Work

Gilbreth Stopwatch

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.

Date: 1880s

Rexford Fire Grate, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no. 283144.
The model represents a furnace grate made up of long grate bars, which are pivoted midway of their depth and have projecting from the upper part of one side of each bar a series of teeth or ribs. When in their normal positions the bars stand obliquely and the smooth solid back of one bar and the ribbed face of the next form the two sides of a trough across the grate. The solid portion is designed to support very fine coal, while the ribbed portion permits the passage of air for combustion.
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
1883
patent date
1883-08-14
inventor
Rexford, Philander
ID Number
MC.309218
catalog number
309218
accession number
89797
patent number
283,144

Helmet Frontpiece, "Snow Drift"

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 black leather frontpiece was made around 1885. The frontpiece has "SNOW DRIFT" in white letters in a banner with a red background at top. A recessed white star is below the top banner. A white "2" with a crossed hook and ladder behind it is at the center. A cut out banner with the black initials "CWW" on a white background is at the bottom of the frontpiece. The initials "CWW" are likely the owner’s initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1424
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1424

Presentation Trumpet, "John Weber"

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 plated speaking trumpet was presented to John Weber in 1886. The unadorned trumpet is in three sections, with an oval inscription plate that reads “John Weber/ AZT. Foreman/ 1886.” There are two rings attached to the trumpet that would allow a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0839
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0839

Hay Gravity-Feed Oiler, Patent Model

This oiler was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Peter D. Hay (assignor to the Michigan Lubricator Co.), of Detroit, Michigan, June 9, 1888, no.
Description
This oiler was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Peter D. Hay (assignor to the Michigan Lubricator Co.), of Detroit, Michigan, June 9, 1888, no. 384762.
The model represents a sight-feed oiler in which the oil is contained in a cylindrical glass reservoir and flows by gravity through a needle valve to the bearing into which the oiler is screwed. The needle of the needle valve when closed is held against its seat by a light spring. It is opened by lifting the needle and giving it a short turn so that a pin on the shaft rises out of a slot and rests on the top edge of a brass thumb nut screwed into the central pot of the oiler. This nut may be run up or down on its threads and so determine the amount by which the needle will be raised and held from its seat and so control the rate at which oil is fed from the reservoir. The nut carries a spring-held pin that rests in shallow recesses in the top of the oiler and holds the nut in the position in which it is set and will not permit the nut to be jarred around by the vibration of the machine to which it is attached.
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
1888
patent date
1888-06-19
inventor
Hay, Peter D.
ID Number
MC.309248
catalog number
309248
accession number
89797
patent number
384,762

Patent Model of a Copper Plate Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a copper plate press which was granted patent number 245970.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a copper plate press which was granted patent number 245970. The patent describes a flatbed cylinder power press intended for printing bank notes and other high-quality work, with improved wiping apparatus that did not use the customary whiting powder as a polisher. The specification includes a brief discussion of the recent development of plate printing machines, beginning with Neale's first British patent of 1853.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-08-23
maker
Neale, Robert
ID Number
GA.89797.245970
accession number
089797
patent number
245970
catalog number
A*89797.245970

Helmet Frontpiece, "Wannalanget Malden"

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 leather frontpiece was made by William H. Wilson Manufacturing Company located at 135 Bowery Street, New York, New York around 1885. The black leather shields has golden leather lettering on a dark red background that reads “WANNALANGET/1/MALDEN/CEM.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
Wilson, William H.
ID Number
2005.0233.1441
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1441

Corliss Steam-Engine Governor, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Corliss, August 8, 1882, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Corliss, August 8, 1882, no. 262209.
The model represents a flyball governor in which the motion of the slide, owing to a change in the speed of the engine to which the governor is attached, not only changes the position of the cut-off or throttle devices to regulate the speed of the engine but also changes the gear ratio between the engine and the governor to change the speed of the governor relative to the speed of the engine.
When the governor speed is increased by an increase in the speed of the engine, the balls rise and communicate motion to a slide, which, in turn, affects the throttle or cut-off to return the engine to its lower speed. At the same time the motion of the slide shifts a friction roller on its driving disk so that the governor speed is increased relative to the engine causing an additional motion of the slide in the same direction. As a result, the governor slide is given a greater motion for a given change in speed than would otherwise result.
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
1882
patent date
1882-08-08
inventor
Corliss, George H.
ID Number
MC.308715
catalog number
308715
accession number
89797
patent number
262,209

