Artifax Books

Landline and Railroad Telegraph Instruments For Sale

All items are subject to prior sale, so e-mail me before paying to check that what you are interested in is still available, to confirm shipping cost, or to ask questions. In the winter we may be out west in our trailer and might not have your item with us (although we can place a hold on an item to reserve it for you). Our email address is

We accept US payment by paypal.com (made to any of our email addresses), by money order, or by personal check with your shipping address imprinted on it. Foreign payment may be made by paypal or by international postal money order. If you pay by mail, let me know and I will hold your item for you.

Shipping costs are not cumulative. If you are interested in different items, I will provide shipping cost. Some small items will ship with a bug at no added cost. But others may be best shipped separately; for example, it is cheaper to ship a few knobs (first class mail) separate from a book (media mail) since knobs cannot be included with media mail.

Instruments and apparatus on this page are listed as follows:
-- Parts
-- Key-on-base (KOB) combination sets
-- Sounders, repeaters, transmitters
-- Relays
-- Call boxes and Gill selectors
-- Switchboards and lightning arresters
-- Resonators
-- Meters, signs and Miscellaneous

The instruments shown here have been electrically tested but not cleaned. Some users will prefer the patina of age, while others will want to polish the brass and wood. I leave the choice to the buyer. Most instruments are tested and working, and are guaranteed to work if used at the recommended voltage. A few instruments may not have passed my brief electrical check and if so are offered "as is" at a reduced price.

On photos I am recently uploading, you will be able to click on the small photo for a larger version (as well as clicking on the links to the second, third photos etc).

Relay Springs. These universal relay springs are 1-1/2 inches long (excluding the pigtails) and are made of fine wire with light tension. They work well with the larger main line relays, box relays, and Barclay relays. As is, they are too long for pony (small) relays. Of course they can be shortened, and if their tension is too high they can be stretched to reduce it. You can use them as is with fixed tension, or tie a thread to one end to be wound by the relay windlass for adjusting tension.
Spring on a relay.

$3.00 for two. (S/H = $2.00 -- no extra shipping charge if ordered with any key parts shown on this page)

Read this page for information on using a sounder.

#608TTT Western Electric KOB set.
This scarce KOB includes a Steiner key and a post-type sounder. The unusual Steiner keys have a leaf spring for tension. On the sounder, the "anvil" for the lever screw is a vertical post, separate from the stop standard. Stamped on the side of the key is "W.E.Co., New York, pat'd Dec. 21, 1886." (We have other Steiner hand keys available on this page.

The lock screw for the key gap adjusting nut is missing, as is the sounder tension screw (tension can be adjusted by stretching the spring). The sounder spring is a replacement. The wood base as well as the brass parts do need a good cleaning, or it can be left as is for a vintage look in a railroad depot or line office display. The set has been electrically tested and works: it operates well on 3 volts DC.
Another view. ... Another view. ... Date on key.

$245.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#208OGR Bunnell miniature KOB.
A few years ago the Bunnell Company produced a limited edition of its "centennial issue" miniature telegraph keys, sounders and KOBs. They were a reproduction of its miniature instruments made in the early 1900s.

Here is one of the little KOB sets. The base measures just 1-1/8 x 2-1/2 inches. This is a real working instrument. The sounder is 150 ohms, and works on 9 volts maximum (I tested this on on 6 volts, which I recommend). Its two-digit serial number can be seen on the sounder (the key SN is on the bottom of the key).

This comes complete with its original velvet pouch, certificate of authenticity, and information sheet. Another view.

$745.00 (S&H=$7.00)

#497BPG Bunnell box relay KOB.
This is a box relay in combination with a key. It has the old-style wire terminals and the vintage Bunnell bow-tie nameplate which is stamped 150 ohms. The key is marked "patented Feb 15 1881." I have replaced the missing original string-and-spring from the windlass to the relay armature with a replacement spring. The wood finish has dulled from age and would benefit from polishing; it is otherwise in excellent condition, tested and working (10 - 12 volts). Third photo. Fourth photo.

