Name/Title
Textile Machine Gears/Parts, PatternsEntry/Object ID
2023.14.12Description
Wooden "patterns": same-size wooden replicas of gears and parts in machines used as templates to machine new metal parts if the originals broke or wore out. American Thread Company, Willimantic, CT.Use
Used as templates to machine new metal parts if the originals broke or wore out.Context
Both the Willimantic Linen Company (1854-1898) and its successor the American Thread Company (1898-1985) in Willimantic had their own machine shops where they machined replacement parts using lathes and casts. An example of vertical integration, both the WLC and ATCO -- although purchasing their textile machines from manufacturers like Whitin, Saco-Lowell, etc., attempted to both lower repair costs and speed up the time it took to make repairs by machining new parts themselves. This was a multi-step process. (1) First, ATCO had its engineering department produce detailed diagrams of machines and parts. (2) Then, ATCO had its carpentry department construct exact-size wooden replicas of various machine parts. These wooden replicas were called "patterns." Often, they were stained light brown to indicate that the originals were turned brass or steel, and black to indicate that the originals were cast iron. (3) If an original part broke, a replacement could be machined by using the patterns as models, either by using them to create plaster casts or as templates for turning metal on a lathe.Collection
American Thread Company CollectionMade/Created
Manufacturer
American Thread CompanyTime Period
20th CenturyPlace
Neighborhood
Willimantic, CTCity
Windham, CTContinent
North AmericaRegion
NortheastInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Die MarkTranscription
N356; K534; 794; ATC.6662Material/Technique
WoodLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Tertiary Object Term
Pattern, CastingNomenclature Secondary Object Term
Pattern, MetalworkingNomenclature Primary Object Term
Template, MetalworkingNomenclature Class
Metalworking T&ENomenclature Category
Category 04: Tools & Equipment for MaterialsOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
ATCOOther Number
N356; K534; 794; ATC.6662Location
Location
Room
Dugan Mill Factory Floor ExhibitBuilding
Duagn BuildingCategory
ExhibitDate
May 14, 2023Provenance
Provenance Detail
American Thread CompanyAcquisition Method
Found objectAcquisition Date
circa 1990Outgoing Loans
Notes
New Britain Industrial Museum, returned 3/3/2023Created By
historian@millmuseum.orgCreate Date
May 14, 2023Updated By
historian@millmuseum.orgUpdate Date
May 14, 2023