Presentation Trumpet, "Norristown Hose Company"

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 brass speaking trumpet was presented to the Norristown Hose Company by James Ernest of the Hope Engine Company. The trumpet has two rounded bands along its shaft. Decorative eagle’s heads hold rings in their beaks through which a braided brown cord is strung. A small shield shaped plaque in the center of the trumpet bears an inscription that reads “Pat Lyon / 1776 / Presented to the Norristown / Hose Co. No. 1 / By James Ernest / June 21 1880 / Hope Engine Co. No. 2 / Williamsport, Pa." The Norristown Hose Company was founded in 1848 and continues to operate in Norristown, Pennsylvania with both career and volunteer firefighters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0872
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0872

Wotapek Injector, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph Wotapek, of New York, New York, May 6, 1884, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph Wotapek, of New York, New York, May 6, 1884, no. 298329; assigned to the Nation Manufacturing Co.
The improvement involved in this injector is the use of a nozzle holder by which the scale-incrusted nozzle or tube of the injector may be easily removed to permit cleaning. The holder is threaded into the shell of the injector from which it and the tube are drawn by unscrewing the bolder. The holder turns independently of the tube so that the tube itself is not subjected to torsion when being withdrawn from the shell.
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
1884
patent date
1884-05-06
inventor
Wotapek, Joseph
ID Number
MC.309181
catalog number
309181
patent number
298,329
accession number
89797

Warren Spring Motor, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Warren, of Detroit, Michigan, April 20, 1880, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Warren, of Detroit, Michigan, April 20, 1880, no. 226813.
The motor represented is of the class intended to operate light machinery such as a phonograph but differs from most of the class in that it employs a spiral spring instead of the usual coil spring. It converts the rectilinear motion of the spring into rotary motion and equalizes the varying tension of the spring.
The free end of the spring carries a nut that engages in a spiral-grooved motor shaft, which revolves at the axis of the spring. A hand crank, worm, and worm wheel are used to compress the spring by turning the shaft in the reverse direction. The power is taken from a bevel gear on the shaft. A ball nut, which employs a ball to follow in the groove of the shaft, is used because an ordinary nut would not work in the groove of varying pitch. The varying pitch is used to compensate for the varying tension of the spring.
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
1880
patent date
1880-04-20
inventor
Warren, John
ID Number
MC.308835
catalog number
308835
accession number
89797
patent number
226,813

Brooks Water Wheel, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Edgar B. Brooks, of La Porte, Indiana, February 10, 1880; no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Edgar B. Brooks, of La Porte, Indiana, February 10, 1880; no. 224270.
This is a nicely made brass model of an inward-flow reaction turbine having the register type of adjustable feed chutes or guide vanes and a cylinder water gate. The combination relieves the guide vanes of the function of cutting off the water when the wheel is to be stopped and makes it unnecessary that the guide vanes close perfectly, so that any looseness developed in them by wear is immaterial.
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
1880
patent date
1880-02-10
inventor
Brooks, Edgar B.
ID Number
MC.309689
catalog number
309689
accession number
89797
patent number
224,270

Presentation Trumpet, "Fire Dept. Guard of Paterson, NJ"

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 silver plated trumpet was presented to the Passaic Steam Fire Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by Archie Graham in 1881. The trophy in engraved with a general floral motif. The upper section features an engraving of a fire helmet with several spears behind it, surrounded by a floral garland. The bell has an engraved image of a steam-powered fire engine and a hook and ladder truck. The center section has an inscription framed in an oval cartouche that reads “Presented by/ Archie Graham/ Competed for by/ Fire Dept. Guard/ of Paterson, N.J./ Won by/ Passaic S.F.E. Co. No. 1/ Nov. 24th 1881/ TEAM/ Henry Schoonmaker/ Michael Carney/ Robert Downie/ Thomas McLean.” The Passaic Fire Engine Company was founded on July 4th, 1815 and was named after the river than runs through Paterson.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0851
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0851

