1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir Attributed To Tiffany & Co., On Presentation Plaque
Transatlantic Cable
[New York, NY], ca. 1858
1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir Attributed To Tiffany & Co., On Presentation Plaque
Relic
A souvenir attributed to Tiffany & Company, being a segment of surplus transatlantic cable salvaged from the Atlantic Telegraph Company's first successful intercontinental telegraph communication project, led by Cyrus W. Field (1819-1892). Ca. 1858. [New York, New York.] The cable segment is comprised of several layers of 7-strand copper wire, gutta-percha, tarred hemp, and steel wires, all in concentric rings. Lacking the original brass ferrules at the ends and the Tiffany & Co. plaque at the center. Overall even tarnish. Measures approximately .75 diameter by 3.875" in length. It is mounted towards the top of a wooden plaque, above an apparent .125" cross-section of additional cable. A letter of authenticity from Cyrus Field (a facsimile of the original letter), is displayed behind glass just below. Dated August 21, 1858, Field's LOA reads in part: "This is to certify that I have sold the balance of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable now on board of the U.S.S. 'Niagara' to Messrs Tiffany & Com. Jewellers No. 550 Broadway of this city, and that the piece which accompanies this, is a genuine section thereof…" With expected wrinkles and chips, and a mounting stain from tape at the center. Else good, 7.5" x 4.5". The plaque shows scattered checking and surface loss, else very good. Overall measures 8.125" x 13.875" x 1.75".
American businessman Cyrus W. Field became heavily involved with a new communications venture in the early 1850s. In 1856, Field co-founded the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which would oversee and finance the ambitious transatlantic cable-laying project. About 2,200 miles of cable eventually stretched between Valentia Island, Ireland and the Bay of Bulls, Newfoundland, and was connected in early August 1858. The first-ever successful telegraphic communication sent via the underwater cable was received on August 16, 1858, and was a congratulatory message from Queen Victoria to President James Buchanan.
Tiffany & Company quickly capitalized on the public frenzy created by this communication revolution, which promised to shorten communication time from days to hours. It arranged to purchase approximately 20 miles of transatlantic cable, leftover aboard the converted warship U.S.S. Niagara, to sell as individual souvenirs. Each segment was fitted with Tiffany & Co. brass plaques, and accompanied by Field's letter of authenticity. Tiffany & Co. sold the lengths for 50 cents apiece. The souvenir trade was brisk until the transatlantic cable failed permanently in September 1858, after just a few weeks.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
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Transatlantic Cable
[New York, NY], ca. 1858
1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir Attributed To Tiffany & Co., On Presentation Plaque
Relic
A souvenir attributed to Tiffany & Company, being a segment of surplus transatlantic cable salvaged from the Atlantic Telegraph Company's first successful intercontinental telegraph communication project, led by Cyrus W. Field (1819-1892). Ca. 1858. [New York, New York.] The cable segment is comprised of several layers of 7-strand copper wire, gutta-percha, tarred hemp, and steel wires, all in concentric rings. Lacking the original brass ferrules at the ends and the Tiffany & Co. plaque at the center. Overall even tarnish. Measures approximately .75 diameter by 3.875" in length. It is mounted towards the top of a wooden plaque, above an apparent .125" cross-section of additional cable. A letter of authenticity from Cyrus Field (a facsimile of the original letter), is displayed behind glass just below. Dated August 21, 1858, Field's LOA reads in part: "This is to certify that I have sold the balance of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable now on board of the U.S.S. 'Niagara' to Messrs Tiffany & Com. Jewellers No. 550 Broadway of this city, and that the piece which accompanies this, is a genuine section thereof…" With expected wrinkles and chips, and a mounting stain from tape at the center. Else good, 7.5" x 4.5". The plaque shows scattered checking and surface loss, else very good. Overall measures 8.125" x 13.875" x 1.75".
American businessman Cyrus W. Field became heavily involved with a new communications venture in the early 1850s. In 1856, Field co-founded the Atlantic Telegraph Company, which would oversee and finance the ambitious transatlantic cable-laying project. About 2,200 miles of cable eventually stretched between Valentia Island, Ireland and the Bay of Bulls, Newfoundland, and was connected in early August 1858. The first-ever successful telegraphic communication sent via the underwater cable was received on August 16, 1858, and was a congratulatory message from Queen Victoria to President James Buchanan.
Tiffany & Company quickly capitalized on the public frenzy created by this communication revolution, which promised to shorten communication time from days to hours. It arranged to purchase approximately 20 miles of transatlantic cable, leftover aboard the converted warship U.S.S. Niagara, to sell as individual souvenirs. Each segment was fitted with Tiffany & Co. brass plaques, and accompanied by Field's letter of authenticity. Tiffany & Co. sold the lengths for 50 cents apiece. The souvenir trade was brisk until the transatlantic cable failed permanently in September 1858, after just a few weeks.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
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