$350.00 (S&H=$16.00)

Warning: On box relays such as the above, there is a large adjusting nut on the box which moves the magnets closer to, or away from, the relay armature. Backing this nut out should allow the magnets to move closer to the armature (and turning it in should move the magnet poles away from the armature). But if this nut has become stiff or stuck on the adjusting screw, backing it out might cause the adjusting screw to turn counter-clockwise and unscrew from the magnet assembly inside the box. This would cause the magnet assembly to fall inside the box, and you would have to dis-assemble the box to repair it.

If this happens to your box relay, open it up and re-attach the magnet assembly to the screw. Here's how: Remove the far ends of the three wires which come out of the box from the base (you may have to remove two wire terminals to do this). Straighten the three wires perpendicular to the base. Below the box, remove two machine screws (which fasten the adjusting screw holder) and two small wood screws (which hold the box to the base). The box is now loose; push the three wires up through their base holes as you raise the box from the base, being careful not to disconnect two of the three heavy wires from the fine magnet wires they connect to. Now repair: Put the adjusting screw pressure spring back on, and when you re-attach the adjusting screw to the magnet assembly, use a drop of Loktite. Reverse the procedure to re-asemble. (These details pertain to most Bunnell box relays; yours may be slightly different.)

#RAT109 Bunnell Barclay KOB.
An excellent KOB set with a Barclay sounder. The key is marked Bunnell, the top of the wooden base is stamped "35 ohms," and the bottom of the base is stamped "repaired by J.H. Bunnell Co." (somewhat scratched out). Tested and working (6 volts). Third photo.

SOLD

#RAT108 Bunnell Barclay KOB.
Here is a Bunnell Barclay KOB set worthy of a little clean-up and restoration. The key is marked Bunnell, and there is a metal Bunnell name tag on the base marked with the coil resistance (150 ohms). The key is missing the circuit closing lever and a small nail is missing from one side of the name tag. The sounder spring should be replaced. The coils are good, tested and working (6 volts). Third photo.
$295.00 (S&H=$16.00)

#904TRO P.O. & G. Co. lineman's set. This is commonly called a lineman's pocket set. This instrument is marked Western Electric Co. on the key lever. The cover, coil and knob are stamped PO&GCo which is thought to be Pacific Oil and Gas Company; this is likely, as I aquired it out of California. Such sets date from the late 1800s; they are scarce and a fine addition to any telegraph collection. This one is especially desireable with the PO&G provenance. This is in good condition: the coils are good and there is only one tiny chip in the cover edge (photo 3). The sounder return spring is missing, and the small screw that holds the key gap anvil is missing; both parts are hardware store items. Second photo. Third photo. $1,595.00 (S&H=$16.00)

#0407RAT MESCO KOB set.

The key and the sounder are both stamped with the Manhattan Electric "MESCO" in an oval. A nice vintage set with oval-based key, brown Bakelite coil covers, an a brass resonator plate under the sounder. "20 ohms" is stamped under the wooden base. Quite dirty, some light corrosion, and the sounder spring screw is missing its top. Tested (at 5 volts DC) and working. Another view.

SOLD

#OLY-402 Partrick and Carter KOB set.

An early, rare and highly collectible key/sounder combination set. Most parts of the key and the sounder are cast iron. The circuit closer on the step-lever key is stamped with the maker's name. Decoratively painted on the base of the horizontal-spring sounder is "patented Feby 16 1875." This is in very good condition, complete and original, and works well on about 3 - 6 volts DC. An impressive instrument for your working landline display. Second photo.

SOLD

Read this page for information on using a sounder.

#408CTA Bunnell Tel & Elec Co sounder. Click on photo for a larger view.

A scarce Bunnell Telegraph and Electrical Company sounder. This company was in operation for only four years; for its history, see this page. The lever is marked Bunell Tel. & Elec. Co., New Yorkm USA, and the brass resonator plate is stamped Pat May 7 1895. There is also the scarce Pat Noc 20 1883 stamp n the upper arch of the pivot frame.
One of the coil covers has a large chip missing (on the inside where it can't be seen), and one of the three conical brass feet is missing. Otherwise complete and original. Tested on 3 VDC and working. A fine addition to your Bunnell collection.
Another view ... Lever and plate ... pivot frame

$149.00 (S/H=$10.00)

#W806DLT Western Electric sounder. Click on photo for a larger view.

