Images(2)

printing telegraph receiver

Date1880-1890

Inventory Number1997-1-0553

ClassificationTelegraph Receiver

Subject

Maker Jules Mouilleron fl. 1860 - 1890

User Department of Physics, Harvard University founded 1884

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensions31.8 × 30.6 × 17.1 cm (12 1/2 × 12 1/16 × 6 3/4 in.)

Material

Accessorieskey; paper roll

DescriptionPrinting telegraph, mounted on a white, rectangular ivory base. There are three binding posts at the front of the base, for connection to a battery. In front of the binding posts are two thin metal cylinders (electromagnets), connected at the top and bottom by metal plates. The bottom plate is attached to the base and the top plate is attached to a lever that runs to one side of a brass rectangular box with a glass top. There is a power switch on the same side of the box.

A large spool for a paper roll extends out of the other side of the box. The key was used to wind the clockwork mechanism that put the device in motion.

Signedon side: Mouilleron / Bréveté S.G.D.G.

Inscribedon side: No. 2029

Curatorial Remarksinscribed on one side of telegraph: " no. 2029; Mouilleronl; Brevete SGDG" from Jeff Lab 1951

FunctionThis instrument is used for receiving and printing telegraphic messages from distant locations. When a current runs through the battery, it activates the electromagnet, which in turn exerts a force on the metal plate, and thus the lever. The current is turned on and off by the operator of a signaling apparatus connected to the receiving apparatus by wires. The lever makes contact with the paper when the current is on and breaks contact when the current is off, as the paper is fed through the apparatus. In this manner, a Morse code message can be recorded on the paper.

ProvenanceFrom the Department of Physics, Jefferson Laboratory, Harvard University.