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.

Thomas and Bushnell manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 482, based on a design by Joseph Bachelder, who received patent number 360644 on April 5, 1887. It consists of a brass piston, a brass cylinder, and a large drum with a coil spring and a single record.
Description
Thomas and Bushnell manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 482, based on a design by Joseph Bachelder, who received patent number 360644 on April 5, 1887. It consists of a brass piston, a brass cylinder, and a large drum with a coil spring and a single record. The cantilever spring is enclosed in the tube; an adjustable fulcrum renders one spring usable over a range of values. Two springs are included: one low pressure 10-25 (20-50 pounds) and one high pressure 30-90 (60-175 pounds).
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
1887
ID Number
MC.316789
catalog number
316789
accession number
228496
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the smooth movement of multicolor presses. The invention was granted patent number 228517.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the smooth movement of multicolor presses. The invention was granted patent number 228517.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-08
maker
Crump, Samuel
ID Number
GA.89797.228517
accession number
089797
patent number
228517
catalog number
GA*89797.228517
The Mississippi River sidewheel steamboat J.M. White was built at Jeffersonville, Ind., in 1878 for the Greenville and New Orleans Packet Company. Measuring 321’ long and 91’ in beam across the paddlebox guards, the White only sat 10’-6” deep in the water when fully laden.
Description
The Mississippi River sidewheel steamboat J.M. White was built at Jeffersonville, Ind., in 1878 for the Greenville and New Orleans Packet Company. Measuring 321’ long and 91’ in beam across the paddlebox guards, the White only sat 10’-6” deep in the water when fully laden. The steamboat was designed for Mississippi River packet service between New Orleans, La., and Greenville, Miss.
The White was one of the largest, most expensive, luxurious, and most powerful river steamers ever built, with 2,800 horsepower and a capacity of 250 first-class passengers and 10,000 bales of cotton. Named after famous riverboat captain J. M. White (1823–1880), the “supreme triumph in cotton boat architecture” was a masterpiece of the gaudy, glamorous style known as “steamboat Gothic.” It had multiple bridal chambers; stained glass skylights and windows; rare wood veneers and gilded finishes; seven gilded “Egyptian-style” chandeliers; a sterling silver Tiffany water cooler in the 250’-long main cabin; monogrammed flatware and china; and a full concert grand piano.
The White spent most of its eight-year career in service on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Vicksburg, Miss. Despite its economy of size, the White’s high initial $220,000 cost, a spotty economy, and the rapidly expanding railroad network made the steamboat unprofitable. It caught fire, blew up, and burned to the waterline at a Louisiana landing in December 1886, killing several aboard.
Date made
1974
built
1878
used date
late 19th century
ID Number
TR.334847
catalog number
334847
accession number
315419
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 cover 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 was extinguished.
This metal shield-shaped fire badge belonged to the president of the Fire Insurance Patrol of the City of Philadelphia. The badge is decorated with a small torch at the top and an unmarked plaque with floral decorations at the bottom. Upper and lower banners read “PRESIDENT / FIRE INSURANCE / PATROL” in raised letters. The center of the badge bears an image of a group of firemen in a horse-drawn cart on a patrol. The Fire Insurance Patrol operated from 1869 until 1962. The President was always held by an insurance company executive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1391
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1391
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the art of decorating wood and other opaque bodies; for coating the surface, for decorating with bright metal foil, or polished metal, then painting and lacquering over that metallic base to produce brilliancy in the design.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the art of decorating wood and other opaque bodies; for coating the surface, for decorating with bright metal foil, or polished metal, then painting and lacquering over that metallic base to produce brilliancy in the design. The invention was granted patent number 333127.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
patent date
1885-12-29
patentee
Hyland, William
ID Number
GA.89797.333127
accession number
089797
patent number
333127
catalog number
GA*89797.333127
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 soldered presentation trumpet was created by the Gorham Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island around 1881. The trumpet was presented to the Active Hose Company of Auburn, New York on December 28, 1881. The trumpet features two engravings on the bell. The first is an image of a fire plug with a looping hose protruding. The fire plug is flanked by two axes and 8 fire hooks. The other side is an engraved inscription that reads “AWARDED/ Active Hose Seven/ Competed for by the Auburn/ Fire Dept. at St. Mary's fair, Dec. 28/ 1881.” Fire companies would compete against each other in a variety of activities at public venues such as fairs and musters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
maker
Gorham Manufacturing Company
ID Number
2005.0233.0833
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0833
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 232446 in 1880. This was an improvement on Boynton's earlier patent, number 203530 in 1878, and allowed for easier adjustment for books of different sizes.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 232446 in 1880. This was an improvement on Boynton's earlier patent, number 203530 in 1878, and allowed for easier adjustment for books of different sizes. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-09-21
maker
Boynton, Edward S.