A beautiful Western Electric resonator base sounder. All of the brass parts are chrome plated, including the little "Western E;ectric Company" nameplate. The wood base is stamped 20 ohms and underneath with the number 12521. There is a small (1/8") spot of corrosion in the chrome on the resonator plate, and a smiilarly small spot of white paint on the wood base. One of the nicest professional sounders I have been able to offer. Tested (on 3 VDC) and working.
Another view

$149.00 (S/H=$10.00)

#B506COT Early Bunnell sounder.
This scarce, early sounder uses a "push" spring under the pivot frame to hold the brass main lever up. The lever is stamped with the Bunnell name, and the brass baseplate is stamped "patented feb 16 1875."
The wood base is stamped W.U. TEL. CO (Western Union Telegraph). The upper part of the stand holding the "up" stop screw is slightly bent (this does not affect its operation), and the spring should be stretched or a slightly longer spring installed. Tested and works on 1-1/2 volts. Another view.

SOLD

#607DOY Early Bunnell sounder.
This early sounder uses a "push" spring under the pivot frame to hold the brass main lever up. The lever is not stamped with a name, however brass baseplate is stamped with the Bunnell patent date "patented feb 16 1875." The plain wood base is stamped "20" (ohms coil resistance).
Early style thumbscrew wire terminals and beautiful all brass construction. One pivot jam nut is an incorrect replacement. Tested and works on 1-1/2 volts. Another view.

$95.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#208BEH unusual large Bunnell sounder.

To compensate for the effects of wet weather, main line sounders often employ a device to adjust the sensitivity of the magnets without re-adjusting the gap screws of the lever. This sounder employs a geared drive to vary the position of the flux connector bar under the coils. Marked Bunnell on the lever and stamped 120 (ohms) on the base. Tested and works well on 8 - 12 volts. Dusty, and shows age.
Mechanism. Another view.
$149.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#408BTA Bunnell resonator base sounder. Click on photo for a larger view.

The aluminum ever is stamped with the Bunnell name, the brass resonator plate is stamped "pat may 7 1895," and the wood base is stamped with "4 ohms." The brass parts have been somewhat cleaned, while the wood base has a nice vintage coloration. The spring tension screw is slightly bent (this does not affect its operation). Tested (on 3 VDC) and working.

$70.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#B806CBX Bunnell / W.U. "quad" repeating sounder.

This sounder has the stop standard insulated from the resonator plate and includes relay contact terminals. This "giant pattern sounder with rigid points" was 1917 part no. 507. Unusually well marked. The top of the wood base is stamped "4 ohms," "repeating sounder 2A," "W.U.T.Co." One stamp on the bottom (among others) indicates it went through Western Union's New York Repair Shop in 1927. Good condition, nice old-style terminals, tested and works (3 volts DC). Another view. Bottom. $89.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#407RAT 20-ohm old style sounder. Click on photo for a larger view.

I could find no name on this instrument. An aluminum-lever sounder, it is stamped "20 ohms" underneath the wood base. Note the large, vintage wire terminals, the "feet" which are an integral part of the brass resonator plate, and the unusual "ears" on the frame where the lever pivot screws are located. A nice old sounder, tested (on 3 VDC) and working.

$85.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#1206JC32 large Bunnell / Postal Telegraph sounder.

All brass with a brass resonator plate, this is a large, impressive sounder made by Bunnell and marked with "POSTAL TEL. CO." stamped in the wooden base. The coils measure 150 ohms. A nice, big sounder with the scarce Postal background, tested and working.

SOLD $85.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#S604CEP MESCO nickel plated sounder.

This is a 20 ohm sounder in working condition with good coils. Marked MESCO on the lever. large old style wire terminals. One coild cover top is chipped, cover is cracked (reason for the wire wrap). Upper stop screw mount slightly bent. Plated sounders are quite scarce. Could use a cleaning. $95.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#S904BEY Western Union 1-B sounder.

This sounder was made by Bunnell (marked on the lever) for Western Union (metal nameplate). It has two, 200 ohm coils which may be wired in series for 400 ohms (operates at 30 ma) or in parallel for 100 ohms (operates at 60 ma). Tested, both coils good, and working. $80.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#1206JC31 Western Union 1-B sounder.

