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' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Squintani, Carlo G.
ID Number
1996.0062.17
patent number
228410
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.17

Patent model for inking apparatus for printing presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently. The invention was granted patent number 188386.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-03-13
maker
Macdonald, F.
ID Number
1997.0198.13
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
188386
catalog number
GA.89797.188386

Patent model for stretcher frames for canvases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-06-19
patentee
Witt, John H.
ID Number
GA.89797.192319
patent number
192319
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.192319

Patent model for picture frames

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning. The invention was granted patent number 190068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-04-24
maker
Odenbaugh, Frank
ID Number
1997.0198.12
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
190068
catalog number
1997.0198.12

Patent model for stencil writing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-03
maker
Hix, Albert E.
patentee
Hix, Albert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.192624
accession number
089797
patent number
192624
catalog number
GA*89797.192624

Patent model for stencils for sign painter's template

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-02-24
patentee
Hutchison, Merrill
ID Number
GA.89797.147942
accession number
089797
patent number
147942
catalog number
GA*89797.147942

Plate 77. Army Forge Scene

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by David Knox, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
This photograph represents one of the forges used by the army at Petersburg, and was taken during the intense heat of a summer day. The trees in the distance are dimly seen through the tremulous air, and the pine twigs droop from the eaves of the but as if a fire had scorched them. The hoofs of the horse are buried in burning dust, and the boots of the men are loaded with powdered earth. By the tall pine in the back-ground, a little tent seems to be vainly seeking the shadow, while over all glares a hot sky, without a cloud to relieve the weary eyes. The parched ground and arid appearance of the landscape was characteristic of the country about Petersburg, where the constant movements of troops crushed out vegetation. Forests, houses, and fences were swept away, and the fields were transformed into vast commons, where the winds raised clouds of sand, and covered everything with the sacred soil. On these glaring deserts, with no covering but the shelter tent and withered brush, the army toiled and fought through many months, filling the valleys with graves, and sapping the vigor of men in the prime of life. Many are the dead that might now be living but for the poison of those torrid days, and all through the land are feeble veterans, who look back upon that campaign as does the pilgrim on his journeyings across the great Sahara.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-08
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.27
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.27

Plate 70. Army Repair Shop

Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H.
Description
Text and photograph from Gardner's Photographic Sketchbook of the War, Vol. II. Negative by Timothy H. O'Sullivan, text and positive by Alexander Gardner.
In such rude manner did the lusty artificers of the corps carry on their needful trades, doing much good work under the scorching rays of the southern sun. At one time the majority of these hardy workmen were detailed from the ranks, with extra pay and allowances, but when every soldier was needed behind his musket, skilled men were hired for such duty, and some of the soldiers ordered back to their regiments. On the right of the view is the stocks, a neat contrivance, to facilitate the shoeing of mules, an operation which those self-willed animals had a decided objection to undergo. Time being precious, the farriers could not be expected to waste much in the exercise of their persuasive abilities. The refractory mule was led into the stocks, often by the seductive display of a peck of oats, suddenly to find himself suspended in air upon a huge belly-band. Four stout fellows seizing his feet, fastened them securely with thongs in the required position, and while impotent rage convulsed his frame, rapidly nailed on the shoes, finally releasing the hybrid in a state of wretched uncertainty as to the intents and purposes of his masters.
The tent fly, with its partial walls of loose bricks, covers the forge. Around it are the wheel and harness-makers, evidently resting, with pleasing expectations of forming a prominent feature of the photograph, while the contrabands have assumed positions of determined fixedness, worthy of the occasion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864-02
maker
Gardner, Alexander
ID Number
1986.0711.0283.20
accession number
1986.0711
catalog number
1986.0711.0283.20

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-01-24
maker
Dunn, William Wallace
ID Number
GA.89797.111111
patent number
111111
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.111111

Patent Model of Pulsating Stencil Pencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel. Josiah Gunning (1840-1910) graduated from medical school and spent the Civil War as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. After his wife's death in 1869, he entered seminary and was ordained. His invention of a pulsating pen was considered remarkable enough to win him a bronze medal from the American Institute.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-06-03
maker
Gunning, Josiah H.
Weiland, Harry B.
ID Number
GA.89797.216086
patent number
216086
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.216086

