Telegraph Key

Telegraph Key

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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. The exact method of operating this automatic double-current key is unknown at this time. The key may have been used in laboratory experiments at King's College in London investigating submarine telegraph signaling.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
telegraph key
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
brass (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2 1/8 in x 5 3/4 in x 10 5/8 in; 5.3975 cm x 14.605 cm x 26.9875 cm
ID Number
1990.0539.12
catalog number
1990.0539.12
accession number
1990.0539
Credit Line
from University of London King's College, Department of Physics
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Telegraph Keys
Communications
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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