Punch Press, c.1880
Stiles and Parker Press Company
Middletown, Connecticut
The Stiles and Parker Press Company was in business in Middletown, Connecticut from 1871-1892. Their extensive operations produced drop hammers, presses, dies and other tools for the manufacture of sheet metal goods, drop forgings, etc. In 1892, the company moved to Brooklyn, NY.
A punch press was used to "punch out" watch parts from various types of flat stock materials used in watchmaking: brass, steel, copper, etc. Each punch press utilized various interchangeable sub-presses that contained specific dies for the parts being made. Plates, bridges, clicks, wheels, blanks, hands, and other flat parts were all made using this method. After being punched out, the parts were then ready for subsequent machining, finishing and polishing operations. Most of the punch presses used in the Waltham factory were manufactured on site. However, others, like the Stiles and Parker shown here, were purchased by Waltham from outside tool manufactures.
Purchased with Museum Acquisition Funds
1997.46.2