ID Number
GA.24910
patent number
232447
catalog number
GA*24910
accession number
1978.1070
patent number
232,447
catalog number
24910
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 Northern Liberty leather frontpiece was manufactured between 1860 and 1880. The frontpiece originally had white lettering that read “NORTHERN LIBERTY / HOSE” but many of the letters are now missing. The center of the shield is a faded painted image of Lady Liberty leaning against the shield of the United States, with a pole in her left hand with a liberty cap on top. The Northern Liberty Hose Company was founded in 1828 in the Northern Liberty neighborhood of Philadelphia. Its name was changed in 1859 to “Northern Liberty Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company No.4” when it acquired a steam fire engine. The company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The same image of Lady Liberty can be seen an earlier Northern Liberty parade hat seen in object number 2005.0233.0073.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860-1880
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1442
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1442
In the days of open range, cattle grazed freely over unfenced fields. Fencing especially disturbed western cattlemen who depended upon the open range, including private holdings, for grazing.
Description
In the days of open range, cattle grazed freely over unfenced fields. Fencing especially disturbed western cattlemen who depended upon the open range, including private holdings, for grazing. Farmers fenced animals out of their crops, but as farm size increased and agriculture spread across the west, farmers needed a cheap substitute for scarce wood and stone. In 1874 Illinois farmers Joseph Farwell Glidden, Jacob Haish, and Isaac Ellwood almost simultaneously developed methods of attaching barbs to wire, a type of fencing that effectively kept cattle out of cropland. Despite patent fights and fierce competition, the barbed wire industry was launched and over time reconfigured rural geography. Both film and fiction depicted the often violent disagreement over fencing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
maker
Goss, Joseph
ID Number
AG.66A1.045
catalog number
66A1.045
accession number
264475
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a D-cylinder press with improved movement which was granted patent number 224132.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a D-cylinder press with improved movement which was granted patent number 224132.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-02-03
maker
Bogart, Albert H.
ID Number
GA.89797.224132
patent number
224132
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*879797.224132
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 256891. This patent was applied to Golding's Official press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 256891. This patent was applied to Golding's Official press. It included several mechanisms for a platen press, notably for conveying movement to the platen, the ink disk, and the distributor, and for adjusting the platen.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-04-25
maker
Golding, William H.
ID Number
GA.89797.256891
patent number
256891
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.256891
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by John B. Deeds and William Mack of Terre Haute, Indiana that received patent number 281,846 on July 24, 1883.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by John B. Deeds and William Mack of Terre Haute, Indiana that received patent number 281,846 on July 24, 1883. Deeds and Mack developed a lamp with an “oil tight lid.” The invention is described as “having its top or opening made slightly flaring, in combination with the hinged lid and the supplemental lid or disk with a packing of cork between them, and having holes therein opposite to each other, which communicate with a corresponding opening in the cork for the purpose of ventilation.”
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1883-07-04
patentee
Deeds, John B.
Mack, William
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9748
catalog number
MHI-MN-9748
accession number
88881
patent number
281846
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to James Jenks and Thomas J.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to James Jenks and Thomas J. Hart, Detroit, Michigan.
The principal feature of this injector is the method provided for varying the area of the water passage that surrounds the steam-forcing jet. A conical nut screwed onto threads on the outside of the steam tube forms one wall of the water space. The position of the nut on the tube and the area of the water space are changed by turning the nut. The nut is turned by a handwheel, worm, and worm wheel.
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
1886
patent date
1886-05-25
inventor
Jenks, James
Hart, Thomas J.
ID Number
MC.309182
catalog number
309182
accession number
89797
patent number
342,604
This is a pressure lubricator designed to force lubricating oil into the steam being supplied to a steam engine for the lubrication of the piston and valves. It forces the oil into the steam main against the pressure of the steam.
Description
This is a pressure lubricator designed to force lubricating oil into the steam being supplied to a steam engine for the lubrication of the piston and valves. It forces the oil into the steam main against the pressure of the steam. It consists of a large glass reservoir into which is built a small simple hand pump. By working the handle of the pump the oil is drawn into the pump cylinder and discharged through the screw fitting at the bottom of the lubricator into the steam main or valve chest to which the lubricator is attached. The efficiency of lubricators of this kind depends entirely upon the judgment of the engineer or oiler. They are generally wasteful of oil.
The lubricator is marked “Buckeye Engine Company.”
