Communications

WANN Microphone

Tools of communication have transformed American society time and again over the past two centuries. The Museum has preserved many instruments of these changes, from printing presses to personal digital assistants.

The collections include hundreds of artifacts from the printing trade and related fields, including papermaking equipment, wood and metal type collections, bookbinding tools, and typesetting machines. Benjamin Franklin is said to have used one of the printing presses in the collection in 1726.

More than 7,000 objects chart the evolution of electronic communications, including the original telegraph of Samuel Morse and Alexander Graham Bell's early telephones. Radios, televisions, tape recorders, and the tools of the computer age are part of the collections, along with wireless phones and a satellite tracking system.

Topic: Telegraph Keys

Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key. The key automatically produces rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum or springs to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator still makes the dashes manually.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Western Union Corporation
ID Number
EM.331683
accession number
294351
collector/donor number
100-059
catalog number
331683

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The construction of this German key is heavier than most American models used in land-line telegraphy.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The construction of this German key is heavier than most American models used in land-line telegraphy. The telegraph system in Germany was operated by the Deutschen Reichpost (German Post Office) for whom Siemens & Halske made this key.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Siemens & Halske
ID Number
EM.327960
catalog number
327960
accession number
271855

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use. The wooden base was made in the museum to display the key. In operation, the key was mounted to a table using the bolts and wingnuts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Manhattan Electric Supply Co.
ID Number
EM.222131
catalog number
222131
accession number
41948

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator moved the handle back and forth to send the message.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator moved the handle back and forth to send the message. Called a pump-handle key, Charles Shirley, Shirley, a British citizen then living in Brooklyn, NY, patented this design in 1901. The heavy, detachable base gave Shirley a portable key that could be quickly placed in operation without clamps or other mounting hardware.
According to collecting curator George C. Maynard, the operator moved the handle back and forth to send the message. "This key is made for the use of operators who have 'lost their grip', or become afflicted with neurasthenia from long practice in the use of the ordinary Morse key which exercises one set of muscles only. This key enables operators to work with the hand and arm in many positions and thus prevent the strain caused by the ordinary key."
Painted floral design on metal base. Marked on key arm: "Patent no 685 co. (/) New York". Painted on top of base: "Patented (/) Dec. 24. 1901 (/) no. 689,426". Painted of side of base: "twentieth century portable key base (/) Foote, Pierson & Co Sole mfrs. (/) New York". "877" stamped on base near yoke.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1902
maker
Foote, Pierson & Co.
ID Number
EM.222139
catalog number
222139
serial number
877
accession number
42158

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side to select which side of a battery to connect to a line, the positive or negative terminal, and is called a pole-changing key.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Spies Electric Works
ID Number
EM.331428
maker number
1-B
collector/donor number
100-825
accession number
294351
catalog number
331428

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key is a very simple type known as a strap key.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1910
ID Number
EM.333359
maker number
3B
accession number
294351
catalog number
333359

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use. The wooden base was made in the museum to display the key. In operation, the key was mounted to a table using the bolts and wingnuts.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1890
maker
Foote, Pierson & Co.
ID Number
EM.222134
accession number
41949
catalog number
222134

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical switches used to send messages in code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. This British key was designed for use on underwater telegraph cables. Typical telegraph keys turn the current on and off in the line.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical switches used to send messages in code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. This British key was designed for use on underwater telegraph cables. Typical telegraph keys turn the current on and off in the line. This double-current key keeps the battery on the line and reverses the direction of the current flow when the operator presses down on the lever. Setting the small lever to “receive” sends the current to a separate relay instead of through the main section of the key.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1895
maker
Silvertown Telegraph Works
India-rubber, Gutta-percha, and Telegraph Works Company
ID Number
EM.330242
catalog number
330242
accession number
288763

American Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Semi-automatic keys like this "American Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit.
Description (Brief)
Semi-automatic keys like this "American Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
King & Company produced this key under license from a company that worked with Horace Martin, inventor of "Vibroplex" semi-automatic key.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
King & Company
ID Number
1985.0885.01
accession number
1985.0885
catalog number
1985.0885.01
serial number
223

Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key. The key automatically produces rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator still makes the dashes manually. This later Mecograph semi-automatic telegraph key shows a traditional straight-arm design rather than the company's signature right-angle design.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Mecograph Company
ID Number
EM.331902
accession number
294351
catalog number
331902

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key was received disassembled and has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
ID Number
EM.331503
accession number
294351
catalog number
331503

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
EM.331901
accession number
294351
catalog number
331901

Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic key repeated the Morse code dots rapidly, much like holding down a key on a keyboard for repeated letters. The operator still keyed the dashes but could work much faster.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic key repeated the Morse code dots rapidly, much like holding down a key on a keyboard for repeated letters. The operator still keyed the dashes but could work much faster. The Mecograph Company created a right-angle semi-automatic telegraph key around 1906. They competed with Horace Martin's Vibroplex Company until Martin purchased Mecograph in 1914.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
associated date
1906
maker
Mecograph Company
ID Number
EM.320012
catalog number
320012
accession number
243907

Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

Semi-automatic keys like this one automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit.
Description (Brief)
Semi-automatic keys like this one automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
Electric Specialty Manufacturing Company produced this key under license from a company that worked with Horace Martin, inventor of "Vibroplex" semi-automatic key.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Electric Specialty Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1985.0885.02
accession number
1985.0885
catalog number
1985.0885.02

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
maker
Thompson-Levering Co.
ID Number
EM.332378
accession number
294351
catalog number
332378

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use.
date made
ca 1910
ID Number
2013.3040.08
nonaccession number
2013.3040
catalog number
2013.3040.08

Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices. Keys like Martin's "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Martin, Horace G.
ID Number
EM.331630
serial number
11759
collector/donor number
72-14
accession number
294351
catalog number
331630

Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices. Keys like Martin's "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Martin, Horace G.
ID Number
EM.315160
catalog number
315160
accession number
217659

Semi-automatic Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key. The key automatically produces rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator still makes the dashes manually. This key was used by Postal Telegraph operator Bryant W. Fields in the early 1910s.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
EM.331628
accession number
294351
catalog number
331628
collector/donor number
72-21

Wireless Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code and can spark when the circuit opens. This wireless telegraph key features a large disc on the knob to protect against the accidental shock.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code and can spark when the circuit opens. This wireless telegraph key features a large disc on the knob to protect against the accidental shock. Until recently, “wireless” meant radio and early wireless equipment often used high voltages.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L. S. Brach Manufacturing Co.
ID Number
EM.314136
catalog number
314136
accession number
195337

Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices. Keys like Martin's "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Martin, Horace G.
ID Number
EM.331685
accession number
294351
collector/donor number
100-060
catalog number
331685

Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Semi-automatic keys like this "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Semi-automatic keys like this "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key. This key came to the Western Union with its original carrying case.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Vibroplex Company, Inc.
ID Number
EM.331629
serial number
73832
collector/donor number
72-18
accession number
294351
catalog number
331629

Vibroplex Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic telegraph key like this one allows an operator to send land-line and wireless (radio) telegraph messages at a much faster rate than with an ordinary key. The key automatically produces rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator still makes the dashes manually.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1919
maker
Martin, Horace G.
ID Number
EM.325443
catalog number
325443
accession number
252994

Telegraph Key

Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key originally had a switch on the side called a circuit-closer tot take the key off-line when not in use.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
maker
J. H. Bunnell & Co.
ID Number
EM.334738
accession number
311268
catalog number
334738

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