Telegraph Key and Sounder

Name/Title

Telegraph Key and Sounder

Entry/Object ID

2024.8.1.a-b

Scope and Content

Item is an antique telegraph key and sounder. The two parts of the item are separate, each with a base made of both wood and metal. The telegraph key (a), which was used as an on-off switch to send electrical signals through a wire, has a metal knob and adjustment screws, and the painted black buzzer is labeled “D. H. E. CO.” The telegraph sounder (b), which was a device used to interpret the incoming electrical signals as Morse Code, is no longer connected by wires to the key and is made of metal and fabric components. Based on similar models, this item was most likely manufactured during the 1920-30s, but the exact date isn’t certain. There are corroded wires on the underside of each base, and the words “500 HMS” are carved into the base of the sounder.

Lexicon

Nomenclature 4.0

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Key, Telegraph

Nomenclature Secondary Object Term

Sounder, Telegraph

Nomenclature Primary Object Term

Telegraph

Nomenclature Sub-Class

Telecommunication Devices

Nomenclature Class

Telecommunication T&E

Nomenclature Category

Category 06: Tools & Equipment for Communication

Archive Details

Date(s) of Creation

circa 1920 - circa 1930