Work

Gilbreth Stopwatch

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

Date: 1870s

Helmet Frontpiece, "Empire 1"

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 worn by a member of the Empire Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Organized in 1851, the company was active until 1871 when Philadelphia’s paid firefighting department was established. This leather frontpiece was manufactured by Anderson & Jones of New York, New York around 1875. The frontpiece has the image of an eagle painted at the top, with the word “EMPIRE” painted in white below the eagle. A large white leather number “1” is in the center, with a crossed hook and ladder behind it, also in leather. A cartouche at the bottom of the frontpiece originally bore raised leather initials (possibly “CMM”), but those are now missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
maker
Anderson & Jones
ID Number
2005.0233.1446
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1446

Knowles Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for the patent issued to Lucius J. Knowles, of Worcester, Massachusetts, April 1, 1879, no.
Description
This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for the patent issued to Lucius J. Knowles, of Worcester, Massachusetts, April 1, 1879, no. 231823.
The model represents the steam cylinders of a duplex pump fitted with what the inventor calls auxiliary engines to operate the valves of each cylinder when it is desired to use one cylinder of a duplex pump without the other. Actually the piston of the auxiliary engine is the valve of the main cylinder and the invention is in effect a one cylinder “simplex” pump with steam-actuated valve. This is one of the earliest uses of the steam-actuated valve for steam pumps.
The auxiliary cylinder forms the steam chest and valve ports of the main cylinder while the auxiliary piston acts as the valve. The auxiliary piston has its own valve system, which consists of ports in the auxiliary cylinder wall connected to the main steam passages and so located that they will register with openings in the auxiliary piston when the auxiliary piston is given a slight twist at the end of the main piston’s stroke. These openings connect to passages in the auxiliary cylinder to cause the auxiliary piston to move to the other end of the cylinder and so reverse the stroke of the main piston.
Lucius James Knowles (July 2, 1819 – February 26, 1884) originated and developed the Knowles Steam Pump Co. and the L. J. Knowles & Brother Loom Works at Warren, Massachusetts, and Worcester, Massachusetts, both of which became leading organizations in their respective fields. The Knowles steam pump was one of the best known of the direct-acting pumps, and Knowles is recognized as having contributed much to the final development and refinement of the device. He was one of the first to take up and develop the steam-actuated valve and received several patents for his inventions of improvements in valves.
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
1879-04-01
inventor
Knowles, Lucius J.
ID Number
ER.309250
accession number
89797
patent number
213,823
catalog number
309250

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 203335. Patentee Edward Gilman's simple treadle press was intended for job printers and amateurs. The rotating ink disk was on a plane with the type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 203335. Patentee Edward Gilman's simple treadle press was intended for job printers and amateurs. The rotating ink disk was on a plane with the type. The platen with paper was brought down against the type by a direct connection with the treadle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-05-07
maker
Gilman, Edward L.
ID Number
GA.89797.203335
patent number
203335
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.203335

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215011. The patent describes a simplification of the drive of a platen jobbing press, with the object of making a cheaper press.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215011. The patent describes a simplification of the drive of a platen jobbing press, with the object of making a cheaper press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-06
maker
Manley, Horace A.
ID Number
GA.89797.215011
patent number
215011
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.215011

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Finishing Roll

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinding roll which was granted patent number 156678.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinding roll which was granted patent number 156678. The patent details a bookbinding roll, on which the design was cast on a strip "secured to the roller after the fashion of a tire to a wheel." The strip was usually of bronze, and was bent to fit around the wheel. A projection on the back of the strip fit into a groove in the wheel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-11-10
maker
Skelton, Daniel J.
Feely, Michael
ID Number
GA.89797.156678
patent number
156678
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.156678

