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.

Ira Wertman, a farmer in Andreas, Pennsylvania, raised fruits and vegetables and peddled them with this truck to retired coal miners near Allentown. He also used the truck to take produce to market and haul supplies from town to the farm.
Description
Ira Wertman, a farmer in Andreas, Pennsylvania, raised fruits and vegetables and peddled them with this truck to retired coal miners near Allentown. He also used the truck to take produce to market and haul supplies from town to the farm. Pickup trucks have been versatile aids to a wide range of agricultural, personal, and business activities. Early pickup trucks were modified automobiles, but postwar models were larger, more powerful, and able to carry heavier loads. Some postwar pickups were used in building suburban communities. Others were used for recreational purposes such as camping, hunting, and fishing. By the 1990s, many people purchased pickups for everyday driving.
date made
1949
maker
General Motors Corporation
ID Number
1999.0057.01
accession number
1999.0057
catalog number
1999.0057.01
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no. 6673.
This is a nicely made working model of a 2-cylinder vertical marine engine directly connected to a 2-throw propeller shaft, upon which is mounted a 4-blade propeller. The model is complete with boiler, feed-water pump, condenser, and condenser air pump. The peculiar feature of the invention is the manner of connecting the air pump to the engine and the method of quickly converting the engine from condensing to noncondensing operation.
The engine represented consists of a heavy bed plate shaped to fit the hull of a vessel, upon which are attached the bearing of the propeller shaft and the frame that supports the cylinders. The cylinders are double-acting are “reversed from the ordinary position of engines, the piston rod running down through the lower head and connecting by the usual connecting rod with the cranks on the shaft below.” “The valves of the engine take their motion from eccentrics on the main shaft coupled with a valve lever by proper eccentric rods. The lever is affixed to its axis by its center and is made double, so that the eccentric rod can be thrown to either end to reverse the motion or may be wholly detached.” The cur-off is worked directly from the cross head. The air pump is driven by a beam and connecting rod, which is driven by a crankpin upon a gear wheel that engages a pinion on the crankshaft. The ratio of the gears is such that the air pump performs only one stroke to two of the engine. The air pump communicates with the condenser into which the exhaust pipe opens. The escape pipe is also connected with the condenser, which, when open, allows the steam to escape without condensing.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1849
patent date
1849-08-28
inventor
Loper, R. F.
ID Number
ER.309198
accession number
89797
catalog number
309198
patent number
6,673
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene.
Description
In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments worked together at a fire scene. Fire patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, fire extinguishers, and buckets to squelch small fires, and would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a patrolman of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge bears the raised white metal badge number “62.” The Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1383
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1383
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for the patent issued to S. Lloyd Wiegand, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1867, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for the patent issued to S. Lloyd Wiegand, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 6, 1867, no. 67621.
This model is of a boiler having water tubes made up of large tubes closed at the ends with smaller tubes suspended within the large tubes to provide a circulation of steam and water upward in the smaller tubes and of the cooler water down ward in the annular spaces between the larger and smaller tubes. The inventor suggests the use of tubes of different metals to produce a galvanic action for the purpose of preventing deposits of scale within the tubes.
The boiler represented by the model consists of a series of vertical tubes suspended into the furnace from a horizontal header across the top of the boiler setting. The tubes closed at their lower ends, and within each tube is one of smaller diameter. The smaller tubes are suspended from a plate within the header. The headers connecting each row of tubes across the boiler are, in turn, connected by a longitudinal drum above them.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1867
patent date
1867-08-06
inventor
Wiegand, S. Lloyd
ID Number
MC.309209
catalog number
309209
accession number
89797
patent number
67,621
The model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Colwell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1879, no.
Description
The model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Colwell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1879, no. 219622.
The model represents a reciprocating engine of more or less conventional steam engine design in which the operating fluid is vaporized carbon disulphide supplied by a boiler or generator and condensed in an air-cooled condenser. The transfer of heat from the fire in the boiler to the carbon disulphide and from the exhaust vapor to the cooling air of the condenser is effected through water. Plumbago, or black lead, is used to protect the walls of the generator and the engine from the action of the carbon-disulphide vapor. Steam and hot water from the water jacket of the generator are led into passages surrounding the engine cylinder and connecting pipes to prevent the loss of heat form the vapor.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-09-16
inventor
Colwell, William S.
