Display baseboard with metal plaque for portion of first underground cable laid in London, 1844-1923

Display baseboard with metal plaque for portion of first underground cable laid in London, unknown maker, London, England, 1844-1923.

This cable is presented on a wooden board with a commemorative plaque which reads 'Specimen of the FIRST PIECE OF UNDERGROUND WORK laid in the streets of LONDON. In the year 1844'. It contains nine copper wires of varying diameters. This type of cable was patented by William Cooke in 1840, and was intended for laying through tunnels or under bridges.

Details

Category:
Telecommunications
Object Number:
1923-239 Pt2
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) and wood (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall (Pt1 and Pt2): 25 mm x 190 mm x 50 mm, .24 kg
type:
stand
credit:
Donated by the Institution of Electrical Engineers