Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
The Phillips Code
Artifact IDMO 2002.2.4
Object Type
Book
Author
Walter Polk Phillips
(American journalist and inventor, 1846-1920)
Editor
E. E. Bruckner
Publisher
Telegraph & Telephone Age
(American publication, founded 1883)
Dateca. 1923-1925
Mediumpaper, ink, pencil
Dimensionsclosed H 6 5/8 in x W 3 3/8 in (16.8 cm x 8.6 cm )
open H 6 5/8 in x W 6 7/8 in (16.8 cm x 17.5 cm )
open H 6 5/8 in x W 6 7/8 in (16.8 cm x 17.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small, hardcover copy of the book, "The Philipps Code," undated but believed to be either the 1923 or 1925 edition. The 64-page book has black covers with the title embossed on the front. Several pages are missing from the front of the book, including the title page with the date and publication information. A handwritten ink inscription on the front flyleaf reads: E Stuart Davis / 104 Blodgett / Manchester, N.H.
Edited and forwarded by E. E. Bruckner, the book contains the revised telegraphic shorthand code devised by Walter P. Philipps in 1879, as well as various information regarding code. Written in pencil at the top of page 51: PRR PR - ROOSEVELT. Various other coded words have also been added to the tops of other pages and on the last page.
Historical NoteThis code book, along with a portable telegraph set (see MO 2002.2.1) and a telegraph key (see MO 2002.2.2), was used by Dr. Stuart Davis, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's special communications man. Davis regularly accompanied FDR when he traveled during the early years of the presidency and used the book and telegraph set to establish communications along the way.Edited and forwarded by E. E. Bruckner, the book contains the revised telegraphic shorthand code devised by Walter P. Philipps in 1879, as well as various information regarding code. Written in pencil at the top of page 51: PRR PR - ROOSEVELT. Various other coded words have also been added to the tops of other pages and on the last page.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum as a bequest of Richard S. Loveland in 2001.
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Richard S. Loveland
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
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