ID Number
MC.308766
catalog number
308766
accession number
89797
patent number
219,622
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This gold-colored cross-shaped fire badge was used by a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with all filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge has four crossed speaking trumpets, which often denoted the rank of the wearer, commonly an assistant chief.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1387
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1387
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This speaking trumpet was presented by the Philadelphia Engine Company No. 18 of Boston to Philadelphia’s Washington Engine Company in 1832. The trumpet is made of brass, with a tin mouthpiece and an upper half sheathed in leather. A purple cord with tassels is attached near the mouthpiece, though it is of a later date than the trumpet itself. The brass trumpet is missing its bell, but the shaft is engraved with the inscription “Presented by the Philadelphia Engine Co. No. 18 of Boston to the Washington Engine Co. of Philadelphia, 1832." The Philadelphia Engine Company was founded in 1825 on Beacon Street, near Boston Common. Soon after this trumpet was made, the company changed its name to Lafayette and eventually disbanded in 1851. The Washington Engine Company was founded in Philadelphia in 1796 and would remain active until the city changed over to a municipal fire department in 1872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0821
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0821
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This cross-shaped white metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Reserve Fire Force of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which was established in 1953 and was active until circa 1980. Members of the Reserve Fire Force were unpaid volunteers trained by regular members of the Fire Department to fight fires in times of emergency. The circular center of the badge bears the inscription “RESERVE FIRE FORCE / PHILA.” around the rim with the number “146” in the center, all filled in with black enamel. The size of the badge likely means it was worn on the cap, rather than the chest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1386
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1386
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Davidson Miller, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1877, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Davidson Miller, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1877, no. 196759.
The model represents a boiler, condenser, and an overshot wheel connected with suitable piping so that mercury placed in the boiler will be sublimated there and the fumes will rise to the condenser where they will be condensed. From the condenser the liquid mercury runs over the buckets of the wheel where the weight of the mercury is employed in turning the wheel. Suitable sheathing about the wheel collects the mercury and returns it to the boiler, which it enters by reason of its weight.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-11-06
inventor
Miller, Thomas D.
ID Number
MC.308696
catalog number
308696
accession number
89797
patent number
196,759
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph W. Fowle, of Boston, Massachusetts, August 14, 1877, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph W. Fowle, of Boston, Massachusetts, August 14, 1877, no. 194037.
The model represents a 1-cylinder, vertical marine engine connected to a propeller shaft and propeller in the ordinary manner, with a float or inertia device for closing the throttle valve of the engine each time the vessel in which the engine is installed pitches sufficiently to raise the propeller out of the water.
The gear consists of a heavy weight suspended in suitable guides and stops near the keel of the ship. This weight is not rigidly fixed relative to the ship but tends to float in position as the vessel rises and falls. The change in relative positions actuates a valve lever on an auxiliary steam cylinder and piston, which, in turn, moves the main throttle valve of the engine.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
patent date
1877-08-14
inventor
Fowle, Joseph W.
ID Number
MC.308698
catalog number
308698
accession number
89797
patent number
194,037
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This trumpet was presented to John M. Nesbitt of the Hibernia Fire Company by the Insurance Company of North America. The trumpet has decorative bands around the bell’s rim and the upper and lower portion of the trumpet. The bell also features a decorative band with a floral motif. The middle portion of the trumpet has an oval inset featuring high relief of a helmed Greek figure shown in profile view. There is a winged horse on the figure’s helmet and the oval inset is surrounded by decorative floral engravings. The other side of the trumpet has a diamond-shaped silver inlay with an inscription that reads “Presented by the Insurance Company of North America to John M. Nesbitt Esqr. of Hibernia Fire Company, Philadelphia.” A brown braided cord is attached to the trumpet by rings that are held by eagles’ beaks. John Maxwell Nesbitt was the first President of the board of directors for the Insurance Company of North America in 1792, as well as a member of the Hibernia Fire Company.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0826
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0826
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Jacob Frick, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1858, no. 22284. It is an improvement on the patent issued to Frick, March 18, 1856, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Jacob Frick, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1858, no. 22284. It is an improvement on the patent issued to Frick, March 18, 1856, no. 14449.
The model represents a combination of an air chamber, a safety valve, feed-water and blow-off cocks, a feed-water failure alarm, and a water jet just for extinguishing fires, all arranged in one instrument so that all can be secured to the boiler by one attachment only, thereby avoiding the necessity of piercing and “wounding” the boiler in several places.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1858
patent date
1858-12-14
inventor
Frick, Jacob
ID Number
ER.308661
accession number
89797
catalog number
308661
patent number
22,284
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations.
