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Portable Lifeboat Transmitter Receiver, by Marconi Company, c. 1905

Inventory Number 12924

Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.12924

Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by the Marconi Corporation in 2004.
Primary inscriptions
"MARCONI'S WIRELESS / TELEGRAPH CO. LTD. / NO 48185 LONDON" on brass plaque on upper front exterior surface. "MARCONI'S WIRELESS / TELEGRAPH CO LTD / NO 35905 LONDON" on brass plaque on miniature magnetic detector within interior.
Object type
Radio communication
Dimensions
Height: 440mm Width: 430mm Depth: 360mm
Inventory No
12924
Accession Number
2004-9/110

Description

Portable lifeboat transmitter receiver, in polished teak case containing a sliding aerial coil on square frame above a spark transmitter, jigger, spark trembler coil, battery box and hinged front flap. With miniature magnetic detector No. 35905 (marked "BAND" and "WIND"), brass and ebonite tuning condenser, and bakelite Morse key. Aerial and earth sockets on top of front exterior; brass key on top surface allows drawer at top of front exterior to pull out.

This is a unique early example of a fully self-contained portable transmitter and receiver. The robust design made it suitable for use on life boats.

The set consists of a miniature magnetic detector, transmitter with Morse key and receiver (side by side), and an empty compartment for a battery or accumulator with which to provide the high voltage for the spark gap.

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