National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Mechanical and Civil Engineering Search this
National Museum of American History (U.S.). Division of Work and Industry Search this
Extent:
3.2 Cubic feet (8 boxes)
Type:
Collection descriptions
Archival materials
Leaflets
Blueprints
Correspondence
Pamphlets
Specifications
Photographs
Proposals
Advertisements
Instructional materials
Trade catalogs
Date:
1917-1968
bulk 1925-1954
Summary:
The Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine Company started in 1903 by John F. Lorimer. The company produced diesel engines for a variety of machines, including marine vessels, locomotives, and farm equipment. The collection includes background and historical information on the company, instruction manuals, marketing literature, corporate records, and drawings and photographs.
Scope and Contents note:
These records include information on Atlas's products, and include trade literature, blueprints, advertising, bulletins, specifications, catalogs, operators manuals, proposals, correspondence, photographs, and historical articles on the company and on engines.
Arrangement:
This collection is arranged into five series.
Series 1: History of Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine, 1917-1966
Series 2: User Instructions and Manuals, circa 1920-19522
Series 3: Marketing Literature, circa 1918-1954
Series 4: Corporate Records, circa 1921-1968
Series 5: Drawings and Photographs, circa 1920-1959
Biographical/Historical note:
The Atlas Imperial Diesel Engine Company was an Oakland, California, manufacturer of marine propulsion machinery. The company was founded in 1903 by John Lorimer in San Francisco, California. In 1916 it merged with Imperial Gas Engine Company. The company produced various diesel engines for a variety of uses, including marine vessels, tractors, and locomotives. In 1950, Atlas Imperial was acquired by National Supply Company, however, Atlas Diesels were manufactured up to 1957 at which point the National Supply Company sold their diesel engine division to White Motor Company and was renamed as White Diesel Engine Division.
Provenance:
Collection donated by Ralph S. Lorimer.
Restrictions:
The collection is open for research use. Gloves must be worn when handling unprotected photographs and negatives.
Rights:
Collection items available for reproduction, but the Archives Center makes no guarantees concerning intellectual property rights. Archives Center cost-recovery and use fees may apply when requesting reproductions. Copyright held by the Smithsonian Institution.