Description (Brief)
As more American volunteer fire fighting companies began to form during the late 18th century, a need emerged for better organized efforts in combating conflagrations. Engineers and officers would use “speaking trumpets” to amplify their voices over the noise and commotion of a fire scene to direct the company in effectively fighting the blaze. Two trumpet variants are reflected in the collection: plain and functional “working” trumpets that were actively used at fires, and highly decorated “presentation” trumpets. Presentation trumpets were awarded to firefighters in honor of their service, or between fire companies during visits, competitions, and musters.
This metal speaking trumpet was in use in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1838. The trumpet has two rounded bands on the upper and lower portion of the shaft. Two rings protrude from the rounded bands that would have been strung with a cord to create a handle or strap. There is an inscription in the center of the trumpet that reads “United States Hose Co. / 14 / Chief Director.” The United States Hose Company Number 14 was located on 423 Buttonwood Street in Philadelphia. The company was organized in 1826 and operated until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0897
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0897
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a superintendent of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. In the early days of firefighting, insurance companies and fire departments often worked hand-in-hand. Fire Patrols were organized by insurance companies to patrol a neighborhood and report any fires that occurred, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and work with the fire department to prevent loss of life and property. Patrol wagons were equipped with rubber blankets to protect property from water damage, and fire extinguishers and buckets to squelch small fires. The patrols would pump water from cellars and mop it up from roofs after the fire had been extinguished. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and a plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PHILADA / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge has a banner engraved “SUPERINTENDENT” filled in with black enamel. The Philadelphia Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The original commander’s rank of Captain was changed to Superintendent circa 1915.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1382
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1382
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Haworth, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1878, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Haworth, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 30, 1878, no. 203035.
The model represents a water motor having a vertical cylindrical water chute, within the lower end of which a small parallel-flow reaction turbine wheel is located. The wheel is carried on a shaft end to carry a worm gear from which the power of the motor is supplied. The motor is designed to operate a sewing machine, and the drive shaft carries a 2-bladed propeller fan for fanning the machine operator.
Motors of this type operating from the faucet pressure of city water systems were in use through the early 20th century. Their use was discontinued with the development of the small electric motor, cheap electric current, and the practice of installing individual meters in municipal water systems.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-04-30
maker
Haworth, John
ID Number
MC.309203
catalog number
309203
accession number
89797
patent number
203,035
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company. The inspector would be responsible for examining buildings and making sure they met the insurance company’s standards, as well as inspecting the damage post-fire.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to an inspector of a Pennsylvania-based fire insurance company. The inspector would be responsible for examining buildings and making sure they met the insurance company’s standards, as well as inspecting the damage post-fire. The rim of the badge is inscribed “FIRE/INSURANCE INSPECTOR” filled in with black enamel. The center of the circular badge bears the Pennsylvania state coat-of-arms, with a shield depicting ship under sail above, a plow in the middle, and three sheaves of grain below, crested at the top by an eagle, and supported by two horses. A banner below bears the state motto “LIBERTY/INDEPENDENCE/VIRTUE.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1385
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1385
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to W. F.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to W. F. Eyster, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, November 4, 1879.
The model represents a vertical cylindrical water tube having a vertical slot in one side through which the rim of a vertical water wheel extends into the tube. The water wheel is supported and enclosed in a flat circular chamber, which bolts to the side of the water tube. A nozzle within the tube at the top directs the water downward against the buckets of the wheel at about the height of the center of the wheel. A plug cock at the top of the tube controls the flow of water, and a funnel-shaped flange below the cock drains any leakage into the water tube. One feature of the motor is that the part of the water tube that carries the water wheel is free to revolve about its vertical axis, so that the bulky part of the motor can be put in the position most convenient to the machine operator.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-11-04
inventor
Eyster, Wilbur F.
ID Number
MC.309204
catalog number
309204
accession number
89797
patent number
221,225
This fall evening event held by the young lady workers of Amoskeag Mill number 3 may have marked the need to use artificial light in the mills during the winter as the days got shorter.
Description
This fall evening event held by the young lady workers of Amoskeag Mill number 3 may have marked the need to use artificial light in the mills during the winter as the days got shorter. The artificial lighting elongated the workday, increasing owner profitability, but open flames created more dangerous conditions for workers.
date made
1848
ID Number
1995.0001.02
accession number
1995.0001
catalog number
1995.0001.02
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information.
Description (Brief)
The frontpiece (also known as shield or badge) of firefighting helmets has been a distinctive part of the American firefighter’s helmet since it was developed by Henry Gratacap in the early 19th century. These frontpieces displayed a variety of information. The fire company's name and number appeared, often alongside the city or town where it was based. The frontpiece could also include the owner's initials and rank. Most fire helmets had leather frontpieces, but frontpieces could also be made of metal, especially on presentation helmets or those worn in parades.
