The CHADBURN
TELEGRAPH SOCIETY was established in 1998
- 100 years after the Company had
become a Public Limited Company (PLC) on the stock exhange
in London. (see sample share certificate below ) .
The great innovator , William Chadburn assisted by
his
father, Charles and a skilled team of engineers,
soon created market domination . When the first
patents expired in 1890s, the 'code'
used
in attractive graphics style on the dials, had become
the accepted standard for other competitors . In
order
to distinguish a 'chadburn' - as an often used
generic term - from the other famous
means of 'passing
the word' , i.e. morse code and marconi
wireless telegraphy, a contemporary shift
was deemed essential and the business then traded
with ' (Ship) ' added. Another feature,
they were not only the original
Patentees , but also became Manufacturers on a massive
scale. Since prototypes had been tested during the 1860s on
early Steam ships around Liverpool, the telegraphs soon reached
an advertised 3000 installatons ! The foundation for
safe and effective SHIP's MANOEUVERING was thus
achieved.
This Society seeks to create a more
comprehensive historical record of the Brass Pedestal Telegraphs, which
were used for communicating orders, mainly between the wheelhouse and
the engine room. We need your help to achieve this aim.
CHADBURNS of LIVERPOOL were the system pioneer
from 1870, taking out many patents. The Chadburn name was then, and
still is, synonymous with good design and high quality instruments.
OUR OBJECTIVES ARE : to preserve Telegraph
history - enhance global facilities for the collector - coordinate
research and artefacts - provide a database for educational use -
promote interest via museums and the media.
Complete Transmitter/Receiver sets remain the most
desirable pieces, but are rarely found. If you have information about
ship stations with commands in any language - Ahead/Astern - Heave To -
and other docking orders, we would like to hear from you. We are
particularly interested in supporting photographs or images, together
with all information about location and background to the
treasure(s)
you have located.
In the 1950 to 1960 period, the Chadburns Group
was enlarged with the addition of Mechans, A. Robinson & Co.
and Bloctube
Controls. Details about these companies' Telegraphs, together
with mailed information and copies made in other countries, would be
most welcome
in our database. We want FUTURE
GENERATIONS to benefit from your archived knowledge.
Do not allow CHADBURN'S name
to vanish into obscurity.
The Maritime Museum in Albert Docks, Liverpool
exhibits a Chadburn Electric Telegraph. A few
other good specimens are on display as 'loans' in UK
museums . It is estimated that in excess of 50
maritime museums worldwide , whether land based or afloat,
have these beautifully polished telegraphs. The
Society owns similar examples, and further information and advice can
be obtained by contacting : info@chadburntelegraphs.com
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Charles H. Chadburn
1815 - 1890
-established a branch
in Lord Street, Liverpool.
in the 1840's
Family company originated in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
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