Patent Model of a Machine for Rounding and Backing Books

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding and backing books as two successive and automatic operations; the invention was granted patent number 161089.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for rounding and backing books as two successive and automatic operations; the invention was granted patent number 161089.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-03-23
maker
Bailey, George L.
ID Number
GA.89797.161089
patent number
161089
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.161089

1984 Peterbilt Tractor

This Peterbilt single-sleeper tractor was owned by Werner Enterprises, a national freight carrier founded in 1956. As high speed, limited access highways were built, demand to move small goods created opportunities for trucking companies and truck builders.
Description
This Peterbilt single-sleeper tractor was owned by Werner Enterprises, a national freight carrier founded in 1956. As high speed, limited access highways were built, demand to move small goods created opportunities for trucking companies and truck builders. Tractor-trailers replaced freight trains for many types of products. Peterbilt began making log and lumber trucks in the late 1930s and was known for tailoring its custom designed trucks to the needs of truckers. Peterbilt also pioneered the use of aluminum, which allowed greater cargo weight within legal limits. Model 359, one of Peterbilt’s workhorses, was manufactured from 1967 to 1987.
date made
1984
used date
1984-1987
maker
Peterbilt Motors Company
ID Number
2003.0008.01
accession number
2003.0008
catalog number
2003.0008.01

Patent model for miscellaneous parts

This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for miscellaneous parts. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.22
catalog number
1997.0198.22
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Sheet Perfecting Flatbed Cylinder Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet perfecting flatbed cylinder press which was granted patent number 103894. The invention had two vertical type beds, one at each end of the press. A sheet of paper was fed to the first cylinder and printed at the first type form traveling upwards. Next the sheet was passed to the second cylinder and printed on the other side at the other form traveling downwards. Finally, it was deposited under the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-06-07
maker
Kerr, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.103894
accession number
89797
patent number
103894
catalog number
GA*89797.103894

Kaypro IV Portable Computer

Kaypro was a manufacturer of portable microcomputers running the CP/M operating system. Its first commercial model, Kaypro II, was launched in 1982. The Kaypro IV was introduced in 1983.
Description
Kaypro was a manufacturer of portable microcomputers running the CP/M operating system. Its first commercial model, Kaypro II, was launched in 1982. The Kaypro IV was introduced in 1983. Surprisingly, it is not the same as the Kaypro 4, which was released in 1984.
The Kaypro IV was basically a Kaypro II with added Double Sided/Double Density Drives. It had a Z80 microprocessor that ran at 2.5 MHz. The memory included 64 KB of RAM and 2 KB of ROM. Kaypro IV had a 9" monochrome monitor and a built-in speaker. The operating system was CP/M 2.2. The Kaypro IV included the word processor Wordstar, which was included in the Perfect Software Suite.
The introduction of the IBM PC in 1981 led to the rapid growth in popularity of the MS-DOS operating system for personal computers. Software developers migrated to writing for MS-DOS instead of CP/M. Kaypro was slow to make the transition in their machines, and the company never gained the kind of prominence in the MS-DOS arena that it had enjoyed with CP/M. A prime competitor for the MS-DOS portable market was Compaq, which sold an "all in one" computer that was similar to its own CP/M portable. In March 1990 Kaypro filed for bankruptcy.
This Kaypro IV was purchased with funds from a research grant obtained by Robert M. Smith, of the Department of Space History of the National Air and Space Museum. Smith's book, The Space Telescope, was written in part on this computer. The object was received as a transfer from the Natonal Air and Space Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983
maker
Kaypro Corporation
ID Number
1992.0522.01
catalog number
1992.0522.01
accession number
1992.0522

Patent Model of a Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press; it was granted patent number 9987. The press had several impression cylinders and inking stations arranged around a large type cylinder. A web of paper was moistened and folded concertina-fashion for feeding. It was printed at the first series of impression cylinders and refolded. Then it was turned, and printed on the other side at the next series. Finally, it was cut into sheets. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, this patent was bought by R. Hoe & Co., probably more to keep it out of the market than with a mind to its development.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-09-06
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.009987
patent number
009987
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009987

Helmet Frontpiece, “Vigilant 6 Steam Fire Co.”

