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.

Place: United States

Fire Badge "A.F.D. 788"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Albany, New York fire department. The paid Albany Fire Department was instituted in 1848, and re organized and incorporated in 1867. The badge likely dates to after 1867.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Albany, New York fire department. The paid Albany Fire Department was instituted in 1848, and re organized and incorporated in 1867. The badge likely dates to after 1867. A small circular plaque at the top of the badge is inscribed with the badge number “2” that is slightly worn. Below is the raised initials “A.F.D.” with the raised white metal number “788” in the center. At the bottom of the badge is a raised image representing the coat of arms of Albany. It features a crest with a sloop, and an escutcheon with a fallen tree being gnawed by a beaver above two sheaves of wheat. The escutcheon is flanked by a farmer with sickle on the left and a Native American with bow on the right.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1344
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1344

Miller Rotary Steam Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Charles Miller, of Belleville, Illinois, May 3, 1859, no. 23852.The engine has two oval pistons or cams each running in a separate circular cylinder or casing.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Charles Miller, of Belleville, Illinois, May 3, 1859, no. 23852.
The engine has two oval pistons or cams each running in a separate circular cylinder or casing. Sliding abutments in the casing bearing on the edges of the cams direct the steam in the forward direction around the casing. Admission of steam is controlled by two flat slide valves working in steam chests on top of the casing. The valves are operated by two eccentrics on the engine shaft. The engine is reversible.
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
1859
patent date
1859-05-03
inventor
Miller, Charles
ID Number
ER.251294
accession number
48865
catalog number
251294
patent number
23,852

Fire Badge "Yonkers Fire Department 443"

This circular metal fire badge was used by the Yonkers, New York fire department. Yonkers instituted a paid fire department in 1896, and this badge would have been used after that time. The badge has a rim that is made to resemble a riveted fire hose.
Description
This circular metal fire badge was used by the Yonkers, New York fire department. Yonkers instituted a paid fire department in 1896, and this badge would have been used after that time. The badge has a rim that is made to resemble a riveted fire hose. At the bottom of the badge is a crossed axe, trumpet, and hose nozzle. The upper banner reads “YONKERS FIRE” and the lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised silver letters. The raised number “443” made of Prince’s metal is in the center of the badge.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1351
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1351

Fire Helmet, "Mitchell IV Fire Co."

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 fire helmet was made by Cairns & Brother of New York, New York in the early 19th century. The leather helmet is painted black with eight combs and ivy vine scroll work around the helmet’s brim. The back of the helmet has the initials “FA” flanking a fire hydrant painted in gold. This was the logo of the Fire Association of Philadelphia, an insurance company founded by a group of eleven volunteer engine companies and five volunteer hose companies in 1817. The metal frontpiece holder is in the shape of a fox, and holds a black and red frontpiece that reads “MITCHELL/IV/FIRE CO” in white text. Mitchell Fire Company No. 4 was founded in 1874 by shoemakers who were located on Federal Street in Burlington, New Jersey. The frontpiece is not original to the helmet.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1825
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.0171
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0171

Woodbury Bag Loading Plant Employee ID Badge

This employee identification badge belonged to a female worker with employee number 9897 at the MacArthur Brothers Bag Loading Plant in Woodbury, New Jersey, in 1918. The plant was built and operated by the MacArthur Brothers Company.
Description
This employee identification badge belonged to a female worker with employee number 9897 at the MacArthur Brothers Bag Loading Plant in Woodbury, New Jersey, in 1918. The plant was built and operated by the MacArthur Brothers Company. The contracting company, established in 1826, also built Camp Merritt for the United States during World War I. The plant produced smokeless propellant for shells used in World War I, and 4,000 of the 6,500 workers at the plant were women who weighed the powder and sewed the silk bags closed. The women traveled from nearby cities and towns to support the war effort, and lived at the complex in dormitories. The Woodbury plant produced over 1.3 million charges during its operation from June to November of 1918. The expansion of the scale of industry often meant that managers did not know every employee by sight, which created the need for employee identification in large plants, and concerns about espionage heightened this need during wartime.
date made
1918
ID Number
1992.0606.01
accession number
1992.0606
catalog number
1992.0606.01

