telegraph relay
Date1890-1920
Inventory Number1997-1-0609
ClassificationRelay
Subject
Maker
American
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions9.5 × 14.3 × 8.1 cm (3 3/4 × 5 5/8 × 3 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionTelegraph apparatus mounted on a rectangular wooden base. Two binding posts stand at the back end of base. Most of the base is covered by a rectangular metal plate. On the plate are two cylinders (an electromagnet) with wires coiled around them. The cylinders are connected on top by a metal bar, another metal bar crossing it perpendicularly. There are two arches on either side of the cylinders, each with a bar running through the middle. There is a hook hanging down from the bar that runs through the back arch, to which a spring is attached. The spring extends into an adjustment knob fastened to a screw, the screw running into metal post with another adjustment knob on the other end. The entire apparatus is made of a silver-colored, unpolished metal.
Signedunsigned
FunctionTelegraphic relays could be used to regulate the flow of current between other telegraphic instruments and switchboards. In chemistry, it could have been used in experiments in which electric current had to be opened and shut down easily.
ProvenanceFrom the Department of Chemistry, Harvard University.
U.S. Electrical Supplies
Date: 1910-1920
Object number: 1997-1-0578
Western Electric Company
Date: 1900-1920
Object number: 1997-1-0589
Western Electric Company
Date: 1900-1920
Object number: 1997-1-0590