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 in the United States around 1875. There is a large shield-shaped recess in the center of the frontpiece with a large white number “6” inside. One banner at the top of the frontpiece and two at the bottom contain white leather lettering that reads “VIGILANT/STEAM/FIRE Co.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1494
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1494

NorthStar Horizon Microcomputer

Northstar developed from a computer store called "The Original Kentucky Fried Computer." It changed its name due to impending litigation by Kentucky Fried Chicken. The company's first product was a Floating Point Math Board for S-100 computers.
Description
Northstar developed from a computer store called "The Original Kentucky Fried Computer." It changed its name due to impending litigation by Kentucky Fried Chicken. The company's first product was a Floating Point Math Board for S-100 computers. They then developed an inexpensive floppy drive system. This led the way to the Horizon, one of the first computers with built in floppy drives.
Announced in November 1977, the Horizon was sold in a wooden cabinet, as opposed to the more usual metal or plastic. The initial price was $1,899 assembled and $1,599 unassembled. The Horizon ran on a Z-80 microprocessor that ran at 4 MHz. It contained 16 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 64 KB and 1 KB of ROM. The operating system was both CP/M and Northstar DOS. The machine was among the first to offer floppy drives, and customers could order one or two 90 KB 5 ¼" drives. Northstar was also one of the first machines to offer a hard disk drive. This was called an HD-18, and had 18 megabytes on an 18" platter. The Northstar Horizon was suited for business, education, and software development applications.
This particular machine was donated to the Smithsonian by Peter A. McWilliams. He used it in writing The Word Processing Book: A Short Course in Computer Literacy (1982). When it sold well, McWilliams wrote The Personal Computer Book, (1983), which became a runaway bestseller. This was his first computer.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1977
maker
Northstar
ID Number
1989.0354.01
catalog number
1989.0354.01
accession number
1989.0354

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' quoins including locking bars which secured the type within the chase, and the chase on the bed of the press, without the use of wooden furniture to pack spaces.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printers' quoins including locking bars which secured the type within the chase, and the chase on the bed of the press, without the use of wooden furniture to pack spaces. One end of the bar was oblique and included a toothed pinion. A short toothed piece with a matching taper fit across the end of the bar to lock against the chase or bed wall, and was tightened by turning the toothed pinion. The invention was granted patent number 212683.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1878
patent date
1879-02-25
patentee
Gillin, Robert F.
ID Number
GA.89797.212683
patent number
212683
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.212683

Patent model for printing surfaces, assigned patent number 160177.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of producing a lithographic printing surface by coating a metal plate or cylinder with tin, by electrolytic or chemical means. The invention was granted patent number 160177. (Friedlander and Moeller were from Leipzig, Saxony.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-02-23
maker
Friedlaender, Julius
Moeller, Peter Korfitz
ID Number
GA.89797.160177
patent number
160177
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.160177

Artificial Leg

Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb.
Description (Brief)
Parmelee’s “Artificial Leg” included an atmospheric pressure-conforming rubber bucket molded from the patient’s remaining limb. Parmelee held several patents using India-rubber.
Description
Patent model for DuBois D. Parmelee, “Improvement in Artificial Legs,” U.S. Patent 37,737 (Feb. 10, 1863). Dubois Duncan Parmalee (1829-1897) was a chemist and inventor in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
patent date
1863-02-10
maker
Parmelee, Dubois D.
ID Number
1978.0273.07
accession number
1978.0273
catalog number
1978.0273.07
patent number
37637

Patent model for stamp cancelling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1879
maker
Leavitt, Thomas
ID Number
1997.0198.04
catalog number
1997.0198.04
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for perforating machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a perforating machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.02
catalog number
1997.0198.02
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model for an Ellipsographic Copying Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a carpenter's type-cutter and protractor; the invention was granted patent number 2894. The cutter and protractor was a machine for cutting multiple copies from a single pattern. Typically, it was to be used in making wood type, which could be enlarged or reduced, extended or compressed, thrown into perspective, or turned into "grotesque type of any given fashion from the same plain pattern."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1842
patent date
1842-12-31
maker
Carpenter, Luman
ID Number
GA.89797.002894
patent number
002894
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.002894

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