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 sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 227599. The patent describes an improved sheet-collecting cylinder and pasting apparatus.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus which was granted patent number 227599. The patent describes an improved sheet-collecting cylinder and pasting apparatus.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-05-11
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.227599
accession number
089797
patent number
227599
catalog number
GA*89797.227599
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic scraper press which was granted patent number 228271. The patent describes a method of mounting a scraper to a swinging arm to produce more even pressure in "Photo-Mechanical Presses.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Parks, John A.
ID Number
GA.89797.228271
patent number
228271
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228271
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width. The machine was hand fed, but otherwise automatic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-04-06
maker
Webster, Cyrus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.226377
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.226377
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 an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-12-12
patentee
Sands, Weimer G.
ID Number
GA.89797.268941
patent number
268941
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.268941
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222. The model consists of three photogravure specimens.
John Wesley Hyatt (born 1837) started his working life as a printer. Early in his career, he took out a patent for a composition for artificial ivory billiard balls, which led him to the invention of celluloid in 1868. In 1869 Hyatt and his brother Isaac founded the Celluloid Manufacturing Company. He held some 250 patents, mostly concerned with the use of celluloid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-08-31
maker
Lefferts, Marshall C.
Hyatt, John W.
ID Number
GA.89797.348222
accession number
089797
patent number
348222
catalog number
GA*89797.348222
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides. The bars could be locked in any position in the chase by four matching toothed blocks that fitted at the crossing points.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
patentee
Kingsland, Jr., Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.228201
patent number
228201
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228201
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376. Model consists of two photogravure specimens.
The patent rights were assigned to the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York. Marshall Clifford Lefferts (born 1848) first worked with the American Telegraph Company. In 1870 he joined with the new Celluloid Manufacturing Company, of which he became president in 1890.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-07-27
patentee
Lefferts, Marshall C.
ID Number
GA.89797.346376
accession number
089797
patent number
346376
catalog number
GA*89797.346376
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Squintani, Carlo G.
ID Number
1996.0062.17
patent number
228410
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.17
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
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books with two needles and an intermediate looper. The invention was granted patent number 250990.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books with two needles and an intermediate looper. The invention was granted patent number 250990.
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-12-13
maker
Smyth, David McConnel
ID Number
GA.89797.250990
patent number
250990
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.250990
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books using a double-loop stitch. The invention was granted patent number 250991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for sewing books using a double-loop stitch. The invention was granted patent number 250991.
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-12-13
maker
Smyth, David McConnel
ID Number
GA.89797.250991
patent number
250991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.250991
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
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998. The patent describes a feeding attachment for flatbed cylinder machines that allowed sheets to be held obliquely, so that bands of color could be printed diagonally across the paper-a style popular at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-07-13
maker
Goss, Frederick L.
ID Number
GA.89797.229998
accession number
089797
patent number
229998
catalog number
GA*89797.229998
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base. The invention was said to be particularly appropriate for newspapers, which might otherwise depend on heavy stereotype plates shipped over long distances. The patent was assigned to the American Press Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
patent date
1885-03-10
maker
Cummings, George W.
Cummings, John R.
ID Number
GA.89797.313812
accession number
089797
patent number
313812
catalog number
GA*89797.313812
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink. The completed writing was pressed onto a plate coated with sensitized gelatine, which received the image in a form that could be printed like a lithograph. The invention was granted patent number 223873. The patent model consists of a coated plate with an image. Both coating and image have deteriorated badly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-27
maker
Bardwell, John Jex
ID Number
GA.89797.223873
accession number
089797
patent number
223873
catalog number
GA*89797.223873
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723. Both Patentees Lorenz and Johnson had a financial interest in the Burr typesetting machine (see Lorenz's earlier patents).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-07-19
maker
Lorenz, William A.
Johnson, Louis K.
ID Number
GA.89797.244723
patent number
244723
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.244723
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-10-03
maker
Tapley, Jesse F.
Kilbon, George B.
ID Number
GA.89797.265463
patent number
265463
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.265463
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879). The model is incomplete, only the folding metal signature holder and wooden carriage rack survive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-09-21
maker
Boynton, Edward S.
ID Number
GA.89797.232446
patent number
232446
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.232446
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model. Despite the dates of the patents, both applications were made on 10 July 1880. They were granted after unusually long delays.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884
ca 1888
patent date
1884-08-12
1888-07-17
maker
Swift, Henry D.
Swift, D. Wheeler
ID Number
GA.89797.303550
patent number
GA*303550
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.303550
386440
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for the automatic feeding of strip material to power presses, not necessarily printing presses. The patent was granted patent number 354480.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for the automatic feeding of strip material to power presses, not necessarily printing presses. The patent was granted patent number 354480.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-12-14
maker
Leist, William
ID Number
GA.89797.354480
accession number
089797
patent number
354480
catalog number
GA*89797.354480
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering machine, granted patent number 245220.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering machine, granted patent number 245220. The patent details a numbering machine in which blank spaces were filled by a character, such as a star or dash, to prevent the alteration of figures after printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-08-02
maker
Robinson, William
ID Number
GA.89797.245220
accession number
089797
patent number
245220
catalog number
GA*89797.245220

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