Eugene Hunt Exhibit

Eugene Hunt had a real knack for working with machines. As an engine turner, he created a variety of intricate engravings on cuff links, lockets, tie clasps, cigarette lighters, and larger items such as plates. Hunt completed work for the H.F. Barrows company in North Attleboro—eventually starting his own company in his own backyard in Attleboro.

His business, the Eugene Hunt Machine Turning Company, was successful and his experience of jobbing for larger companies (including Barrows and Tiffany and Co.) was common at the time.

After Hunt passed away in the late 1990s, his family generously gave the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum his whole workshop. Hunt’s family still visits the museum to this day and continues to add items and photos to our collection. In the exhibit, you’ll find documents, designs, tools, and finished products used and produced by Hunt. You’ll also find several machines used in his workshop.

Here is some more information about a couple of the machines you’ll find in the Eugene Hunt Gallery.

Hand Powered Shaper

Shapers operated by moving a hardened cutting tool backwards and forwards across the piece. On the return stroke, the ram of the tool is lifted clear—meaning the cutting action is only in one direction. Today, shapers have been replaced by milling and grinding machines.

Hand-Powered Brocading Machine

Hand-powered brocading machines are used to decorate jewelry items using straight lines. One of the main machines in our exhibit is set up specifically to decorate lockets. Operators would sit at the machine—decorating hundreds or thousands of jewelry pieces using only their muscle power! Another of our brocading machines still works today and adds a radial design to circular pieces of metal.