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.

Patent model for printers' chase

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides. The bars could be locked in any position in the chase by four matching toothed blocks that fitted at the crossing points.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
patentee
Kingsland, Jr., Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.228201
patent number
228201
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228201

Patent model for printing or decorating the surface of celluloid

This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376. Model consists of two photogravure specimens.
The patent rights were assigned to the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York. Marshall Clifford Lefferts (born 1848) first worked with the American Telegraph Company. In 1870 he joined with the new Celluloid Manufacturing Company, of which he became president in 1890.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-07-27
patentee
Lefferts, Marshall C.
ID Number
GA.89797.346376
accession number
089797
patent number
346376
catalog number
GA*89797.346376

Patent model for crystallotypes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521. This invention produced crystallotype plates by means of electrotyping. The model consists of an electrotyped block.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-29
maker
Schedler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.209521
patent number
209521
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.209521

Patent model for method of making autographic stencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833. The inventor called his process Multograph, or Stulograph. The model consists of a stencil frame and an envelope of papers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
maker
Nickerson, Samuel S.
ID Number
GA.89797.215833
accession number
089797
patent number
215833
catalog number
GA*89797.215833

Patent model for lathe (?)

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lathe (?). Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lathe (?). Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.03
catalog number
1997.0198.03
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Plate Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio system that was designed to speed the operation of copperplate wiping, using an ordinary platen lever press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an intaglio system that was designed to speed the operation of copperplate wiping, using an ordinary platen lever press. After paper was pressed against the face of the engraved plate, ink was piped from a reservoir to spaces under the plate and then forced up through holes in the plate into the engraved lines. Here the ink made contact with the paper. Unused ink was then sucked back out of the lines, leaving the plate clean as the platen was lifted again for the next sheet. The invention was granted patent number 30495.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-10-23
maker
Oakes, W. H.
ID Number
GA.89797.030495
accession number
89797
patent number
030495
catalog number
GA*89797.030495

Patent model for pantographic carving machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving pantograph, particularly intended for cutting letters from a pattern into stone; the invention was granted patent number 27827. The graver was provided with a rotating and/or a pecking motion.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving pantograph, particularly intended for cutting letters from a pattern into stone; the invention was granted patent number 27827. The graver was provided with a rotating and/or a pecking motion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-04-10
maker
Pease, W. H.
ID Number
GA.89797.027827
patent number
027827
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.027827

Patent Model for a Sheet-Feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
maker
Allen, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.039872
accession number
089797
patent number
039872
catalog number
GA*89797.039872

Apple IIGS Microcomputer

The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound).
Description
The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound). When it was released in September of 1986—Apple's 10th anniversary—at the price of $999 (without a monitor—or $1498 with an RGB monitor), the Apple II GS competed against other computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST.
The Apple II GS used the Western Design Center 65816 16 bit microprocessor, which ran at 2.8 Mhz. It had 256 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8 MB. There were seven slots to accommodate an expansion of memory. It was the first computer to utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) which linked standard input device such as keyboards, mice, and graphics tablets. This made it possible for Apple to sell a single set of peripherals that both the Apple Computer and later the Macintosh could use. The IIGS display had a 600 X 200 pixel mode with 2-bit palletized cooler and a 320 X 200 pixel mode with a 4-bit palletized color. The Apple II GS could display 256 colors on the screen. Its ProDOS 16 as system software allowed users to handle any number of open files at the same time.
The IIGS seemed well positioned to capture a large market. However, by the time it was released, Apple was putting its energy into developing the Macintosh and the IIGS suffered from limited marketing. Apple discontinued the line in December 1992.
This example of the Apple IIGS is model number A26000, Serial number A2S2-E80113DA2S6000. For related documentation, see 1998.3062.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1986
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1998.0199.01
catalog number
1998.0199.01
accession number
1998.0199

Patent Model for Stencil Frames for Autographic Writing.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-09-16
maker
De Zuccato, Eugenio
ID Number
1996.0062.07
catalog number
1996.0062.07
accession number
1996.0062
patent number
219665

Patent model for picture frames, assigned patent number 059836.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-11-20
patentee
Hanks, Stedman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.059836
patent number
059836
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.059836

Patent Model for a Card Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-04-27
maker
Clarkson, William W.
ID Number
GA.89797.020039
accession number
89797
patent number
020039
catalog number
GA*89797.020039

Patent model for frame

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.15
catalog number
1997.0198.15
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for trimming machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.16
catalog number
1997.0198.16
accession number
1997.0198

Hard Hat

Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort.
Description (Brief)
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort. Jillian Gross led a team from Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes in Louisiana.
Description
This hard hat was worn by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Hard hats are used for head protection on construction and other work sites. This hat has a lightweight shell with suspension straps inside that absorbs shock from falling objects. It is made by MSA Incorporated.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.39
catalog number
2005.0276.39
accession number
2005.0276

"Benjamin Franklin with a Loaf of Bread" Engine Panel Painting

In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events.
Description (Brief)
In the nineteenth century, volunteer fire companies often commissioned paintings to decorate their hand-pumped fire engines for parades, competitions, and community events. Sometimes framed with elaborate carvings, they adorned the tall air chamber located at the middle or rear of a pumper. The paintings would often feature patriotic, heroic, or allegorical images to associate the volunteer companies with these lofty ideals.
This fire engine panel came from the Franklin Engine Company No. 12 of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was active as a hand engine company from 1792 until 1863 when it acquired a steam fire engine. It operated as a steam fire engine company until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. The painting “Franklin with Loaf of Bread” is attributed to David Rent Etter and dates to around 1830. The painting depicts the young Benjamin Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia in 1723. As recounted in his autobiography, he mistakenly bought more bread than he could eat and gave the extra loaves to a poor woman and child. Benjamin Franklin was well known for organizing the first volunteer fire company in Philadelphia, and his image and his name were popular among the city’s fire companies. By invoking Franklin, volunteer firemen linked themselves to the progenitor of their trade, as well as someone who played a key role in the Revolution and securing America’s freedom. This painting and its companion piece (object 2005.0233.0307) would have adorned either side of the company’s engine.
Location
Currently not on view (screws)
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1830
depicted
Franklin, Benjamin
artist attribution
Etter, David Rent
ID Number
2005.0233.0018
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0018

Patent model for engraving machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.14
catalog number
1997.0198.14
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-11
maker
Hawkins, John T.
ID Number
GA.89797.221458
accession number
089797
patent number
221458
catalog number
GA*89797.221458

Patent model for web perfecting rotary press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10

Patent model for sewing machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.05
catalog number
1997.0198.05
accession number
1997.0198

1949 GMC Pickup Truck

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

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185. Model incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1892
patent date
1892-09-27
patentee
Tinsley, William J.
ID Number
GA.89797.483185
patent number
483185
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.483185

Patent model for printers' quoins and chases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-01-27
patentee
Warren, Edmond A.
ID Number
GA.89797.146967
patent number
146967
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.146967

Patent model for folding concertina rack

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.11
catalog number
1997.0198.11
accession number
1997.0198

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