Name/Title
Key, TelegraphEntry/Object ID
8055aDescription
Telegraphic Key and Sounder. Material: metal. Size: 1 3/4" W. x 5" L. Description: metal base - two brass connectors at top - leaf spring on lever - knobbed switch attached to base - engraved on switch: "A.B. Lyman Cleveland OH."Context
Morse telegraph instrument purchased from the estate of Byersdorf. Mr. Byersdorf was in charge of the Western Union Telegraph office located in Maplewood Park in 1880's & 90's. The key and sounder were mounted on a black board as if for display. Items removed from this board 8-21-2008. This item is used for landline telegraphy. A.B. Lyman made keys from 1876 to 1880. This particular model was called the A.B. Lyman Steel Lever Key. Lyman advertised it as "The Most Perfect Key in the World." It has a unique construction among telegraph keys, with two metal straps meeting on the lever and acting as the spring. It is remotely reminiscent of the mechanism on Steiner keys. The Lyman Steel Lever Key sold for $1! Dan Swenson removed item from museum to repair, 8-20-2008. "Repair record 20 Aug 2008, Dan Swenson cleaned ground terminal, discarded pieces of brittle washer, replaced with modern steel split-washer on underside. Cleaned insulated terminal, discarded pieces of brittle washers, replaced with modern insulating washers topside and underside. Rusted steel bolt was too short, replaced with longer modern brass bolt and toothed washer. Topside washer was missing. Tested continuity for proper function." Item returned to collection.Cataloged By
Legacy Photo ImportLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Key, TelegraphNomenclature Primary Object Term
TelegraphNomenclature Sub-Class
Telecommunication DevicesNomenclature Class
Telecommunication T&ENomenclature Category
Category 06: Tools & Equipment for CommunicationCreate Date
August 21, 2008Update Date
November 21, 2024