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Bridge deck telegraph
Bridge deck telegraph

Bridge deck telegraph

Maker
Date1938
Object number00007891
NameBridge telegraph
MediumBrass
DimensionsOverall: 1240 x 300 x 300 mm, 34 kg
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA bridge deck telegraph made by Mechans Limited in Scotland. It is a single face, single lever seven command telegraph with no mechanism or pointer for engine room reply.HistoryThe telegraph on board ship was used as a communicating device to transfer orders of change in speed or direction from the bridge to the engine control room. By moving the handle to a new directive, a bell would be rung in the engine room to advise of a new order. The engine room, once alerted to a change in orders, replies by an answering pointer that lets the bridge know that the required action has been taken.SignificanceBefore electrical controls and communication were common place on ships, the telegraph was the primary form of communication between the bridge and the engine room. A simple yet finely tuned system, it was highly reliable and universally understood.