This sounder was made by Karas Electric Co. (marked on the lever) for Western Union (metal nameplate). It has two, 200 ohm coils which may be wired in series for 400 ohms (operates at 30 ma) or in parallel for 100 ohms (operates at 60 ma). Tested (10 VDC, coils in series) and working. $75.00 (S/H=$9.00)

#S0105BGH Western Union 17-A sounder.

This is a large, heavy main line sounder. The wood base is stamped "W. U. Tel. Co., main line sounder 17-A, 120 ohms" and has a WUTCO inspection stamp underneath. This sounder was made by Bunnell (stamped on the lever). Note the double resonating base plate. The height of the coils (and armature gap) are adjusted by the large knob and mechanism. Big and heavy: While typical local sounders weigh about 1-1/4 pounds and stand 3-1/2" high, this huge sounder weighs almost 2-1/2 pounds and stands 4-1/2" high. Tested and works on 7-1/2 volts. An impressive main line sounder. $149.00 (S/H=$10.00)

#SWE15B Sounder model 15-B.

This is a main line sounder model 15-B, 30 ohms, made for Western Union Telegraph Company (W.U.Tel.Co. as stamped on the wood base). Also stamped on the wood base is "main line sounder 15-B 30 ohms." Stamped on the lever is the maker's name, "Western Electric Co., patent app'd for." There are old Western Union inspection stamps on the bottom of the wood base ("NYRS" for New York Repair Shop), one is in ink and the other (1927) is embossed. This is a large sounder having the lever cross-bar and coil pole pieces oriented at an angle; the adjuster lever on the resonator plate moves the coils in and out and provides a convenient adjustment for the spacing of the bar and pole pieces. All the metal parts (but for the steel cross bar) are unplated brass. The cold covers are Bakelite. Complete, original, works on about 6 volts DC (actual working rating for this 30 ohm sounder is about 150 ma). Very good condition, dirty with brass patina, adjusting lever needs light oil. This is an impressive and sharp looking, operational sounder. $140.00 (s/h = $9.00)

#S1004BOY Western Union 15-C Ghegan sounder.

Western Union model 15-C mail line sounder, 100 ohms. This scarce model was made by Bunnell; the resonator plate is stamped "Ghegan patent, July 16 1901" noting the invention of Bunnell's prolific technician, John Ghegan (in 1903, Ghegan would become the president of the company). Probably the easiest sounder to adjust -- the tension is set with the lower control knob and the magnet bar gap is set by raising or lowering the pivot support with the upper knob. A large, heavy (2 pounds) and impressive all brass sounder -- even the coil covers are brass. Tested and working. There is corrosion on the wire terminals which must be cleaned for good electrical contact, and the brass parts are oxidized (some has been cleaned off). The coils are a bit loose on their mounts but are in no danger of coming off. Second photo. $149.00 (S&H=$10.00)

#S804BGR Sounder by National Electric.

The brass lever is stamped "Nat. Elec. Mfg. Co., 14 & 16 Vesey St. NY." This scarce maker from the nineteenth century was the successor to the New Haven CLock Company line of sounders. It has a horizontal lever spring, a delicately curved anvil, and large wire terminals. The wood base measures 3-1/4 x 5-3/4 inches. This sounder has been cleaned and polished to a bright finish. The 4-ohm coils work well on one battery (1.5 volts). Condition: Excellent; there is a very slight tilt to the "up" stop screw. This is one of the earliest, prettiest and most interesting sounders we've offered for a long time.

SOLD

#x07 tubular frame sounder.

No markings but this is the Western Electric style tubular frame sounder. Old style, fancy wood base measures 3-1/8 x 5-1/2 inches. Large wire terminals, heavy cast brass resonator base plate. 4 ohms. $115. (S&H = $9.00)

Telegraph relays use a small spring holding the armature, connected with thread to the adjuster. If yours is missing, click here to see the hook-up.

