Object Details
maker
Electrical Supply Co.
Description (Brief)
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. The message travels as a series of electrical pulses through a wire. The operator pushes the key’s lever down briefly to make a short signal, a dot, or holds the lever down for a moment to make a slightly longer signal, a dash. The sequence of dots and dashes represent letters and numbers. This key has a switch on the side called a circuit-closer that takes the key off-line when not in use.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
from Pennsylvania Railroad Company
date made
ca 1884
ID Number
EM.221143
catalog number
221143
accession number
41460
Object Name
telegraph key
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
brass (overall material)
rubber (overall material)
fiber (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 2 1/2 in x 3 in x 6 in; 6.35 cm x 7.62 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_706532