Case Containing Sample Cables Evaluated for the First Transatlantic Telegraph, circa 1856

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Artifact Overview

This presentation case contains samples of the first transatlantic submarine communication cable of 1858. The staff of Glass, Elliot and Company possibly used these samples to demonstrate and evaluate the materials that allowed the wires to function. The company produced 1250 miles of cable for the first transatlantic cable, establishing international, near-instant, same-day communication and information sharing.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Sample

Date Made

circa 1856

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2024.181.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of John A. Davidson Jr. in memory of his wife, Judith S. Davidson.

Material

Metal
Wire
Wood (Plant material)
Cloth
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Gray (Color)
Gold (Color)
Brown
Blue

Dimensions

Height: 2.75 in (Case)
Width: 10.5 in (Case)
Length: 7 in (Case)

Inscriptions

on glass plate inside lid: Cables evaluated / in 1856 for / the 1st Atlantic / Telegraph on brass end caps: GLASS, ELLIOT & CO. / CONTRACTORS / LONDON on paper tags: No, 2 / No. 3 / No 5
Case Containing Sample Cables Evaluated for the First Transatlantic Telegraph, circa 1856