#0406BTP Rare Bunnell Ghegan relay. Unusual Bunnell relay on slate over cast iron base. This measures about 3-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches. The brass plate on the slate is an early style "J.H. Bunnell & Co. N.Y." plate. The brass plate on the brass box over the coils identifies this as a Ghegan Relay.
I don't know the specs on this, but a similar Ghegan relay is described in a Bunnell ad on page 87 of the June 1924 issue of QST; it is apparently a high-speed radio telegraph receiving relay operating on 1/2 to 2 ma. (and it sold for $40 back then!).
Other than the replaced spring, this appears original and complete. It does need restoration, both cosmetically and to repair one of the coil-to-terminal wires (not operable as is, and I cannot check coil continuity). An interesting and rare addition to your collection.
Second photo. Third photo. $145.00 (S/H=$10.00)

#RW525BLY Western Electric no. 22A relay. The base is slate over cast iron. This relay has a switch to open the contact circuit. Stamped on the coil pole-piece is "Western Electric, patd July 21 1903, made in USA." Engraved on the slate is No. 22 A, 100 ohms." Very good original condition and complete except for the spring. $120.00 (S&H = $12.00)

A call box (shown at right) was mounted on the wall of a business office. When the businessman wanted a Western Union (or Postal Telegraph) boy to come pick up a message to be sent by telegram, he'd turn and release the crank on his call box. This would generate a series of pulses (usually a two or three digit code). At the telegraph office, many selectors (Gill selectors) were connected to the wire. A selector is like a relay with a gear escapement matched to a certain series of pulses. The pulses received over the wire from the office call box would trip a specific Gill selector, closing a set of contacts and lighting a lamp or otherwise indicating the origin of the call. The telegram boy would them know which office to go to. We occasionally have call boxes and selectors offered here.

#097CEG U.S. Electric Co. gill selector.
A scarce gill selector from the United States Electric Company, with the name and "pat Dec 15 '08" cast into the top pf the glass cover. The porcelain base measures about 3-1/2 x 6 inches. It is in excellent condition, and the coils check out with continuity. (I do not know the operatng voltage.) Top casting.
$145.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#208BLG HALL gill selector.
Here is a nice find to complete yourWestern Union telegraph system. The porcelain base is about 4 x 6 inches. Cast into the glass cover is "Gill selector, Hall Switch and Signal Co." Inside is a maintenace record form with one entry dated 1960; the bottom has several inspection stamsp, including from the WU New York Repair Shop (NYRS).
The glass cover is chipped at two bottom corners (see photos); the coils show good continuity (50 ohms each, a jumper presently on the center terminals connects them in series). casting in glass. ... side view. ... maintenance record.
$115.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#0505CLG Western Union 6B Call Box.
Metal oval deep blue porcelain finished cover, red knob, white porcelain base. The base is about 3-1/2 x 6 inches. The mechanism was made by T.A. Edison inc. The code wheel is 5-4. Western Union inspection stamp on bottom. Very good condition, tiny white paint speckles on upper sides (will clean up), no chips. Second photo.
$120.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#307BGE Western Union 6B Call Box.
Metal oval deep blue porcelain finished cover, black knob, white porcelain base. The base is about 3-1/2 x 6 inches. The mechanism was made by Hammarlund. The code wheel is 3-1-4. Western Union inspection stamp on bottom. Very good condition; chipping around lower cover screw, excellent porcelain base. Second photo. Third photo.
$110.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#W906DEP Western Union 6B Call Box.
Metal oval deep blue porcelain finished cover, black knob, white porcelain base. The base is about 3-1/2 x 6 inches. The mechanism was made by T.A. Edison inc. The code wheel is 3-5-1. Western Union inspection stamp on bottom. Chipped around cover screws and on right edge (see third photo), otherwise it is in good condition. Second photo. Third photo.
$75.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#C606BRT Western Union 4B Call Box.
This old-style call box has a metal oval deep blue porcelain finished cover on a large white porcelain base. It has exposed front terminals and the old-style crank knob. The base is about 3-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches. The mechanism, made by Hammarlund, has code wheel #22, and it works. The cover is in excellent condition, as is the base. Second photo.
$145. (S/H = $9.00)

#WU907BRH Western Union 4B Call Box.
This old-style call box has a metal oval deep blue porcelain finished cover on a large white porcelain base. It has exposed front terminals and the old-style crank knob. The base is about 3-1/2 x 6-1/2 inches. The mechanism, made by Hammarlund, has code wheel #115, and it works. The face of the cover is in excellent condition with "Western Union" undamaged and nicely readable, though there is a large scrape on the left side, and a couple of chips at the lower end of the base. Second photo.
$120. (S/H = $9.00)