This metal frontpiece was made by the Jahn and Oliver Engraving Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1895. The front piece is made entirely of metal, with the overlapping monogram “VFA” in brass in the center. The initials “VFA” stands for the Veteran Firemen’s Association of Philadelphia, that was formed in 1887 after the volunteer firemen ceased active service in an effort to continue the foster camaraderie among veteran firefighters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1895
maker
Jahn and Oliver Engraving Company
ID Number
2005.0233.1483
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1483
This injector was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis Schutte, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1892, no.
Description
This injector was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis Schutte, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1892, no. 468698.
This is a double-tube injector in which water is delivered by one set of tubes, or nozzles, generally known as the lifting tubes into another set generally known as forcing tubes through which the water is forced into the boiler. The peculiar feature of this injector is a means of increasing or reducing the area of the opening of the steam nozzle of the lifting tubes, by which the quantity of water discharged by the injector is controlled without in any way interfering with the operating mechanism for starting and stopping the injector.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1892
patent date
1892-02-09
inventor
Schutte, Louis
ID Number
MC.309010
catalog number
309010
accession number
89797
patent number
468,698
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes.
Description
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
This circular metal fire badge was used by a member of the reorganized Philadelphia Fire Department between 1868 and 1871. A number of municipalities in the county of Philadelphia were consolidated into the City of Philadelphia in the mid-1900s and, in response, the city reorganized its fire department from 1855. The Philadelphia Fire Department was under control of the Committee on Trusts, the Select Council and representatives from the fire service. The Fire Department was still made up of volunteers, with only the Chief Engineer and Assistant Engineers paid by the city.
In 1868, an ordinance was passed to establish this badge for firefighters to wear when not in the uniform of their company. This badge, #95, was issued to James McGough of the Perseverance Hose Company No. 5 on June 1868. The badge has a stippled background and a rim representing a hose. The badge reads “PHILADa’ FIRE/DEPARTMENT” in raised lettering with the silver-colored half inch number “95” in the center.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1868
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1268
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1268
This elaborate metal fire badge belonged to L.J. Rathman of the Liberty Fire Company No. 5 in Reading, Pennsylvania. A shield hangs from two chains from a small nameplate that reads “L.J. RATHMAN.” The number “5” is attached to a nameplate from a ring.
Description
This elaborate metal fire badge belonged to L.J. Rathman of the Liberty Fire Company No. 5 in Reading, Pennsylvania. A shield hangs from two chains from a small nameplate that reads “L.J. RATHMAN.” The number “5” is attached to a nameplate from a ring. The shield has a circular monogram containing the overlapping letters “LFCo.” An upper banner on the shield reads “ORGANIZED 1854” and a lower banner reads “READING, PA.” The Liberty Fire Company No. 5 was established in 1854 in a fire house located on the corner of South Fifth and Laurel Street in Reading. Reading resident L.J. Rathman was the chairman of the Reading branch of the American Electro platers’ Society in 1920, dating the badge to that era.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1309
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1309
This is a copper oil-wick cap lamp made by J&A McDougall of Pittston, Pennsylvania likely in the latter half of the 20th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s.
Description (Brief)
This is a copper oil-wick cap lamp made by J&A McDougall of Pittston, Pennsylvania likely in the latter half of the 20th century. The oil-wick cap lamp was first invented in Scotland in 1850 and in use until the 1920’s. The font contained a mix of fat and oil for fuel, and a wick was inserted into the spout. The resulting flame was much brighter and more efficient than the candles it replaced. The hook enabled the lamp to be worn on a cap, or hooked onto any other suitable location.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
ID Number
AG.059073
catalog number
059073
accession number
014851
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John A. Roebling, of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1842, no. 2728.The model represents a section of a steam-boiler flue and head to which is attached the safety gauge.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John A. Roebling, of Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, July 16, 1842, no. 2728.
The model represents a section of a steam-boiler flue and head to which is attached the safety gauge. The gauge consists of a box fastened to the top of the flue and containing a fusible metal upon which rests a weight connected through a lever to a valve in the boiler head. Should the level of water within the boiler fall below the top of the flue, the fusible metal would melt and allow the weight to fall and open the valve, attracting the attention of the engineer. A rod is provided by which the lever and weight are raised by the engineer before admitting more water, so that the fused metal will solidify below the weight and the gauge will be in a position to function again.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1842
patent date
1842-07-16
inventor
Roebling, John A.
ID Number
ER.308651
accession number
89797
catalog number
308651
patent number
2,728

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