[M] AN EARLY TELEGRAPH MESSAGE, RECEIVED AT VALENTIA ISLAND, IRELAND, SEPTEMBER 1858

AN EARLY TELEGRAPH MESSAGE, RECEIVED AT VALENTIA ISLAND, IRELAND, SEPTEMBER 1858

comprising a 71in. length of paper tape inscribed Call Signal in pencil under printed Morse code with letters delineated under, contained in a paper wrapper inscribed Telegraph message written at Valentia by Professor Thompson for J. Eccles 2 Mrs J. Corby [Electrican] Valentia Sep.24th / 58 -- 3in. (7.5cm.) wide

The message, as transcribed, appears to read "SCNTTO MRS RENCH B S PROFESSOR" - presumably 'scntto' was the call sign. The first Trans Atlantic telegraph message was transmitted, after several delays, in August 1858 with the service lasting a few weeks before breaking down to universal outrage. A British Committee of Inquiry launched an investigation which blamed Edward Whitehouse, the projects Chief Electrician, for using too much current and compromising the cables gutta-percha covering. It was to be eight years before the link was restored and the world reconnected. Valentia Island was then the most westerly point of the United Kingdom with Porthcurno in Cornwall being used from 1870.

Condition Report

Good condition, paper tape fragile;

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.