O'Reilly, Samuel F.

Inventor, Artist
Father of the Modern Tattoo Machine
Written by Claude Sonnet, Saturday, November 02, 2024
Samuel F. O'Reilly
Samuel F. O'Reilly (1854-1909) was an American tattoo artist and inventor who revolutionized the tattoo industry by patenting the first electric tattoo machine in 1891.  His invention laid the foundation for modern tattooing techniques and equipment.


Early Life and Career
Born in Waterbury, in 1854, O'Reilly began his career as a tattoo artist in New York City during the late 1870s.   He honed his skills using traditional hand-poking methods, which were time-consuming and often painful for clients.


The Invention of the Electric Tattoo Machine
In 1891, O'Reilly patented his groundbreaking invention: an electric tattoo machine.  This device was based on Thomas Edison's electric pen, which was designed for autographic printing.  O'Reilly modified Edison's design by:
​
  1. Adding an ink reservoir
  2. Adjusting the tube assembly to accommodate tattoo needles
  3. Modifying the machine's functionality for tattooing purposes

His patent, US Patent #464,801, was filed on July 16, 1891, and granted on December 8, 1891.


Impact on the Tattoo Industry
O'Reilly's invention dramatically transformed the tattoo industry:
  • Increased efficiency: Artists could work faster and more precisely
  • Reduced pain: The machine's rapid needle movement made the process less painful
  • Improved consistency: It allowed for more uniform ink application
  • Expanded artistic possibilities: The machine enabled more intricate designs and shading techniques

​
Professional Life and Reputation
O'Reilly operated a tattoo shop in New York City's Chatham Square, which became a hub for tattoo enthusiasts and artists.  He was known for his skillful work and innovative approach to tattooing.  His clients included members of European nobility and wealthy Americans.

LegacySamuel F. O'Reilly's contributions to the tattoo industry were significant:
  • His invention became the basis for modern tattoo machines
  • He trained several prominent tattoo artists, including Charles Wagner, who later patented his own tattoo machine design
  • O'Reilly's work helped elevate tattooing from a marginalized practice to a respected art form

Samuel F. O'Reilly passed away in 1909, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of tattooing.  His electric tattoo machine paved the way for the growth and evolution of the tattoo industry, earning him the title "The Father of the Modern Tattoo Machine."


On Display

O'Reilly's invention has been on display in such places as the New York Historical Society (from February to April 2017), and the Smithsonian Institute.
About this article

Special thanks: The writing of this article was inspired by WaterburyLife.com reader Robert Mazzella.


​Sources Used:
  1. ThoughtCo - History of the Tattoo Machine https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-tattoo-machine-1991695
  2. Wikipedia - Samuel O'Reilly https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_O%27Reilly
  3. Tattoo Archive - Samuel O'Reilly https://www.tattooarchive.com/history/oreilly_samuel.php
  4. Widow Tattoo - Tattoo Pioneers: Samuel O'Reilly https://www.widowtattoo.com/blog/tattoo-pioneers-samuel-oreilly

Potential Additional Resources:
  1. Smithsonian Magazine - "Tattoo: An Illustrated History" https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoo-illustrated-history-180960198/
  2. Google Patents - O'Reilly's original patent https://patents.google.com/patent/US464801
  3. The New York Historical Society - "Tattooed New York" exhibition https://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/tattooed-new-york
  4. National Park Service - "The Electric Tattooing Machine" https://www.nps.gov/edis/learn/kidsyouth/the-electric-tattooing-machine.htm
  5. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - "The history of tattooing and its spread in medicine" https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(06)02263-0/fulltext
  6. Tattoo: Secrets of a Strange Art by Albert Parry (1933) - A historical book that may contain information about O'Reilly
  7. The Tattoo History Source Book by Steve Gilbert - Comprehensive tattoo history that likely includes information on O'Reilly
  8. "Tattoos in American Visual Culture" by Mindy Fenske - Academic book that may provide context for O'Reilly's era
  9. "Bodies of Subversion: A Secret History of Women and Tattoo" by Margot Mifflin - May provide additional context about tattooing in O'Reilly's time
  10. The Thomas Edison Papers at Rutgers University - Might contain information about the electric pen that inspired O'Reilly https://edison.rutgers.edu/

These additional resources could provide more in-depth information, historical context, and potentially new perspectives on Samuel F. O'Reilly and the development of the electric tattoo machine.
Get Cash Back On Whatever You Buy
CBD for Man's Best Friends
Protect All of Your Data, on Every Device
Self-Service Life Insurance Quotes
Readings by Triton

Self-Service Pet Insurance Quote