Stevens Steam-Engine Condenser, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 3, 1863, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 3, 1863, no. 40510.
The condenser represented in the model consists of a large vertical cylinder and pump plunger with various connected chambers designed to function as a condenser, a condenser air pump, and feed-water hot well and heater.
The invention “consists in simplifying the apparatus that condenses the steam discharged by the first eduction from the cylinder of a condensing steam engine by closing the hot well of the engine against the atmosphere and by keeping a portion of the space of the hot well free from water, and by delivering the steam discharged from the cylinder by the first eduction into the hot well, so that it may be condensed or partially condensed by the water delivered by the air-pump into the hot well.” The hot well is thus made “to act also as an additional condenser and dispense altogether with an additional air pump to draw the water from the additional condenser.”
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
1863
patent date
1863-11-03
inventor
Stevens, Francis B.
ID Number
MC.309238
catalog number
309238
accession number
89797
patent number
40,510

Fire Badge "Americus 1 H&L 89"

This badge was used by a member of the Americus No. 1 Hook and Ladder Company, possibly from the Ozone Park the neighborhood of Queens, New York during the late 19th century. The badge is in the form of the Maltese cross, a common firefighting symbol.
Description
This badge was used by a member of the Americus No. 1 Hook and Ladder Company, possibly from the Ozone Park the neighborhood of Queens, New York during the late 19th century. The badge is in the form of the Maltese cross, a common firefighting symbol. The upper and lower arms of the cross read “Americus” and “89” with the right arm featuring a fire hydrant and the left arm depicting a ladder and hook. The center of the badge depicts a hook and ladder truck with the number “1” above and the initials “H. & L.” below.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1257
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1257

Presentation Trumpet, "Washington Fire Engine 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 silver plated speaking trumpet was presented to the Washington Fire Engine Company by the Jovial Club of Paterson, New Jersey in 1860. The trumpet is engraved with ivy and flowers around the entire trumpet and has an inscription inside an oval cartouche framed by tree branches. This inscription reads, "Presented by the Jovial Club of Paterson, N.J. to Washington Fire Engine Company No. 3, February 22, 1860." The braided orange cord with tassels is attached to the trumpet by rings in the shape of fire hats. In September of 1862 many members of the Washington Fire Engine Company formed Company A in the 25th Regiment of the New Jersey Volunteers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860
ID Number
2005.0233.0823
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0823

Presentation Trumpet, "Trenton Hose Co."

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 trumpet is plated with silver and painted gold. There are three oval medallions around the bell, each with a profile image of a Grecian figure’s head. The shaft of the horn features a profile bust of George Washington framed in an oval cartouche. There is an inscription on the shaft that reads “Presented to Trenton Hose Co. No. 1 of Trenton, N.J. by Empire Association Lynn Feb 4th 1869” that is framed in an oval. A braided red, white, and blue cord is attached to the trumpet through two rings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1869
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0850
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0850

Gutenberg Press, miniature

Miniature wooden model of hypothetical press, late 19th century.Height 12There is no direct record of Gutenberg’s press. This simplemodel is based on a popular nineteenth-century image.
Description (Brief)
Miniature wooden model of hypothetical press, late 19th century.
Height 12
There is no direct record of Gutenberg’s press. This simple
model is based on a popular nineteenth-century image. It has a
massive wooden screw like a paper press, but no provision for
moving the type smoothly into position, adjusting the impression,
or holding the platen steady in its descent.
Deposited by Department of the Interior, 1906
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
GA.11015
catalog number
11015
accession number
46812

Pelton Water-Wheel Bucket

This is a rectangular bucket divided by a central splitter edge into two hollow semicylindrical compartments. The bucket is designed to receive and divide the jet upon the slitter edge and direct the water to either side, discharging at the sides.
Description
This is a rectangular bucket divided by a central splitter edge into two hollow semicylindrical compartments. The bucket is designed to receive and divide the jet upon the slitter edge and direct the water to either side, discharging at the sides. No provision is made for the flow of water in a radial direction along bucket, and the outer end of the bucket makes sharp angles with the sides and bottom. The extreme lip of the bucket is very slightly depressed, suggesting the notched lip developed later. The back of the bucket is provided with lugs, which slip over the rim of the wheel center to which it is attached by the bolts passing through the lugs and rim parallel to the shaft. The bucket is made of cast iron, measures about 11.5 inches wide, and weighs 30 pounds. This bucket was made about 1901.
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 1901
ID Number
MC.310386
catalog number
310386
accession number
117363