Patent Model of a Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215459. This patent describes the means of giving the proper dwell to the platen at each end of its stroke.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press which was granted patent number 215459. This patent describes the means of giving the proper dwell to the platen at each end of its stroke. Patentee John Jones developed many successful platen jobbers including the Star, Washington, Jones-Gordon, Clipper, and Jewel, as well as the patents to cover them. Jones had patented a "domestic printing machine," or typewriter (Pat. 14919, 1856), and his hand stamp, before he became involved with platen jobbers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-20
maker
Jones, John M.
ID Number
GA.89797.215459
patent number
215459
catalog number
GA*89797.215459

Collinson Manhole Cover for Boilers, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry Collinson, Boston, Massachusetts, April 13, 1875, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry Collinson, Boston, Massachusetts, April 13, 1875, no. 161934.
The invention consists of a lid or cover with a true flat face arranged in such a manner that while being forced home against a flat seat it receives a sliding and rotating motion thereon.
The model represents an opening in a plate around which is formed a flat plane face, which forms a seat for the dish –shaped lid or cover. A curved bar of metal spans the opening over the cover and supports a threaded nut through which passes a T-handled screw by which the cover is forced against the seat. At the inner end of the screw is an eccentric head that fits in a recess in the center of the cover, so that turning the screw forces the cover against the seat and moves the center of the cover in a circle, while the friction causes the cover to rotate somewhat about its own center. The result is a combined sliding and rotating of the cover as it is forced against the seat.
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
1875
patent date
1875-04-13
inventor
Collinson, Henry
ID Number
ER.309219
accession number
89797
catalog number
309219
patent number
161,934

Patent model for leather bound case

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

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Arming Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press. John Gough was from London, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-04-25
maker
Gough, John
ID Number
GA.89797.114130
accession number
089797
patent number
114130
catalog number
GA*89797.114130

Peavey Fluid Engine Governor, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Andrew J. Peavey of Boston, Massachusetts, August 16, 1870, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Andrew J. Peavey of Boston, Massachusetts, August 16, 1870, no. 106400.
The model represents a stationary cylinder filled with oil within which turns a paddle wheel driven by the engine at a speed dependent upon the velocity of the engine. Also within the stationary cylinder and surrounding the paddle wheel is a hollow cylinder, which is hung loosely upon the shaft of the paddle wheel and is free to revolve independently of it. This cylinder has a series of blades or abutments projecting from the inner side of its rim, so that as the paddle wheel causes the oil to revolve in the cylinder the moving oil will come into contact with the abutments and tend to turn the loose cylinder. Attached to the loose cylinder is a pinion that meshes with a toothed sector, which, in turn, is connected with the counterweight and so tends to oppose the turning of that cylinder. As the height to which the counterweight will be raised is a function of the velocity of the engine, this velocity can be governed by properly connecting the counterweight to the cut-off or throttle valve.
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
1870
patent date
1870-08-16
inventor
Peavey, Andrew J.
ID Number
ER.308678
accession number
89797
catalog number
308678
patent number
106,400

Colwell Disulphide of Carbon Generator and Engine, Patent Model

The model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Colwell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1879, no.
Description
The model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William S. Colwell, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 16, 1879, no. 219622.
The model represents a reciprocating engine of more or less conventional steam engine design in which the operating fluid is vaporized carbon disulphide supplied by a boiler or generator and condensed in an air-cooled condenser. The transfer of heat from the fire in the boiler to the carbon disulphide and from the exhaust vapor to the cooling air of the condenser is effected through water. Plumbago, or black lead, is used to protect the walls of the generator and the engine from the action of the carbon-disulphide vapor. Steam and hot water from the water jacket of the generator are led into passages surrounding the engine cylinder and connecting pipes to prevent the loss of heat form the vapor.
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
1879-09-16
inventor
Colwell, William S.
ID Number
MC.308766
catalog number
308766
accession number
89797
patent number
219,622

