2197

Civil War-era Spy Telegraph Set

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Civil War-era Spy Telegraph Set

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Auction Date:2023 May 18 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : 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
Scarce circa 1860s lineman's pocket telegraph set, as used by spies during the Civil War. Measuring just 5″ x 2.25″ x 1.25″ 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, a 1.5″ strap telegraph key, and a tiny shorting switch; both the key and the switch have ivory knobs. The device is not marked by its maker.