#0405BHO Postal Telegraph / Western Union call plate.
This heavy, cast brass plate measures about 5 x 7-1/2 inches. It has the names of the Postal Telegraph and Western Union, as well as the arms of the state flag of Pennsylvania. This is a faceplate for two callboxes, used to call the company of your choice. Rare.
$225.00 (s/H = $9.50)

#WU907COA Western Union / Postal Telegraph call plate.
A heavy brass plate made to hold a Postal and a WU callbox. The customer could select the company of his choice to pick up his message to be telegraphed. This 6 x 7-3/4 inch plate has been made into a desk pen-holder set using brass fittings, with padded feet underneath. Nice desk item to use as is, or it can easlily be reverted back to its original purpose. Rare. Second photo.
$225.00 (S/H = $9.50)

A telegraph line is a single wire, with the earth used as the ground return. A station or depot has two wires entering the station (commonly called "east" and "west" lines). They would first be tied to a lightning arrester for station and instrument protection, and from the arrester to a switchboard.

At left is a lightning arrester. The east and west lines connect to the top outer terminals; note the saw-teeth on these plates, to encourage high voltage (lightning or static) to jump to the center plate, which is grounded. The local circuit (to a key and sounder, or key and relay) connects to the lower terminals. Inserting the brass peg in the bottom hole joins the lines and cuts out (bypasses) the local circuit. The top outer holes are used to ground one side of the line or the other for test purposes. The peg is put in the top center hole when not used.

At right above is a single-line switchboard (sometimes called a pegboard, or button switch). Two pegs are required to connect (or cut in) the wires to a set of local instruments (relay, key, sounder). Alternatively, one peg (usually placed at the top of the board) is required to ground one side of the line for fault test purposes. One peg (usually placed at the bottom of the board) is required to connect the wires together and thus cut out the station; some older boards require two pegs to cut out. (The station can be cut out either on the arrester or on the switchboard.) Since only one of these actions is done at a time, the minimum number of pegs required for a board is two times the number of lines it handles.

The arrester and pegboard aboard above are not for sale; the ones we have for sale are shown below.

#PEGS Switchboard pegs.
These are modern pegs. They have the usual brass pin; the knob is a dark-tinted plastic. The tapered pin will fit a 3/16 to just under 1/4 inch hole nicely. Click here to see the pins in a Bunnell switchboard.
Sold in pairs at $7.00/pr. (S&H=$2.00 any quantity; inquire before ordering.)

#SB0104TAG MESCO two-line telegraph switchboard.
This is a two-line switchboard, with a plate style lightning arrester. The MESCO logo is stamped at the center of the lightning arrester plate. The style of the local circuit wire connectors (see second photo) suggests that it is relatively early. This measures 8-1/4 inches high x 7 wide (plus the extended mounting feet) and comes complete with its four original cross-cut pegs. Very good condition, clean; there is light tarnish on the brass parts, and a little spotting on the wood. Second photo.
$245. (S&H=$8.00)

#B806TTT Bunnell-Western Union three-line telegraph switchboard.
This is a three-line switchboard, with a plate style lightning arrester. The Bunnell name is stamped at the center of the lightning arrester plate, and "W.U.T.Co." is stamped into the wood at the upper right. The style of the local circuit wire terminals (see second photo) suggests that it is relatively early. This measures 8-3/4 inches high x 9 inches wide (plus the extended mounting feet). This comes with a full set of six cross-cut pegs with unusual tops. Good condition; there is a heavy patina on all of the brass. Pegs and terminals.
$295.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#SB0405TOT Western Electric switchboard.
A four-line switchboard made by the pre-eminent telegraph equipment company. Boards larger than three-line are hard to find since they were only used in larger railroad depots. This measures 10-3/4 inches wide x 10 inches high (plus the extended mounting feet). The wire terminals are classic old-style. It has a plate lightning arrester, and is complete with its eight original split-point pegs. It is in very good condition; the brass has a dark patina and the wood is rubbed and age toned. Name Local terminals

