Babbitt Metal Bar

Babbitt Metal Bar

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Description
Babbitt metal is an alloy suitable for use on bearing surfaces. The name refers to Isaac Babbitt (1799-1863), a goldsmith from Taunton, Mass., who developed an anti-friction alloy in 1839. The inscriptions on the front of this metal bar read “SYRACUSE SMELTING WORKS / MANGANESE / BABBITT / NEW YORK CITY” and “MADE IN AMERICA.” That on the back reads “ALLOWED UNDER / STANLEY PROCESS.” The Syracuse Smelting Works advertised “METALS AND BABBITS” in 1917, and registered the Indian with feather headdress trademark (as found here) the following year.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
babbitt metal bar
Measurements
overall: 11/16 in x 8 3/4 in x 2 1/8 in; 1.74625 cm x 22.225 cm x 5.3975 cm
ID Number
1984.0621.005
catalog number
1984.0621.005
accession number
1984.0621
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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