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1860s Tillotson Civil War Spy Pocket Telegraph Set

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 2,500.00 USD
1860s Tillotson Civil War Spy Pocket Telegraph Set

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Auction Date:2020 Jul 16 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Hard-to-find circa 1860s Tillotson lineman's pocket telegraph set, as used by spies during the Civil War. Measuring just 5˝ x 2.25˝ x 1.5˝ in its hard rubber case, this is a complete ultra-portable telegraph sending and receiving system. During the Civil War, telegraph operator spies used these to tap into the enemy's communications systems: a bare wire tossed over uninsulated telegraph lines—and grounded with a bayonet—allowed them to intercept messages or send along false intelligence. This diminutive unit features horizontally mounted sounder coils and a 1.5˝ black-knobbed key. Beneath the key, the case it marked: "L. G. Tillotson & Co., 3 Dey St., New York." In fine condition. These were also known as a pocket telegraph machine or cavalryman's portable telegraph key.