Sections of Atlantic Telegraph Cable (3)

1858

Place madeUnited States, North America

Steel, brass

Each (section): 1/2 x 3 3/4 in. (1.3 x 9.5 cm)

INV.7914a-c

The Atlantic Telegraph Cable, laid in 1858, was the first telegraph cable between the United States and Great Britain. The project, undertaken by the New York, Newfoundland and London Telegraph Company, was initiated by New Yorker Cyrus W. Field (1819-1892). A letter from Cyrus Field accompanying these cable sections states that he has sold the balance of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable to Messrs. Tiffany & Co., and that the sections are genuine.

DescriptionThree sections of the Atlantic Cable; each consisting of bundled steel wire with brass mounts on each end and an impressed brass band around the center reading: "ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE /...GUARANTEED BY... / TIFFANY & CO. / BROADWAY NEW YORK 1858"

MarkingsImpressed on brass band: "ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE /...GUARANTEED BY... / TIFFANY & CO / BROADWAY NEW YORK 1858"

ClassificationsHISTORIC RELICS