telegraph recording key
Datecirca 1888
Inventory NumberDW0093
ClassificationTelegraph Key
Subject
Maker
Eugène Deschiens
1866 - 1894
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions29 × 18.7 × 17.5 cm (11 7/16 × 7 3/8 × 6 7/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionA mechanical spring-operated recording telegraph key, for receiving and recording telegraphic signals. The instrument is made of brass and is mounted on a square, four-footed wooden base.
The instrument includes a rectangular case, positioned along one edge of the base, which houses the clockwork-driven winding mechanism. A flat winding key protrudes horizontally from the case. On the top edge of the case is a brass reel which holds a roll of 1/2" paper tape for recording telegraphic transmissions.
Rollers and guides are mounted along the side of the case, and provide a pathway to guide paper from the reel to a position under the head of a telegraph key mounted on the base. The key is designed to mark and cut the paper tape, recording telegraphic transmissions.
The instrument includes a rectangular case, positioned along one edge of the base, which houses the clockwork-driven winding mechanism. A flat winding key protrudes horizontally from the case. On the top edge of the case is a brass reel which holds a roll of 1/2" paper tape for recording telegraphic transmissions.
Rollers and guides are mounted along the side of the case, and provide a pathway to guide paper from the reel to a position under the head of a telegraph key mounted on the base. The key is designed to mark and cut the paper tape, recording telegraphic transmissions.
Signedengraved on case: 123 Bould. St. Michel / E. DESCHIENS / PARIS
FunctionMechanical device for sending, receiving and recording telegraphic transmisions.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Roux-Devillas Paris, March 29, 1966 (lot 4/59).
Laboratoire de Physique, Faculté Libre de Lille
Date: circa 1885
Object number: DW0092
American
Date: circa 1901
Accessories: watchcase receiver
Object number: 1990-1-0001
French
Date: circa 1895
Accessories: key, metal rod with sphere at one end
Object number: DW0097
Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: circa 1980
Object number: 1998-1-1042
