Matthias W. Baldwin


Permanent ID:
4726
Image Description:
Portrait of Matthias W. Baldwin, engraved by John Sartain. Baldwin (1795-1866) was an American inventor, manufacturer of steam locomotives, and founder of the Baldwin Locomotive Works. Born in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, he began an apprenticeship in Frankford, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to learn jewelry making in 1811. In 1819 he devised and patented a method for gold-plating that became the industry standard. In 1825, Baldwin and a machinist partner began the manufacture of bookbinders' tools and cylinders for calico printing. When a purchased steam engine proved unsatisfactory, Baldwin built an engine of his own design. He built his first steam locomotive in 1831. Baldwin's first full sized locomotive, called Old Ironsides, was completed in November 1832.
                      
HSP holds a collection of Baldwin Locomotive Works Records (Collection #1485).
Format:
Engravings
Dimensions:
Width: 12.7 cm, Height: 18.6 cm (image)