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Treasures of Time: Curated Art, Antiquity, and Eclectic Collectibles Closed (#15475206)

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Samuel Morse 'First Ever Transmitted Message'

  Lot # J568
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Lot # J568
System ID # 15534131
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Description

Samuel Morse 'First Ever Transmitted Message'

 

A Framed collection of items related to Samuel Morse and the first message sent by telegraph. The contents include:

  1. A portrait of Samuel Morse.
  2. Two schematic diagrams of the telegraph apparatus.
  3. A note which is stated to be the first message sent from Washington to Baltimore by telegraph. The note gives credit to Annie G. Ellsworth for dictating the message.
  4. Several pieces of paper tape with punched holes, which represent the telegraph code for the first message.

The handwritten note and the tape are key historical artifacts from the beginning of the telecommunications era. The message, "What hath God wrought," taken from the Bible, signifies the wonder of this technological breakthrough. The entire set is professionally mounted and framed, intended for display.

On the 24th of May, 1844, Samuel Morse sent his first telegram marking the beginning of the telecommunications revolution. When decoded, this paper tape recording of the historic message transmitted by Samuel F. B. Morse reads, "What hath God wrought?" Morse sent it from the Supreme Court room in the U.S. Capitol in Washington to his assistant, Alfred Vail, in Baltimore. Morse's early system produced a paper copy with raised dots and dashes, which were translated later by an operator. Across the top of this artifact Morse has given credit to Annie Ellsworth, the young daughter of a good friend, for suggesting the message he sent. She found it in the Bible, Numbers 23:23.

  • The note reads:
    "This sentence was written from Washington by me at the Baltimore Terminus at 8h 45 min. A.M. on Friday May 24th, 1844, being the first ever transmitted from Washington to Baltimore by Telegraph and was indited by my much loved friend Annie G. Ellsworth. Sam'l F.B. Morse. Superintendent of Elec Mag. Telegraphs."

  • A Telegraph Tape Reading: "What hath God Wrought?"

Condition:
Good, Debris Behind Glass

Size:
12.75" X 18.75"