Westinghouse "Tomato Can" microphone from station KDKA

Westinghouse "Tomato Can" microphone from station KDKA

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Description
Westinghouse "Tomato Can" microphone from station KDKA. Adaptation of telephone transmitter in suitable mounting, incorporates acoustical equalizer and other minor refinements. Same technical limitations as Cat. No. 311,443. This instrument is the actual instrument used in broadcast of press bulletins of Harding-Cox election returns Nov. 2, 1920, an event sometimes considered as the beginning of broadcasting. Brass can painted black, wire gauze at one end.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
Microphone
Other Terms
Microphone; Audio Devices
Date made
1920
maker
Westinghouse Electric Corporation
Measurements
on stand: 17 in x 8 in; 43.18 cm x 20.32 cm
mic only: 5 in x 5 in; 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm
ID Number
EM.311444
catalog number
311444
accession number
148157
Credit Line
from National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
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Work and Industry: Electricity
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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