparatus consisting of a suction bar and pins to separate and lift the sheets; the invention was granted patent number 160721.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pneumatic sheet-feed apparatus consisting of a suction bar and pins to separate and lift the sheets; the invention was granted patent number 160721.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-03-09
maker
Scholfield, Socrates
ID Number
GA.89797.160721
patent number
160721
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.160721
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' furniture which was granted patent number 141450.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' furniture which was granted patent number 141450. Furniture of a single length was used, and each piece was slotted horizontally from each end to near the middle, so that the side and end pieces could be fitted through each other.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-08-05
patentee
Montague, Harlan P.
ID Number
GA.89797.141450
accession number
089797
patent number
141450
catalog number
GA*89797.141450
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks composed of two parts that fitted together, tongue in groove, in such a way that the full length of the stick always pressed on the type, no matter how far the two parts were pulled out.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks composed of two parts that fitted together, tongue in groove, in such a way that the full length of the stick always pressed on the type, no matter how far the two parts were pulled out. The invention was granted patent number 115136.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-05-23
maker
Uhlhorn, John F.
ID Number
GA.89797.115136
patent number
115136
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.115136
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 143740. The patent is for a pneumatic feeder adaptable to sheets of different sizes, as well as sheets for printing on both sides.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 143740. The patent is for a pneumatic feeder adaptable to sheets of different sizes, as well as sheets for printing on both sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-10-21
maker
Ashley, John T.
Ashley, F.
ID Number
GA.89797.143740
accession number
089797
patent number
143740
catalog number
GA*89797.143740
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable feed gauges for platen presses, to take paper and cards of various sizes. The invention was granted patent number 162207. (James Turner was from Montreal, Canada.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable feed gauges for platen presses, to take paper and cards of various sizes. The invention was granted patent number 162207. (James Turner was from Montreal, Canada.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-04-20
maker
Turner, James
ID Number
GA.89797.162207
accession number
089797
patent number
162207
catalog number
GA*89797.162207
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed printing press; the invention was granted patent number 173295. The patent describes improvements to the movement of the bed, the sheet fly, and the inking table of cylinder presses.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed printing press; the invention was granted patent number 173295. The patent describes improvements to the movement of the bed, the sheet fly, and the inking table of cylinder presses.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1876
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-08
maker
Hoe, Richard March
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.173295
patent number
173295
catalog number
GA*89797.173295
accession number
89797
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a cylinder drum. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.09
catalog number
1997.0198.09
accession number
1997.0198
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a portable and adjustable copy holder on which the reader could tilt the manuscript backwards or spin it sideways, "with reference to light, etc., to suit himself." The invention was granted patent number 155202. Nutting (1803-1887) was one of the first generation of American lithographers, working at the profession as early as 1826. Later in his life he was also an art teacher, and published a series of art teaching manuals.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-09-22
patentee
Nutting, Benjamin F.
maker
Nutting, Benjamin F.
ID Number
GA.22843
accession number
249602
patent number
155202
catalog number
22843
GA*22843
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a quoin which was adjusted by means of a tapered screw; the invention was granted patent number 173493.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-15
maker
Polen, George B.
ID Number
1996.0062.14
patent number
173493
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.14
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a three-part quoin, the parts being held together by a key passing through a slot in the central wedge; the invention was granted patent number 148308. Roughened sides of the quoin prevented slippage on other furniture.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-03-10
maker
Lame, Samuel C.
Briggs, Ferdinand Sherwin
ID Number
1996.0062.11
patent number
148308
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.11
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a screw quoin, adjustable with any common wrench; the invention was granted patent number 167780.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-14
maker
O'Shea, Andrew Jackson
ID Number
1996.0062.13
patent number
167780
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.13
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for sidesticks made with two symmetrical series of inclined surfaces; the invention was granted patent number 133948. Matching quoins were adjusted by turning a double-threaded screw.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-12-17
maker
McGrath, Thomas
ID Number
1996.0062.12
patent number
133948
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.12
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-03-25
maker
Stuart, Robert J.
ID Number
1997.0198.08
catalog number
1997.0198.08
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
137156
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-12-30
patentee
Torsch, Edward L.
Lee, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.223192
patent number
223192
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223192
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a device that cancels checks and drafts by punching figures into the paper to match the value of the check; the invention was granted patent number 106665.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a device that cancels checks and drafts by punching figures into the paper to match the value of the check; the invention was granted patent number 106665.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-08-23
maker
Corne, William F.
ID Number
GA.22835
accession number
249602
patent number
106665
catalog number
GA*22835
accession number
249602
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an adjustable type chase that could be clamped onto the type, avoiding the use of quoins; the invention was granted patent number 108759.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an adjustable type chase that could be clamped onto the type, avoiding the use of quoins; the invention was granted patent number 108759.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-01
patentee
Clements, Thomas A.
ID Number
GA.89797.108759
accession number
089797
patent number
108759
catalog number
GA*89797.108759
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration. A flexible glue sheet, cast from the surface of a plate ruled with parallel lines, was inked and then pressed over an image to shade it. The invention was granted patent number 214493. The model consists of a very fragile pack of samples.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-22
maker
Day, Jr., Benjamin Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.214493
accession number
089797
patent number
214493
catalog number
GA*89797.214493
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote on it.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote 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.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
patentee
Setchell, George C.
maker
Carey, Augustus C.
Carey, George R.
ID Number
1996.0062.04
catalog number
1996.0062.04
patent number
215792
accession number
1996.0062
This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521. This invention produced crystallotype plates by means of electrotyping. The model consists of an electrotyped block.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-29
maker
Schedler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.209521
patent number
209521
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.209521
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833. The inventor called his process Multograph, or Stulograph. The model consists of a stencil frame and an envelope of papers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
maker
Nickerson, Samuel S.
ID Number
GA.89797.215833
accession number
089797
patent number
215833
catalog number
GA*89797.215833

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