J.H. Bunnell & Co. Antique Telegraph Relay, Circa 1890.

Antique telegraphic relay made by the famous firm J.H. Bunnell & Company, manufactured in New York circa 1890. The relay stands out for its fine old-time design, with natural and black-lacquered solid wooden base and golden brass component parts. All these parts are original from the time and boast the lovely patina provided by the trace of time and use. The mechanisms design is also very attractive. The relay works fine and is the perfect piece to decorate any stance or corner. Relays are electromagnetic devices used to amplify electrical signals in a telegraphic line: with the help of a battery, relays generated stronger sound signals from the weaker signals received from the telegraph line. The relay was invented by Joseph Henry in 1835. The one that we can see in the photographs bears a metal plate that bears an engraved inscription with the manufacturers name and location as well as the devices electrical resistance, 150 Ohms. The black-lacquered bases finish is in amazing condition, and the natural wooden plank on top of it is also very well preserved. This antique telegraphic relay is a collectors piece worthy of inclusion in a museum of technology. Measurements: Width: 8.2 in / 21 cm. Depth: 5 in / 13 cm.History of J. H. Bunnell & Company J.H. Bunnell & Company was founded in 1878 bt Jesse Bunnell, a former field telegrapher for President Abraham Lincoln during the United States Civil War. In 1879 Bunnell hired Charles McLaughlin as a partner and left him in charge of sales and administration; he would be in charge of manufacturing and innovations. In 1881 Bunnell got the patent for his steel lever key, so successful that is still in keys in these days. Bunnell died in 1899 when he was only 56; after his death, McLaughlin took over the company. The business grew and branched, and started to make electrical devices and components (as well as the original telegraphic supplies). Today the company is still active and enjoys a solid reputation as one of the major, high quality telegraph equipment manufacturers of the world.