Fire Badge "Rapid Hose FD Rondout"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Rondout (now Kingston), New York. The Rapid Hose Company was founded in 1860 before Rondout became part of Kingston, New York, in 1872.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Rapid Hose Company No. 1 of Rondout (now Kingston), New York. The Rapid Hose Company was founded in 1860 before Rondout became part of Kingston, New York, in 1872. In 1877 Kingston incorporated the Rapid Hose Company No. 1, and it still operates into the 21st century. The badge has an upper banner that is inscribed “RAPID HOSE,” a lower banner inscribed “RONDOUT,” and a bottom plaque inscribed with the number “1”. All the inscriptions are filled in with black enamel. The center of the badge is decorated with a raised image of a four-wheeled hose carriage, flanked by the initials “F” and “D.” Two crossed trumpets are behind the upper banner, and two hooks and a ladder protrude from the bottom plaque.
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
1860-1872
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1373
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1373

Helmet Frontpiece, “Philadelphia Fire Dept. Ladder Co, 14”

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 Cairns & Brother of New York, New York during the late 18th to early 19th century. The red leather frontpiece has two recessed banners at the top and bottom. The banner at the top reads “LADDER” in white paint, with the number “8” in white paint at the bottom. The number “14” is stitched into the center of the piece in raised white leather numbers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1501
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1501

Presentation Trumpet, "Charles M. Bartleson"

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 plain brass speaking trumpet dates to the first half of the 19th century. The trumpet has traces of red paint and the bell bears the inscription “CHA's. M. BARTLESON.” Charles M. Bartleson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1795, and served as a captain of the shipping line that ran from Liverpool, England to Philadelphia.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0887
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0887

Worthington Duplex Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, of New York, New York, June 20, 1871, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, of New York, New York, June 20, 1871, no. 116131.
The model is a relief panel showing a section through the two steam cylinders of a duplex pump arranged to use steam at boiler pressure in one steam cylinder of small diameter, expand the exhaust steam in a receiver of much larger volume than the small cylinder, and use the steam at low pressure in a second cylinder of larger diameter. This arrangement was devised to permit the use of steam expansively in a duplex pump without the use of two compound cylinders, as was formerly the method.
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
1871
patent date
1871-06-20
inventor
Worthington, Henry R.
ID Number
ER.308681
accession number
89797
catalog number
308681
patent number
116,131

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

Cottle Windmill, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to J. and F. M. Cottle, October 21, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to J. and F. M. Cottle, October 21, 1879, no. 220751.
This mill has a double-rimmed steel wind wheel made up of small wedge-shaped vanes, which are removable to permit regulation of the power of the mill. The wind wheel cannot be swung out of its position, but the shaft is carried in sliding bearings so that the gear on the shaft can be disengaged to let the wheel run free. It is equipped with a selective gear transmission. The model shows the mill attached to the bucket chain of a well.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
patent date
1879-10-21
inventor
Cottle, Zorah
Cottle, F. M.
ID Number
ER.309131
accession number
89797
catalog number
309131
patent number
220,751

Work Trumpet

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 and tin work trumpet was used around 1832. The upper portion of the trumpet is tin and covered in leather to create a grip, while the lower portion is made of brass. One ring is attached to the bottom of the trumpet to allow a cord to be attached .The initials “D.F.D.” are engraved on the lower half of the trumpet, possibly standing for the Delaware Fire Department.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0860
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0860

Speaking Trumpet

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 presentation trumpet dates to the 19th century and features an engraved floral motif. The center portion of the trumpet’s shaft has an engraved image of a steam engine. There are four circular insets on the trumpets bell. In two insets on opposite sides of the bell is the engraved image of a wreath. An image of two schooners sailing on water surrounded by clouds and seagulls is engraved in one inset, with an image of two crossed ladders behind a hanging banner on the opposite side. Two eagle heads protrude from the shaft holding rings in their beaks through which a blue cord with tassels is strung.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
unknown
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0909
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0909

Citizen C.I.O.; No More Blues

side 1: Tom Glazer and Josh White. Citizen C.I.O.; side 2: Josh White. No More Blues (Asch 349-1), from the album, Songs of C.I.O. (Asch 349).78 rpm.This album was sponsored by the National C.I.O. [Congress of Industrial Organizations] War Relief Committee.Currently not on view
Description

side 1: Tom Glazer and Josh White. Citizen C.I.O.; side 2: Josh White. No More Blues (Asch 349-1), from the album, Songs of C.I.O. (Asch 349).
78 rpm.

