Bright's bell telegraph, 1855

Made:
1855 in England
maker:
Charles Tilston Bright
and
Charles Tilston Bright
and
Bright's bell telegraph by Bright Bright's bell telegraph by Bright Bright's bell telegraph by Bright

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Bright's bell telegraph by Bright
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bright's bell telegraph by Bright
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bright's bell telegraph by Bright
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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