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Object Timeline

1953

  • Work on this object began.

1970

1994

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2015

2017

2018

2024

  • You found it!

T-86 Round Thermostat

This is a Thermostat. It was designed by Henry Dreyfuss and from the office of Henry Dreyfuss Associates and manufactured by Honeywell, Inc.. It is dated 1953 and we acquired it in 1994. Its medium is metal, 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..

  • Model 500 Telephone
  • molded plastic, metal, rubber.
  • Transfer from Exhibitions Department.
  • 2009-50-1-a/c

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

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; Designed by Henry Dreyfuss (American, 1904–1972); Office of Henry Dreyfuss Associates (United States); Manufactured by Honeywell, Inc. (United States); USA; metal, 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.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18648793/ |title=T-86 Round Thermostat |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>