Cable laid for the 1858 transatlantic telegraph line
Description
Two souvenir lengths (1896.2.1 and 1901.3.1) of the cable laid for the 1858 transatlantic telegraph line. Each cable consists of multiple strands of steel wire twisted together into a bundle of various layers. A central core of 7 wires is wrapped by a dense material which in turn is encircled by a sheath of insulating material. A final outer sheath is formed of multiple twisted wires and spiraling along its length.
Each cable length is bound at each end with brass bands. The 1896.2.1 sample has 3/8" wide bands. The 1901.3.1 cable has a narrow, rounded band at one end and a very thin ring binding opposite end.
After initial telegraph transmission Aug. 16, 1858, Queen Victoria then sent a message to president James Buchanan.
Both cables rusted, one more than the other. Some soil. Cable with thin wire ring at end (1901.3.1) has allowed cable strands to unravel somewhat. Cable sections are tied together with white cotton string.
Object ID
1896.02.1
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Hanging balance scales with two brass dishes. Attached tag: "Miss Emma H. Ranck". Listed in original accession notes as "Assayers Scales" used specifically for weighing metals.
Submarine cable set. Hinged leather box with peaked lid. Gold line along top edge. Octagonal silver plate: 'The Hon.^ble James Buchanan (Old English) President of the United States. (Italic) The Atlantic Telegraph. Specimens of the various component parts to the making of the Trans-Atlantic cable.
Box: 11.437' x 13.937' Lid: 0.937' x 2.0' Cable lengths: 12'
Condition
Fair
Condition Date
1991-03-26
Condition Notes
Cable samples range in order from 1-15. Missing cables 1, 2, 13, and 15.
Object ID
W.1962.004.001
Notes
Cable set presented to President James Buchanan showcasing various types of cables used in the making of the Trans-Atlantic cable. Queen Victoria was presented with a similar set to commemorate the first Trans-Atlantic cable sent from Queen Victoria to President James Buchanan on August 16, 1858.
Copper teakettle with round body, gooseneck spout, very low domed lid w/ scrolled knob of sheet copper riveted onto lid with a hand-cut washer added under lid, suggesting repair or replacement. Curved handle hinges onto tapered plinth tab bases with two rivets each. Vertical dove-tailed side seam opposite single-seamed spout. Dove-tailed bottom.
Touchmark on top of handle is "R..REED." within a rectangular reserve with serrated ends.
Made by Robert Reed, working in Lancaster 1771-1779, then 1785-1795.
Provenance
Purchased by Heritage Center from Philip Bradley Antiques
Transferred from Heritage Center to LancasterHistory.org December, 2012.
Tax assessment lists Robert Reed 1786-1793.
Kauffman, Henry J. American Copper and Brass. New York: Bonanza, 1979.
Coppersmith info from Shelley Horvath Posten (dau. of Don Horvath), 2009
Copper dented and scratched overall, polish residue at handle hinges. Side handle break repaired with sheet iron patch secured to outside with two iron rivets. Knob appears to be a repair or a replacement.
Object ID
P.80.131
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation,
Copper Teakettle has large 7-quart round body, domed lid with brass button knob attached to a metal base visible inside. Goose-neck spout. One vertical dove-tailed seam opposite spout, straight seam along top of spout and short seam underneath. Dove-tailed bottom. Arched handle hinged at chordal sector tab bases with three rivets each.
Maker's mark on top center of handle within serrated rectangular reserve: "7 JOHN.GETZ 7"
Made by John Getz (working 1801-1840).
Provenance
See 2009 materials sent by Shelley Horvath Poston (dau. of Don Horvath).
Copper has many dents and scratches. Significant 3 1/2" series of dents down the side opposite the spout and one under lid finial. Heavily soldered repair joint at base of spout.
Object ID
P.80.115
Place of Origin
Lancaster
Credit
Heritage Center Collection. Purchased through the generosity of the James Hale Steinman Foundation
