Case Containing Sample Cables Evaluated for the First Transatlantic Telegraph, circa 1858

01

Artifact Overview

Richard Atwood Glass and George Elliot created Glass, Elliot and Company to produce wire for the first transatlantic submarine communication cable of 1858. The company produced 1250 miles of cable for the first transatlantic cable, establishing international, near-instant, same-day communication and information sharing. These samples were possibly used to demonstrate the wire's capabilities.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Sample

Date Made

circa 1858

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2024.181.2

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)
Leather
Cloth

Color

Gray (Color)
Gold (Color)
Brown
Blue

Dimensions

Height: 2 in (Case)
Width: 13.5 in (Case)
Length: 11 in (Case)

Inscriptions

on metal plate on lid: R. A. Glass, Esq. / THE ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH / Specimens of the various component / PARTS OF THE CABLE / FEBY. 1858. on paper key inside lid: CONTENTS / I. Copper Wire... ... Seven of which form the Electrical Conductor. / [... ] XV. Single Wire... ... of ditto,