Sample of gutta percha insulated cable, 1863-7

Made:
1863-7 in United Kingdom
Sectioned sample of Gutta-percha insulated cable in cast iron

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Sectioned sample of Gutta-percha insulated cable in cast iron
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Sectioned sample of gutta percha insulated cable in cast iron pipe, from Gloucester, unknown maker, British, 1863-1867.

Sectioned sample of gutta percha insulated cable in cast iron pipe, from Gloucester, unknown maker, British, 1863-1867.

This telegraph cable was excavated in Gloucester in 1959, and dates from the mid 1860s. It contains 12 gutta-percha covered copper wires, and is contained within a cast iron conduit with interlocking upper and lower portions. The wire weighed 40 lbs per mile.

Details

Category:
Telecommunications
Object Number:
1970-492
Materials:
copper (metal), gutta-percha and iron
Measurements:
overall: 50 mm x 195 mm x 70 mm, 1.1kg
type:
cable
credit:
Donated by Post Office Telecommunications Headquarters