Telegraph sender key and receiver/sounder

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  • Details
  • Description
Date Introduced
1840s
Photographer
Richards, Mark
Dimensions
overall: 1 in x 2 3/4 in x 5 in
Manufacturer
Western Union Telegraph Company
Credit Line
Courtesy of James Wades
Copyright Owner
© Mark Richards
Object ID
500003099

Pressing the key at one end of the wire caused an electromagnet at the far end to energize and click the sounder. The wooden box amplified the sound. Experienced operators could send 20 words a minute.