SOLD

#B1106TRGT Bunnell five-line telegraph switchboard.
This is a rare five-line switchboard, with a plate style lightning arrester. The Bunnell name is stamped at the center of the lightning arrester plate. The style of the local circuit wire terminals (see second photo) suggests that it is relatively early. This large board measures 12 inches high x 12-1/2 inches wide (plus the extended mounting feet). The wood (which appears to be hard maple) has been stripped, but not refinished (the back was left unstripped). The brass strips and terminals have been cleaned. The pegs (a full set of ten) are modern.
Pegs and terminals. ... Back side.
$445.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#0596COY Western Electric table resonator and sounder.
Western Electric table resonator with a Western Electric model 3B sounder, 20 ohms. The resonator has the WE decal on the back, and the sounder is marked on the lever and the wooden base. This sounder also has the "silencer" clip. Tested and works, dusty and needs cleaning.

SOLD

#x501 Gray 3-arm resonator.
Some companies painted their equipment their "standard" color. I am told this is "Western Electric Gray". It has the usual White Co. cast-iron parts. Good condition, shows age, use and wear. Needs wiring. Second photo. Sounder not included.
$250. (UPS S&H = $12.00)

#x503 NOS 3-arm Bunnell resonator..
This 3-arm "new old stock" resonator came out of the U.S. Signal Corps just the way it went in, without seeing any use! White Co. cast-iron arms, metal Bunnell nameplate on the box ("manufactured by J.H. Bunnell & Co."). The only sign of military involvement is the red stamp on the base. It is fully wired and includes the sounder bolts. If you seek museum quality in your telegraph display, here it is! Second photo.
$395. (UPS S&H = $12.00)

#RESCORD Resonator wire.
I don't know what wire Western Union and the railroads used to hook up their telegraph tables, but here is something that would look good. This is a length of vintage yellow-green cloth covered twisted pair wire. This new-old-stock wire predates WWII, is in good condition, and fits the arms and eyes of the White resonator arms. Of course, it could also be used as hook-up wire for a key - sounder - relay set.
A 47" length of twisted pair, long enough for a two or three arm resonator, is $8.00 (S&H = $2.00)

#508COG J.H. Bunnell battery jar.
A glass screw-top type jar or bottle standing about 8" high. Cast into the glass is "J.H. Bunnell & Co., N.Y." The top of the rim has been ground to a flat surface.
Although I could not find it in my old Bunnell catalog, this is a Grenet-type battery jar dating from the late 1800s; compare the Novelty Electrical Company battery jar shown on this page.
It is a rare item; in twenty years of collecting telegraph apparatus, this is the first Bunnell Grenet-type jar I have seen. It is in very good condition, with no chips or cracks.

Close-up.

$195.00 (S&H = $9.50)

#208CCH Telegraph glue strip moistener.
When telegrams were received on a paper-strip printer, the operator would cut the strip into appropriate lengths, moisten the glue on the back with this instrument, and apply the strips to the telegrapm form.
The plastic water container is about 5-1/4 inches long. This set includes three metal caps: two Western Union caps (marked WU TEL CO) of different styles, and one Postal Telegraph cap (marked POSTAL). It also includes a green plastic "finger cutter" (worn on the operator's finger and used to quickly and efficiently cut the strips into lengths) marked Western Union.
This rare set is unusually complete, and in very good condition.
Close-up photo. $89.00 (S&H = $6.00)

#WUCHAIR Western Union operator's chair.

Several years ago, the North Station terminal of the Boston and Maine Railroad was renovated (along with the entire Boston Garden sports arena). I was fortunate to be able to acquire several items from the telegraph office - which included this Western Union telegraph operator's chair. I have only seen one other in thirty years of collecting.

This rare item could be the final touch to completing your railroad or WUTCo office display. Good used condition.

Second photo. ... Stamp under seat. ... Another view.

$975.00 ... Pick up in Stow Mass., or I can deliver to Nearfest in NH; inquire re shipping.

#WU907CGG Western Union table lamp stand.
Western Union seems to have all of their office equipment specially made, and marked with their name. Here is a WUTCO operating table lamp stand. This is small: 6" tall not including the bulb, and any shade you care to put in it. The base has three screw holes, and cast into it is "W. U. TEL. CO. LAMP STD 6A."

If Western Union is your collecting specialty, don't overlook this rare item.

Second photo. ... Third photo.

$175.00 (S&H = $9.50), bulb not included.

