Bright's bell telegraph, 1855
Bright's bell telegraph, unknown maker, England, 1855.
This is the earliest form of acoustic telegraph instrument used in Britain. It was invented by Charles Bright, and used by the British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph Company. Two bells of different tones produce a code by means of sound. This meant that operators did not have to watch closely for the movements of needles. This type of instrument was soon made obsolete by the Morse telegraph sounder.
Details
- Category:
- Telecommunications
- Object Number:
- 1876-1286
- Materials:
- wood (unidentified), plastic (unidentified), copper (alloy), metal (unknown), paxolin and velvet
- Measurements:
-
overall: 375 mm x 380 mm x 255 mm, 5.72 kg
- type:
- telegraph
- credit:
- Donated by HM Postmaster General