1888 Ericsson TELEGRAPH STATION SKRIFMASKIN PRINTER Key Galvanometer Accessories

Telegrafapparater

L.M. Ericsson & Co. Mekaniska Verkstad, Stockholm, circa 1888

We are pleased to offer this original 19th century telegraph station from the workshops of telecommunications pioneer Lars Magnus Ericsson (1846-1926).  The set includes the extraordinary Ericsson Skrifmaskin telegraph printer, a classic Ericsson telegraph key, a robust brass Åskledare conductor, an elegant brass and glass galvanometer and three relays.  We rarely employ the somewhat hackneyed phrase "museum quality" but considering this collection of instruments as a whole it is merited.  The Skrifmaskin represents a pinnacle of 19th century technology and exhibits a level of workmanship and metalworking skill found only in the finest scientific instruments and timepieces of the era.  Resting on a fruitwood base, the beautiful and robustly constructed instrument displays a sophistication of design that is underscored by the fact that the design of this complex clockwork mechanism which was first introduced in the early 1880s remained in production with no significant change for decades.  The instrument retains all its original components including the tape reel, and in a testimony to the design and workmanship of the Ericsson firm the clockwork mechanism remains in fine working order today.  After winding the brass handle and releasing the external brake lever the instrument turns all rollers and gears in perfect synchronization, with the front capstan spinning so rapidly as to become invisible.  A true rarity as a set, this group of instruments will make a cornerstone addition to any institutional or private collection.

Rear view of Skrifmaskin - tape reel diameter is 22 cm for size comparison purposes:

We begin our survey of the Skrifmaskin with a view of the internal gears - note the massive main drum.  The entire internal mechanism is encased behind the original three retractable bevelled glass panels (here slid away for clarity) that allowed viewing of the mechanism in motion:

Twin solenoids and the remarkably sophisticated clockwork drive allowed the instrument to work continuously for durations longer than the supply of tape on a single reel.  Fine adjustment spring is present and functional with large knurled brass knob:

As noted, the capstan spins so rapidly as to become invisible, yet the instrument is virtually silent in operation:

Ericsson and his wife Hilda examining some of his handiwork including a Skrifmaskin:

Page from an 1880s Ericsson catalogue showing the instruments:

The adjustable key remains in good operation with the distinctive Ericsson "feel":

The elegant and rather lavishly constructed Galvanoskop is another design that once it satisfied Ericsson's high standards remained unchanged for decades:

Twin line Åskledare:

Disassembled - Ericsson's use of brass had to have been measured in monthly tonnes:

The component quality and workmanship of Ericsson was unsurpassed in the era:

Note knurled break handles:

Two more views of the Skrifmaskin:

The ensemble reunited:

"Some to beautify their halls, parlours and chambers... liketh, loveth, getteth, and useth maps, charts, and geographical globes" - John Dee (1527-1608)

"...Maps begin as dreams, pass through a finite life in the world, and resume as dreams again..," - Thomas Pynchon