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
ca 1885
ID Number
MC.311185
catalog number
311185
accession number
89797
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Friske, of Stamford, Connecticut, August 24, 1880, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Friske, of Stamford, Connecticut, August 24, 1880, no. 231551.
The model represents a vertical steam engine with an oscillating cylinder, circular slide valve, and hollow cylinder trunnions for the admission and exhaust of steam. Steam is admitted to the center of the annular valve through the adjacent trunnion. The exhaust is conveyed from the valve seat around the cylinder in a hollow band cast on the cylinder for that purpose and leaves the engine through the opposite trunnion. The valve is driven by an eccentric on the shaft. The valve rod is provided with a cross head moving in a guide on the cylinder and oscillating with it. The eccentric rod carries a pin that slides in a curved slot in the cross head and produces an even motion of the valve thereby.
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
1880-08-24
inventor
Fiske, William S.
ID Number
MC.308712
catalog number
308712
accession number
89797
patent number
231,551
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutter with a stationary blade. A table and paper clamp rose obliquely against the blade. The invention was granted patent number 227803.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutter with a stationary blade. A table and paper clamp rose obliquely against the blade. The invention was granted patent number 227803.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-05-18
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.227803
patent number
227803
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223803
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
ID Number
TR.181143
accession number
25856
catalog number
181143
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 around 1880-1885. The brown frontpiece has a red banner at the top with raised white leather letters that originally read “FRIENDSHIP” but several of the letters are missing. Below the banner is a recessed white star and the recessed white Roman numerals “XII.” An empty cartouche with green background may have originally contained initials.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880-1885
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1461
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1461
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 white metal speaking trumpet was presented to the William Penn Hook and Ladder Company of Stockton Township, New Jersey by the William Penn Hose Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The trumpet has two flat bands wrapping around the shaft. Two rings are connected to the shaft that allowed a cord to be attached to the trumpet. The lower section of the trumpet has an engraving that reads “Presented/ BY THE/ Wm. Penn Hose Co./ OF PHILA./ To The/ Wm PENN H&L Co/Stockton Township Camden Co. N.J. 1887."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1887
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0879
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0879
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 Avoca Hose Company by John M. Grier in 1887. The brass trumpet has three rounded bands along the shaft. A red braided cord with tassels is tied around the top and bottom of the shaft and strung through two rings attached to the trumpet. A circular plaque attached to the trumpet bears the inscription “Presented to/ Avoca Hose Co. No. 1/ by/ John M. Grier/ May 30th, 1887.” This fire company was likely the one located in Avoca, Pennsylvania rather than Avoca, New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1887
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0876
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0876
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 oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Edward Gough, of Allentown, Pennsylvania that received patent number 229,117 on June 22, 1880.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Edward Gough, of Allentown, Pennsylvania that received patent number 229,117 on June 22, 1880. In his patent filing, Gough claimed as his invention “an improvement in lamps with the combination of a cast-metal body or can with a neck, provided with studs, of the cast metal cover, having notches and interior annular groove” constructed to secure the top to the lamp. The chain is usually attached to the top so it wouldn’t get separated from its lamp.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1880-06-22
patentee
Gough, Edward
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9742
accession number
088881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9742
patent number
229117
Three solid wind wheels drive the armatures of three dynamos, which are in circuit with a small storage battery, an incandescent electric lamp, and switches. This model, constructed by Moses G.
Description
Three solid wind wheels drive the armatures of three dynamos, which are in circuit with a small storage battery, an incandescent electric lamp, and switches. This model, constructed by Moses G. Farmer, electrical pioneer, about 1880, is one of the earliest suggestions of the use of wind power through the medium of the electric generator and storage battery.
Much of the objection to the use of the windmill as a source of power was due to the intermittent nature of its operation. It was thought that it was suited only for pumping water or similar operations where the energy or work produced by the windmill could be stored during periods of useful wind velocities to be used as needed.
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
ca 1882
maker
Farmer, Moses G.
ID Number
MC.181985
catalog number
181985
accession number
2015.0173
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Henry F. Pearce of Hyde Park, Pennsylvania that received patent number 258,803 on May 30, 1882.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick lamp is a patent model constructed by Henry F. Pearce of Hyde Park, Pennsylvania that received patent number 258,803 on May 30, 1882. Pearce claimed as his invention “a cap for a miner's lamp having a lining arranged to form a space and having the annularly-located perforations, whereby none of the perforations in the lining directly communicate with the vent in the cap” to prevent the escape of the oil through the vent and the closing of the vent by the gumming of oil or sediment.
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1882-05-30
patentee
Pearce, Henry F.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9746
accession number
088881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9746
patent number
258802

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