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 255704.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 255704. The patent describes improvements to the inking and frisket arrangements on a platen press on which the bed is a flattened surface at the front of an ink distributing cylinder. Patentees Henry Trueman and John New were from Birmingham, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-03-28
maker
Trueman, Henry P.
New, John George
ID Number
GA.89797.255704
catalog number
GA*89797.255704
patent number
255704

Patent model for stereotype plate holder

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a block with clamps to hold stereotype plates in position for printing. The invention was granted patent number 252694.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a block with clamps to hold stereotype plates in position for printing. The invention was granted patent number 252694.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-01-24
maker
Overend, Andrew
ID Number
GA.89797.252694
accession number
089797
patent number
252694
catalog number
GA*89797.252694

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins consisting of two wedge-shaped pieces, one with a rack of teeth, which was adjusted by turning a pinion key against the teeth. The invention was granted patent number 232551.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins consisting of two wedge-shaped pieces, one with a rack of teeth, which was adjusted by turning a pinion key against the teeth. The invention was granted patent number 232551.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-09-21
maker
Scott, George
ID Number
GA.89797.232551
patent number
232551
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.232551

Crosby Steam Engine Indicator

Crosby Steam Gauge & Valve Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 330.
Description
Crosby Steam Gauge & Valve Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 330. It consists of a brass piston with one groove, a vented brass cylinder, an internal, double wound spring which can be changed, and a small drum with a spiral spring and single record. The stylus is missing. Accompanying the indicator is a box with two springs, two turn cocks, a scale, and small tools.
This indicator was made for W. J. Hammer, Chief Inspector of Edison Light Co. There is a nickel-plated name plate on the front marked: “Property of W. J. Hammer, 65 Fifth Ave, New York.”
An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.
A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.
When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.
The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
Crosby Steam Gage & Valve Company
ID Number
MC.320555
catalog number
320555
accession number
241402

Patent Model of an Intaglio Plate Printing and Embossing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio plate printing and embossing press which was granted patent number 272878. The patent describes a machine with automatic inking and wiping, and the means to print in stripes of multiple colors.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio plate printing and embossing press which was granted patent number 272878. The patent describes a machine with automatic inking and wiping, and the means to print in stripes of multiple colors. The patent was the latest in a series on plate printing machines taken out by Hewitt and was submitted after his death by Minnie Hewitt, administratrix of his estate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1883
patent date
1883-02-27
patentee
Hewitt, Edward R.
ID Number
GA.89797.272878
accession number
089797
patent number
272878
catalog number
GA*89797.272878

Patent model for leather bound case

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-15
maker
Sherriff, John
ID Number
1997.0198.18
catalog number
1997.0198.18
accession number
1997.0198

Presentation Trumpet, "John J. Rowe"

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 silver plated trumpet was presented to John J. Rowe by the Ossining Hose Company of New York in 1886. The trumpet’s bell has engraved images of a hook and ladder truck, a steam engine, a pair of crossed ladders with fire helmet, and a hose reel vehicle all framed inside an oval cartouche. The trumpet’s center section is decorated with a floral motif overall, with an inscription inside a floral garland frame that reads “Presented to/ John J. Rowe/ by/ Ossining Hose Co/ 1886.” The upper section of the trumpet has an engraving of a crossed ladder and bucket. There are two small fire helmets with rings on the trumpet’s shaft, allowing for a cord to be attached to the trumpet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0845
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0845