Dow Direct-Acting Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was filed to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to G. E. Dow, of San Francisco, California, November 4, 1879, no.
Description
This model was filed to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to G. E. Dow, of San Francisco, California, November 4, 1879, no. 221220.
The model represents a form of valve gear for a direct-connected steam engine in which the main valve is partially operated by a system of cam-shaped levers actuated from the main piston rod and partially by a supplementary steam piston, the movement of which is controlled by valves connected to the same levers.
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
1879-11-04
inventor
Dow, George E.
ID Number
ER.308703
accession number
89797
catalog number
308703
patent number
221,220

Otto and Crossley Gas Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Nicolaus A. Otto, of Deutz, Germany, and Francis W. and William J. Crossley, of Manchester, England, October 23, 1877, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Nicolaus A. Otto, of Deutz, Germany, and Francis W. and William J. Crossley, of Manchester, England, October 23, 1877, no. 196473.
The gas engine described is designed to effect a gradual combustion of the charge by the use of a weak mixture in the cylinder. In order that the mixture would not ignite too slowly a strong or explosive mixture was introduced into a separate but connecting chamber and ignited in the conventional way. The flame issuing with some force from the chamber into the cylinder effected a sufficiently rapid ignition of the weak charge.
The inventors also describe a means of raining the pressure on the cavity of the slide valve carrying the burning ignition charge in a flame ignition engine, high enough to equal the compression pressure within the cylinder of the engine.
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
1877
patent date
1877-10-23
inventor
Otto, Nicolaus A.
Crossley, Francis W.
Crossley, William J.
ID Number
MC.308695
catalog number
308695
accession number
89797
patent number
196,473

Patent Model of a Rotary Printing Press and Folding Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a web perfecting rotary press, with cutters and folding apparatus. The patent model was granted patent number 221704.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a web perfecting rotary press, with cutters and folding apparatus. The patent model was granted patent number 221704.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-18
maker
Scott, Walter
ID Number
GA.89797.221704
accession number
89797
patent number
221704

Helmet Frontpiece, "Hydraulion Steam Fire Engine Company 3"

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 around 1875. Two red banners are at the top of the frontpiece with raised gold leather lettering that reads “HYDRAULION/SFE Co.” A large black number “3” is in the center, with a black banner at the bottom with raised gold leather initials that reads “CW” with a first initial missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
maker
Cairns & Brother
ID Number
2005.0233.1447
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.1447

Patent model for weighing scale

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1895
patent date
1895-02-26
maker
Heyer, Charles A.
ID Number
1997.0198.19
catalog number
1997.0198.19
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model for a Rotary and Perfecting Web Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary and perfecting web press; the invention was granted patent number 169796.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary and perfecting web press; the invention was granted patent number 169796. The rotary press has two type cylinders, two impression cylinders, and a knife to cut the sheet from the web of paper before the first impression was made.
Half the rights were assigned to Calvert B. Cottrell and Nathan Babcock, press builders, of Westerly, Rhode Island. Joseph Firm (born 1837) followed an interest in printing from his high school days. Apprenticed to Harper & Row and later employed by Frank Leslie, he was responsible for many patents and particularly concerned with large, fast presses. After 1892 he associated himself with the Goss Printing Press Company, which built some of his presses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-11-09
patentee
Firm, Joseph L.
ID Number
GA.24906
patent number
169796
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24906

Patent Model of a Flatbed Cylinder Web Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, granted patent number 218493. The patent details a web-fed press that printed on both strokes of the bed, doubling the usual output of cylinder presses.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder press, granted patent number 218493. The patent details a web-fed press that printed on both strokes of the bed, doubling the usual output of cylinder presses. It also stacked, cut, and counted the sheets after printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-08-12
maker
Cox, Joseph L.
ID Number
GA.89797.218493
patent number
218493
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.218493

