Tiffany & Co. 1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir, In Custom Box
Transatlantic Cable
[New York, NY], ca. 1858
Tiffany & Co. 1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir, In Custom Box
Relic
An original Tiffany & Company souvenir, 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. Two brass ferrules are located at each terminal, and a brass plaque reading "ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE / GUARANTEED BY / TIFFANY & CO. / BROADWAY / NEW YORK" is located at the center. Expected wear including scattered verdigris to the brass presentation components. There is a slight bend to the upper length, else near fine. Measures approximately .75 diameter by 3.875" in length. Housed in a custom box of lightweight stained wood with a slide lid, fire-stamped "Original Transatlantic Cable / 1858 / Guaranteed by / Tiffany & Co." at center. The cable segment rests inside the presentation box on two raised platform feet. Isolated wood checking and negligible glue residue, 6" x 3" x 2". A facsimile of a letter of authenticity from Cyrus Field, dated August 21, 1858, completes the lot, currently rolled, fully flattened measuring 7.5" x 4.5".
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
Tiffany & Co. 1858 First Transmission Transatlantic Telegraph Cable Souvenir, In Custom Box
Relic
An original Tiffany & Company souvenir, 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. Two brass ferrules are located at each terminal, and a brass plaque reading "ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLE / GUARANTEED BY / TIFFANY & CO. / BROADWAY / NEW YORK" is located at the center. Expected wear including scattered verdigris to the brass presentation components. There is a slight bend to the upper length, else near fine. Measures approximately .75 diameter by 3.875" in length. Housed in a custom box of lightweight stained wood with a slide lid, fire-stamped "Original Transatlantic Cable / 1858 / Guaranteed by / Tiffany & Co." at center. The cable segment rests inside the presentation box on two raised platform feet. Isolated wood checking and negligible glue residue, 6" x 3" x 2". A facsimile of a letter of authenticity from Cyrus Field, dated August 21, 1858, completes the lot, currently rolled, fully flattened measuring 7.5" x 4.5".
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
Auction House
