Telefunken Variometer, Used at Tuckerton Wireless Station, 1912-1916

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Artifact Overview

This radio equipment was used at the German-built Tuckerton Wireless Station in New Jersey. A powerful 820-foot antenna communicated with an identical station in Germany. National security concerns during WWI led to the seizure of Tuckerton by the U.S. government in 1917. It is cited to be the origin of information leaks leading to the RMS Lusitania disaster through U-boat attack.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Radio tuner

Date Made

1912-1916

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

40.9.14

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Bakelite (TM)
Copper alloy
Ceramic (Material)
Glass (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 26 in
Width: 19 in
Length: 29 in