timer switch
Date: 1890-1915
Inventory Number: 2001-1-0027
Classification: Timer
Subject:
Maker: American
User: Jefferson Physical Laboratory, Harvard University (founded 1884)
User: Wallace C. Sabine (1868 - 1919)
Cultural Region:
City of Use:
Dimensions:
3.8 × 16.7 × 21.7 cm (1 1/2 × 6 9/16 × 8 9/16 in.)
Description:
A six-sided black plate the shape of the top half of a kite. Near each of the two bottom corners is a gray metal binding post. Between them, along the bottom edge is a black plastic plaque bearing the word "TIMER" in white. Fixedly stacked along the top edge of the plate is a black box. On the top of the black box is a round black button with a metal rim. Above the button is another black plastic label bearing the word "RESET" in white.
Mounted on the middle part of the plate is a 0-shaped black base. Atop this, two metal strips are arranged to make a tall cross. On both ends of the cross-bar are black cylinders which are mounted on the 0-shaped base; the cross-bar terminates on each side with a binding post which comes out of the black cylinder. The longer shaft of the cross functions as a kind of lever, so the bottom end can be pushed (it bears a black disc that functions as a button) and the top end will rise.
Mounted on the middle part of the plate is a 0-shaped black base. Atop this, two metal strips are arranged to make a tall cross. On both ends of the cross-bar are black cylinders which are mounted on the 0-shaped base; the cross-bar terminates on each side with a binding post which comes out of the black cylinder. The longer shaft of the cross functions as a kind of lever, so the bottom end can be pushed (it bears a black disc that functions as a button) and the top end will rise.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon plastic plaque on top: RESET
on plastic plaque on bottom: TIMER
on plastic plaque on bottom: TIMER
FunctionTimer switch in the form of a telegraph/knife switch key. The telegraph mechanism was likely salvaged from an earlier instrument. Presumably the user would press down on the button to start and stop timing on a connected clock.
ProvenanceBelieved to have come from Prof. Wallace Sabine's old office in Jefferson 250, Harvard University. Found by Greg Morrow in AV, 5/25/00.