Details
Object ID 001887
Object Name Need to identify, "Mystery device"
Object Desc This device was restored using a few parts from I.7.065 to I.7.074, several almost identical dismantled devices. (see notes for details).
Collection French Cable Station Museum
Accession # I.07.065
Alternate ID
General Category History
Category Instrument
Source
Source Category Purchase
Accession Date DEC 30,1971
Credit/Acknowledgement
Location Operators' Room closet
Object Date
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Status In Collection
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Conditions
Events
Date FEB 7,2021
Summary Location changed
Notes Device has been in care of Duane Chase in his family home at Smith Heights cottages in Eastham since summer 2020.
Date FEB 7,2021
Summary Status change
Notes Status changed to Out On Loan from In Collection - automatic entry by admin
Date SEP 4,2021
Summary Location change
Notes Location changed to Operators' Room Closet from On loan - automatic entry by admin
Date SEP 4,2021
Summary Status change
Notes Status changed to In Collection from Out On Loan - automatic entry by admin
Date OCT 5,2022
Summary Location change
Notes Location changed to Operators' room closet from Operators' Room - automatic entry by admin
Provenance
Notes
Date JAN 31,2021
Notes In December of 2019, this device was restored by David Hartford, with approval from Joseph Manas, President of the French Cable Station Museum. Items I.7.065 to I.7.074 were found by David while conducting this inventory /database. He was able to assemble one complete device by borrowing a few parts from the others. He made many attempts internationally, via e-mail to find someone who could make a positive identification as to what function the device performed. He suspected it to be a coding device and contacted several experts in the field of cryptology and telegraphy without success. His notes and diagrams are included in the image files. Update 10/6/2022: David found a schematic drawing of a similar device in Sir Charles Bright's book "Submarine Telegraphs", a copy of which can be found in the museum library. (Illustrations opposite pages 627 /628). The device is described as "Dr. Raymond-Barker's Translation Switch for Cable Circuits". These illustrations can be seen in "images" for this instrument.