#0605TRT Early Western Union telegram.. 1857 Western Union telegram. Western Union was formed, as this form says, by a "consolidation of the House, Morse, O'Reilly, Wade, Speed and Cornell telegraph lines." This message was sent just the year after the creation of the giant telegraph company. It is dated April 9, 1857, years before the completion of the first transcontinental line (1861). It was sent from Columbus and received at Mt. Vernon. A similar, and only slightly earlier, telegram is shown in Oslin's The Story of Telecommunications (p. 81). An early, scarce and historic document. Good condition, edges age toned, stain on right, left side fold open about 2". larger photo. $245.00 (S&H = $5.00)

#OL1204BLP Oliver Visible Typewriter. One of the most identifiable of early telegrapher's "mills" was the Oliver side-key "visible writer." This was advertised extensively to telegraph operators in early twentieth century publications such as the Railroad Telegrapher published by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers (ORT) - see third photo. If you want a scarce, authentic operator's mill for your depot display, here is the Oliver Printype No. 9. The patent plate dates run from October 1894 to June 1913. Each type-bar has three characters - lower case, caps and figures - so there are two shift keys on each side.

This item is original, and complete down to the pencil-holder. The finish and gilt lettering is in very good condition. Needs cleaning and polishing for display, and some repair to be functional (5 of the 28 type-bars stick, the carriage draw spring needs work, etc.)
second photo. third photo.

SOLD

#0305BEE Ticket Office Sign. This is a double faced porcelain-on-metal sign from the old Boston Garden, playground for the Boston Celtics basketball team and the Boston Bruins hockey team. More relavant to railroad collectors, it is also the North Station of the Boston & Maine Railroad. The Garden underwent a complete renovation in the early 1990s, and this sign came from that work. It is double-sided, and 42 x 12 x 2" thick. Has hanger hooks. It shows some wear, age and chips (the photos make it look somewhat better than it is). second photo. third photo. fourth photo. $150.00 (S&H lower 48 states = $26.00)

#0105BPL Western Union sign.
Here is an original, vintage Western Union sign. The color of this large porcelain-coated metal sign is white lettering on deep cobalt blue. It is double sided, measures 30 x 18 inches, and has 14 holes around the edge for mounting (suggest hanging by chain from top holes for view of both sides). Although the edges show chipping damage, the lettered face is in very good condition. The lettering on one side is almost untouched (unusually nice!); the other has a nickel-size chip on the "W" and a smaller chip on the last "N" of "Western." There is a ripple or wave in the bottom edge of the sign.
second photo. ... third photo.

$265.00 (S&H lower 48 states = $22.00)

#208BOA Weston model 264 table meter.
The dial of this meter bears five patent dates, from 1888 to 1901 with "others pending." It is also marked W.U. TEL. CO (Western Union Telegraph) type 1-A. Overall dimensions are 6-1/4 x 4-1/4 x 2-1/2 inches deep. The scale goes +/- 175 milliamperes DC.
The metal case is painted gold (the original color was black) and the nameplate has been polished. This is tested and works (I used the center terminal as common and applied 100 ma first to one outside terminal, then the other).
Nameplate. ... Back.

$129.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#M1204BLL Weston model 264 table meter, 30 ma.
The metal housing of this Weston telegraph "mil-ammeter" measures 6" x 4" x 1-1/2" deep. Made for Western Electric / American Telephone, the scale is marked "A.T.&T. Co." and "W.E. Co. No. 12015." The nameplate includes five patent dates from 1888 to 1901, and "other patents pending." Mounts to table or circuit base-plate with two screws into the bottom (looks like #8/32). This meter has two terminals on the back, and the center-zero scale reads 30-0-30 milliamperes. Very good condition, tested and working.

SOLD

#ALBERT2 Pince Albert tobacco tin. What's a resonator without a Prince Albert tin to modify and further amplify the sound to the operator's liking? These are old (no bar code) tins. All have some damage -- maybe dented (as shown), or faded one side, or a spot of rust -- but will provide a colorful finishing touch on your resonator display. Second photo. $7.50 each, add $3.00 shipping for any quantity.

#ALBERT1 Prince Albert tobacco tin. As above (old style with no bar code), but in excellent condition. $10.00 each, add $3.00 shipping for any quantity

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