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.
Cable laid for the 1858 transatlantic telegraph line
Description
Two souvenir lengths (1896.02.1 and 1901.03.1)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 1896.02.1 sample has 3/8" wide bands. The 1901.03.1 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 (1901.03.1) has allowed cable strands to unravel somewhat. Cable sections are tied together with white cotton string.
Object ID
1901.03.1
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
