Dome-shaped, matte gold plastic housing surrounding circular thermometer with clear plastic dial. Dark brown callibration numbers on upper portion of thermometer.

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Object Timeline

1953	Work on this object began.
1970	We photographed this object. We photographed this object.
1994	We acquired this object.
2013	This was an Object of the Day.
2015	We photographed this object.
2017	We photographed this object. We photographed this object.
2018	We exhibited this object.
2021	You found it!

T-86 Round Thermostat, 1953

This is a Thermostat. It was designed by Henry Dreyfuss and manufactured by Honeywell, Inc.. It is dated 1953 and we acquired it in 1994. Its medium is metal, molded plastic. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

In 1953, Honeywell introduced its first round thermostat – seen here – to replace its bulky, rectangular model. The new design, created by renowned industrial designer Dreyfuss, functioned similarly to popular radio dials, resulting in the innovative use of a familiar mechanic that consumers could readily use. This model thermostat is still in production today, and is used in more households around the world than any other model.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled The round thermostat.

This object was donated by Honeywell, Inc.. It is credited Gift of Honeywell Inc..

Round, footed alarm clock. White face with brown numbers framed by off-white border, rimmed with brass. Foot with central brass plate showing Henry Dreyfuss signature.

Big Ben Chime Alarm Clock, ca. 1944
enamelled metal, brass, blued steel (hands), printed paper.
Gift of Henry Dreyfuss.
1972-88-185

Black rectangular plastic body with sloping top; circular clear plastic dial in center, surrounded by white numbers 1 to 0, the letters A to Y, and the word "OPERATOR", all arranged in a circle around the dial, their positions corresponding to fingerholes in dial. Barbell-shaped handset of black plastic sits in cradle on top of body; coiled black wire at one end of handset plugs into telephone body.

Model 500 Telephone, Designed 1953, this example ca. 1980
molded plastic, metal, rubber.
Transfer from Exhibitions Department.
2009-50-1-a/c

Large circular face, black when power is off, surrounded by circular, matte stainless steel housing.

Nest Learning Thermostat Thermostat, 2012
forged stainless steel, glass, injection molded plastic, electronic components.
Gift of Nest Labs, Inc..
2013-19-2-a,b

Our curators have highlighted 3 objects that are related to this one.

White conical form oriented on its side, balanced on one side by by a small dark purple ball and on the other by a lozenge-shaped foot; circular face with gray numerals printed around edge; white semicircular dial in center.

On the Dot Kitchen Timer, designed 1993, introduced 1995
molded plastic, metal.
Gift of Tupperware and Morison S. Cousins.
1996-102-1

Drawing, Design for Acratherm Gauge, May 19, 1943
brush and gouache, pen and black ink, graphite on illustration board.
Gift of Honeywell, Inc..
1997-10-7

Drawing, Design for Numerals, ca. 1950
text printed, graphite on white paper.
Gift of Honeywell, Inc..
1997-10-26

Its dimensions are

H x diam.: 4.5 x 8 cm (1 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.)

It has the following markings

Honeywell logo, in dark brown, in center of dial; "Honeywell," in dark brown, on lower portion of dial.

Cite this object as

T-86 Round Thermostat, 1953; Designed by Henry Dreyfuss (American, 1904–1972); USA; metal, molded plastic; H x diam.: 4.5 x 8 cm (1 3/4 x 3 1/8 in.); Gift of Honeywell Inc.; 1994-37-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Bob Greenberg Selects.

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2DzCV/
Accession Number 1994-37-1
Object ID 18648793