telegraph relay
Date: late 19th-early 20th Century
Inventory Number: 1997-1-0593
Classification: Telegraph Relay
Subject:
Maker: Western Electric Company (1881 - 1995)
User: Western Union Company (1851-present)
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
9.2 × 23 × 12.8 cm (3 5/8 × 9 1/16 × 5 1/16 in.)
Description:
A telegraphic relay on a wooden base, mounted on a metal plaque. The relay consists of a pair of electrical coils encased in brass cylinders, mounted parallel to a wooden base. A tensioning knob with thumb screw adjustment is mounted at one end of the cylinders, and a second tensioning assembly with a spindle and thumb screw adjustment knob is mounted at the other end of the base. The string or wire and short spring connecting this knob to the relay is broken, though a bit of string remains wound around the spindle. A brass, horseshoe-shaped arm with tensioning thumb screws is positioned at the relay connection point.
The base has four brass binding posts, with knurled-edge adjustment screws.
The cylinders are attached by brass fittings to the base. The base is mounted on a metal surround with beveled edges, and is attached by six screws on the reverse side. The beveled surround has two tabs with openings for mounting screws.
The base has four brass binding posts, with knurled-edge adjustment screws.
The cylinders are attached by brass fittings to the base. The base is mounted on a metal surround with beveled edges, and is attached by six screws on the reverse side. The beveled surround has two tabs with openings for mounting screws.
Signedon plaque on top of wooden base: WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY; on plaque on bottom: WU TEL. CO. / MADE BY W.E. CO.
Inscribedcarved on base: 150 Ohms;
carved on bottom of base: 37 1/2;
carved on bottom of base: 37 1/2;
FunctionTelegraphic relay, for conveying telegraphic signals.
Curatorial Remarks150 Ohms (scratched out) CX carved on base 37 1/2 carved on bottom of base.