Miller Mercury Motor, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Davidson Miller, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1877, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Thomas Davidson Miller, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1877, no. 196759.
The model represents a boiler, condenser, and an overshot wheel connected with suitable piping so that mercury placed in the boiler will be sublimated there and the fumes will rise to the condenser where they will be condensed. From the condenser the liquid mercury runs over the buckets of the wheel where the weight of the mercury is employed in turning the wheel. Suitable sheathing about the wheel collects the mercury and returns it to the boiler, which it enters by reason of its weight.
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
1877
patent date
1877-11-06
inventor
Miller, Thomas D.
ID Number
MC.308696
catalog number
308696
accession number
89797
patent number
196,759

Oil-Wick Miner’s Lamp Patent Model

This oil-wick cap lamp is a patent model constructed by William C. Winfield of Hubbard, Ohio that received patent number 115,143 on May 23, 1871.
Description (Brief)
This oil-wick cap lamp is a patent model constructed by William C. Winfield of Hubbard, Ohio that received patent number 115,143 on May 23, 1871. Winfield’s claim in the patent filing is a miner's lamp with “a new article of manufacture, viz., a miner's lamp, provided with a screw-cap constructed, arranged, and operating with relation to the body of the lamp.”
Location
Currently not on view
patent date
1871-05-23
patentee
Winfield, William C.
ID Number
AG.MHI-MN-9737
accession number
088881
catalog number
MHI-MN-9737
patent number
115143

Model of George H. Corliss Steam Pumping Engine, U.S. Patent No. 215803

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1879-05-27
inventor
Corliss, George H.
ID Number
MC.251291
catalog number
251291
patent number
215,803
accession number
48865

Patent Model of aTypesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 174916.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 174916. The type was stored vertically in channels, and was dropped piece by piece down converging tracks behind a glass panel, and assembled in a long line in a raceway at the bottom. The line was divided and space-fitted by a second operator. As with Lorenz's first patent, the rights were assigned indirectly to Henry Burr.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-03-21
maker
Lorenz, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.174916
accession number
89797
patent number
174916
catalog number
GA*89797.174916

Fowle Marine-Engine Governor, Patent Office

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph W. Fowle, of Boston, Massachusetts, August 14, 1877, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Joseph W. Fowle, of Boston, Massachusetts, August 14, 1877, no. 194037.
The model represents a 1-cylinder, vertical marine engine connected to a propeller shaft and propeller in the ordinary manner, with a float or inertia device for closing the throttle valve of the engine each time the vessel in which the engine is installed pitches sufficiently to raise the propeller out of the water.
The gear consists of a heavy weight suspended in suitable guides and stops near the keel of the ship. This weight is not rigidly fixed relative to the ship but tends to float in position as the vessel rises and falls. The change in relative positions actuates a valve lever on an auxiliary steam cylinder and piston, which, in turn, moves the main throttle valve of the engine.
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
1877
patent date
1877-08-14
inventor
Fowle, Joseph W.
ID Number
MC.308698
catalog number
308698
accession number
89797
patent number
194,037

Presentation Trumpet, "Neptune Guard"

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 trumpet was presented to the Passaic Engine Company of Paterson, New Jersey by the Neptune Guard of Newark, New Jersey on October 30th, 1876. The trumpet has an overall floral motif surrounding the various inscriptions and engravings. The bell of the trumpet features an engraving of a steam fire engine on one side and an engraving of an overlapping fireman's hat, trumpet, hook, and fire swab on the other. The center portion of the trumpet bears an inscription inside a shield-shaped frame that reads “Presented to Passaic Engine Co. No. 1 of Paterson by the Neptune Guard of Newark, Oct. 30th 1876, Frank Daly, Capt.” On the opposite side of the trumpet there is an engraving of a crossed hook and ladder. There are two rings that would have been used to attach a cord to the trumpet. The Neptune Guard was a musket corps composed of members from the Neptune Hose Company of Newark, New Jersey that was in operation around the middle of the 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
maker
unknown
ID Number
2005.0233.0827
accession number
2005.0233
catalog number
2005.0233.0827

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