Patent Model of Edison's Automatic Telegraph, 1879

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THF110893 / Patent Model of Edison's Automatic Telegraph, 1879
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Artifact Overview

This patent demonstrated the recording and transmitting of Morse code messages. A cardboard disc was placed on top of a rotating plate with spiral grooves. Indentations were embossed onto the cardboard by a needle powered by an electromagnet. These indents formed a recorded message, which could then be transmitted—without needing an operator—to several stations, saving labor.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Model (Patent)

Date Made

circa 1877

Subject Date

1879

Creators

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

29.1980.1372.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the Edison Pioneers.

Material

Wood (Plant material)
Brass (Alloy)
Steel (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 7 in
Width: 9.5 in
Length: 5.5 in

Keywords
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