Electric Tattoo Machine History: O’Reilly, Patents, and the Evolution of Tattoo Technology
The history of the electric tattoo machine begins with Samuel O’Reilly, who was granted a patent for the device on December 8, 1891. However, few realize that O’Reilly’s patent was surrounded by controversy and legal disputes. O’Reilly’s electric tattoo machine borrowed elements from Thomas Edison’s electric pen (patented in 1876), William Bonwill’s dental plugger (patented in 1873 and 1875), and Augustus Carey’s autographic pen (1884). In fact, William Bonwill and G.F. Green—who received patents for handheld electromagnetic instruments in the mid-1870s—are often credited with developing the earliest devices similar to today’s reciprocating coil tattoo machines. These innovations laid the groundwork for modern tattoo technology and shaped the future of tattooing.
O’Reilly’s first two patent applications were denied: the first due to too many similarities with Carey’s patent, and the second because of overlapping parts with a sewing machine patent. After multiple revisions and adjustments to his design, O’Reilly’s electric tattoo machine patent was finally approved, marking a pivotal moment in tattoo history and technology.
Elmer Getchell, who was O’Reilly’s partner at their New York Bowery tattoo shop until a falling out split them apart, became involved in a patent infringement lawsuit. The case was dropped when expert witnesses planned to testify that O’Reilly’s device was largely a repurposed version of Edison’s electric pen. Interestingly, Getchell’s tattoo machine is more similar to the tattoo machines still in use today. It wasn’t until 1904—13 years after O’Reilly’s patent—that Charlie Wagner was issued the next major patent for a tattoo device, continuing the evolution of tattoo technology.
Are they inventors or innovators? @jdcrowetattoos #tattoomachines #electricpen #dentalplugger