CMS:Early Telephone History Display
The Early Telephone History Display is the first display visitors see on the third floor of the Connections Museum. It contains a working bidirectional telegraph as well as several replicas of early telephones.
Telegraph display
Western Electric No. 21A
The Western Electric No. 21A is a bidirectional single wire telegraph. It features No. 3C sounders which amplify the signals on each side with hollow brass mounts. The tin cans mounted to the sounders were there when the telegraph was acquired by the museum. Tin cans would often be used to further amplify telegraph sounds in addition to the sounders.
Les's Typewriter
This typewriter belonged to Les Anderson, a museum volunteer
Omnigraph Automatic Transmitter
This is an automatic telegraph transmitter from 1903 which can send Morse code messages. It was used to train new telegraph operators as well as to increase the speed of established operators. The Omnigraph was used by the US Government as well as universities and schools. Prices would range from $2.50 to $18.00 (equivalent to $85 to $610 in 2023) depending on the model.
Other sounders
Early phone replicas
Gallows transmitter
This replica of the Gallows transmitter is from a Bell commemoration.
Liquid transmitter
This replica of Alexander Graham Bell's liquid transmitter is from ??