This album was sponsored by the National C.I.O. [Congress of Industrial Organizations] War Relief Committee.

Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1944
recording artist
White, Josh
Glazer, Tom
manufacturer
Asch
ID Number
1988.0824.01
accession number
1988.0824
maker number
349-1
catalog number
1988.0824.01

Fire Helmet, "Resolution Hose 3"

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 fire helmet was made by John M. Migeod & Son of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the mid-19th century. The brown leather helmet has eight combs that are painted gold, and a metal fox frontpiece holder mounted on the crown. The leather around the rim has peeled away leaving the reinforced metal wire exposed. The white frontpiece has decorative stitching around the outer part of the frontpiece, the white number “3” in the center of a red background, a red banner at the top that reads “RESOLUTION” and a black banner at the bottom that reads “HOSE” in pale white leather. Founded in 1804 as the Resolution Hose Company No. 3, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it operated as a hose company until 1855, when it refused to join the newly organized Philadelphia Fire Department, which, although volunteer, was under the administrative and financial control of the city. In 1865 it was admitted into the Philadelphia Fire Department and acquired a steam fire engine in 1869. It operated as the Resolution Hose and Steam Fire Engine Company No.3 until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
John M. Migoed & Son
ID Number
2005.0233.0186
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0186

Fire Badge "N.B.F.D. III"

This shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a member of the New Brighton Fire Department No. 3 of Staten Island, New York. Numerous villages on Staten Island began operating their own volunteer departments in the 1870s.
Description
This shield-shaped fire badge belonged to a member of the New Brighton Fire Department No. 3 of Staten Island, New York. Numerous villages on Staten Island began operating their own volunteer departments in the 1870s. Staten Island was consolidated into the Greater City of New York in 1898, and volunteer departments were replaced with paid municipal companies from 1905 until 1937. This badge likely dates from 1870–1937. There is a circular plaque at the top of the badge with the number “153” inside. Below this are the initials “N.B.F.D.” in silver and beneath that are the raised letters “III” in brass metal. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield with a spread winged eagle gripping a globe on top of the shield. The image is very similar to the state seal of New York, in which mythological figures of Liberty and Justice flank a shield depicting the sun rising behind Mount Beacon over the Hudson River, and a spread winged eagle grips a globe in its talons. At the bottom of the badge are two female figures flanking a shield, with a spread–winged eagle is atop a globe on top of the shield, likely a simplified version of the state seal of New York.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1327
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1327

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

Fire Badge "Yonkers Fire Department 8"

This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Yonkers, New York fire department. A decoration of a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet sits at the top of the badge. An upper banner reads “YONKERS” in raised letters with the word “FIRE” below.
Description
This shield-shaped metal fire badge belonged to a member of the Yonkers, New York fire department. A decoration of a crossed trumpet and hose nozzle behind a fire helmet sits at the top of the badge. An upper banner reads “YONKERS” in raised letters with the word “FIRE” below. A lower banner reads “DEPARTMENT” in raised letters. The number “8” is in the center of the badge in white metal. The Yonkers instituted a paid fire department in 1896, and this badge would have been used after that time.
Metal firefighter’s badges were a part of the firefighter’s uniform since volunteer companies began to proliferate in the early 19th century. As volunteer companies gave way to municipal fire departments during the mid–19th century, these badges became mandated by uniform codes. Badges served as official identification at fire scenes, as access to derelict buildings by unscrupulous citizens could result in looting. Fire badges came in a variety of shapes, most notably circular, shield–shaped, or the Maltese cross. While shield–shaped badges were often worn on the chest, circular and cross-shaped badges can be seen on jacket lapels or soft caps. Badges usually detailed the company’s name, number and department, and were often decorated with various symbols of the profession such as hose carriages, hand–pumped engines, hoses, trumpets, helmets, hooks, and ladders. For paid municipal companies, many badges also featured the badge number of the wearer.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.1349
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1349

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