Jones Taximeter, 1903
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The term "taxi" comes from "taximetre" -- the French word for a meter that measures distance and calculates a fare. Invented in 1891, these meters were widely used in European cabs by 1900. This example, designed by Joseph W. Jones and first used in 1903, is believed to be the first taximeter put into public use in the United States.
The term "taxi" comes from "taximetre" -- the French word for a meter that measures distance and calculates a fare. Invented in 1891, these meters were widely used in European cabs by 1900. This example, designed by Joseph W. Jones and first used in 1903, is believed to be the first taximeter put into public use in the United States.
Artifact
Taximeter
Date Made
1902-1903
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
38.3.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Frank C. Reilly.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Color
Black (Color)
White (Color)
Red
Dimensions
Height: 12 in
Width: 7.125 in
Length: 7 in
Inscriptions
On front: TARIFF/NOT/TOTAL FARE/$00.30/EXTRAS-INCLUDED ABOVE/$O.OO/JONES TAXMETER/MF'G BY/JOS.W.JONES./NEW YORK, U.S.A/103 Plaque with taximeter: "THE FIRST AMERICAN TAXIMETER" PRESENTED TO MY FRIEND FRANK C. REILLY BY THE INVENTOR JOSEPH W. JONES DESIGNED IN 1902 - FIRST PUBLIC USE IN 1903 DONATED TO THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM IN 1937
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