Object Details
maker
Mecograph Company
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. A semi-automatic key repeated the Morse code dots rapidly, much like holding down a key on a keyboard for repeated letters. The operator still keyed the dashes but could work much faster. The Mecograph Company created a right-angle semi-automatic telegraph key around 1906. They competed with Horace Martin's Vibroplex Company until Martin purchased Mecograph in 1914.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1908
associated date
1906
ID Number
EM.320012
catalog number
320012
accession number
243907
Object Name
sending key
telegraph key
Other Terms
Radio
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
plastic (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 3 1/8 in x 4 1/4 in x 6 in; 7.9375 cm x 10.795 cm x 15.24 cm
See more items in
Work and Industry: Electricity
Telegraph Keys
Communications
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_705842