Title
Hebern Electric Code Machine
Catalog Number
102743692
Type
Physical object
Description
Per Ralph Simpson of the Cipher History Museum (San Jose, CA) on 2016-May-09: "This is a rare first example of an electric rotor cipher machine, originally invented by Edward Hebern in 1917. This object represents Hebern's second model, which used a lamp display (like an ENIGMA machine) and the code must be written down. It includes a single rotor to transpose the letters. The casing is hand-etched brass with a nice patina. The clear plastic base includes a 'pocket' or 'notch' to allow for a 9 volt battery to operate the unit. The base was almost certainly added at a later time (Hebern would not have created such a base from these materials or for this purpose).Cosmetically, the unit is in very good condition but does not mechanically function at the present time."
Date
1920-1923 ca.
Manufacturer
Hebern Electric Code Company
Identifying Numbers
| Serial number |
10 |
On the top of the machine, above the code wheel |
Dimensions
overall: 5 in x 8 1/2 in x 7 1/2 in
Category
Pre-computer/other
Credit
A Gift of the Chamberlain Family in honor of William J. Mitchel, Jr.