Fire Badge "North Tarrytown Fire Department"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the North Tarrytown (New York) Fire Department. North Tarrytown was renamed Sleepy Hollow in 1996. The badge bears the inscription “NORTH TARRYTOWN/FIRE DEPT.” that filled with black enamel.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the North Tarrytown (New York) Fire Department. North Tarrytown was renamed Sleepy Hollow in 1996. The badge bears the inscription “NORTH TARRYTOWN/FIRE DEPT.” that filled with black enamel. An engraved hook and ladder are crossed in the center of the badge, above a raised number “1.” The badge number “32” is at the bottom of the badge. The owner was likely a member of the Hook & Ladder Company No. 1 of the North Tarrytown Fire Department.
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
1880
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1315
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1315

Otto and Bell Balanced Slide Valve, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry Otto and Patrick F. Bell, of Bloomington, Illinois, December 18, 1883, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry Otto and Patrick F. Bell, of Bloomington, Illinois, December 18, 1883, no. 290650.
The model represents a D-slide valve of ordinary shape, with most of the back cut away and formed in the shape of a short hollow cylinder. This cylinder is filled with a closed piston suspended on rollers on a flat bar, which, in turn, is suspended from the top of the valve chest. The bar passes through a tunnel in the piston and is of sufficient length to accommodate the valve travel. The effect of this construction is that the steam pressure ordinarily exerted on the back of a flat valve is in this case exerted on a piston that is not a part of the valve but is suspended independently.
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
1883
patent date
1883-12-18
inventor
Otto, Henry
Bell, Patrick F.
ID Number
MC.308719
catalog number
308719
accession number
89797
patent number
290,650

Fire Helmet, "Cheif Engineer C.F.D."

The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T.
Description
The traditional American leather firefighter’s helmet with its distinctive long rear brim, frontpiece, and crest adornment was first developed around 1821-1836 in New York City. Henry T. Gratacap, a New York City luggage maker by trade, is often credited as the developer of this style of fire helmet. Gratacap created a specially treated leather helmet with a segmented “comb” design that led to unparalleled durability and strength. The elongated rear brim (also known as a duckbill or beavertail) and frontpiece were 19th century innovations that remain the most identifiable feature of firefighter’s helmets. The body of the helmet was primarily designed to deflect falling debris, the rear brim prevented water from running down firefighters’ backs, and their sturdy crowns could aid, if necessary, in breaking windows.
This leather helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the late 19th century. The helmet is painted white overall, with 16 combs, the four main combs are painted gold. An ivy-vine scrollwork pattern is stamped around the brim of the helmet, and the edge of the helmet is painted gold. The rear brim has a design of crossed hooks and ladders surrounded by a hose and trumpets, with an inset metal frontpiece that bears the inscription “J. McNally by Senate H & L Co. 1, Sing Sing, July 1886.” A metal eagle’s head mounted to the crown of the helmet serves as a frontpiece holder. The crudely-rendered frontpiece reads “CHEIF (sic) ENGINEER/C.F.D.” with a painting of a goose neck, piano-style hand-pump engine in the center. The frontpiece may not be original to the helmet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0228
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0228

Patent Model of a Book Holder

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stand to hold large books such as dictionaries, open or closed; the invention was granted patent number 239055.LaVerne Noyes (1849-1919) started his career in the manufacture of agricultural machinery.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stand to hold large books such as dictionaries, open or closed; the invention was granted patent number 239055.
LaVerne Noyes (1849-1919) started his career in the manufacture of agricultural machinery. After taking out this patent, he made a successful market of wire book holders for some years. Later he became interested in windmills and their potential for generating electricity, and set up the Aermotor Company for the production of steel windmills. Electricity generated by a rooftop windmill lit the New York office of Aermotor in 1895.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-03-22
maker
Noyes, La Verne W.
ID Number
GA.22840
patent number
239055
accession number
249602
catalog number
22840
GA*22840

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the platen jobbing press, adapting it to ticket printing. The press had a roll feeder, numbering wheels, and slitting and cutting knives. The invention was granted number 227520.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the platen jobbing press, adapting it to ticket printing. The press had a roll feeder, numbering wheels, and slitting and cutting knives. The invention was granted number 227520.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-05-11
maker
Griffiths, Harry S.
ID Number
GA.89797.227520
accession number
089797
patent number
227520
catalog number
GA*89797.227520

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