This really interesting working model looks to have been made around 1860-70 and depicts in slight variation Samuel Morse’s famous first telegraph receiver/ register of 1837. Like this example his first attempt used a pencil to mark the incoming Morse line but this blunted quickly, so was replaced quite quickly by a needle that could pierce the paper instead. This early model has been scratch built from pine, boxwood, brass and iron and is offered in lovely original paint and very untouched condition.
While this piece is of a similar size and form to a patent model (and the former owner wondered if it may be), I suspect instead it was created as a well built educational model possibly to instruct new telegraph users. As mentioned this model basically follows Morse’s classic machine but has mounted the tape reel on the top (rather than separately) and omits all the gearing for a simple handle.
As this has been very carefully made there is no reason why this little model should not work and it does look like it has had slight use, but being a simple wooden model it would not have held up under much strenuous testing. There are a few old woodworm holes to the boxwood rollers, but these look long inactive.
While mass produced 19th Century telegraph equipment is quite common, it is naturally unusual to find an early model such as this (especially with almost folk art charm) that depicts Morse’s ground-breaking machine.
This would look good on display.
Dimensions:31 cm long x 13 cm wide x 19cm high
