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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Telegraph Key
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Telegraph Key

Artifact IDMO 2002.2.2
Object Type Key, Telegraph
Maker (American communication products company, founded 1905)
Dateca. 1921
Mediummetal, paint, plastic, fabric
Dimensionsoverall H 3 1/4 in x W 8 in x D 3 in (8.3 cm x 20.3 cm x 7.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Vibroplex side-to-side semi-automatic telegraph key, or "bug," serial No. 81580, ca. 1921. The key has a circuit closer, cord, and wedge. Mounted on the surface of the key's platform is a brass manufacturer's label for the Vibroplex Company, Inc., 828 Broadway, New York.
Historical NoteThis telegraph key, along with a portable telegraph set (MO 2002.2.1) and a code book (MO 2002.2.4), was used by Dr. E. 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 equipment to establish communications along the way.
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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