Telegraph Switchboard

1800’s vintage J.H.Bunnell single line telegraph switchboard. 

In the 1902 Bunnell catalog, they had an improved version, while the Western Electric telegraph switchboards were still of this style. The difference between the two styles was the lightning arrester bar at the top.

The main telegraph line at the top of the switchboard was connected to the top binding posts and the two vertical bars. The center pole between the bars is connected underneath the switchboard to the binding posts to the immediate left.

(above) The bottom center pole has no connection, but used to tie the main telegraph lines together using two brass pegs, but making no connection to the local telegraph.

The brass pegs were placed as above, to tie in the local telegraph equipment into the main line.

The top most binding post on the left was connected to the horizontal bar at the top and earth ground. There is an air gap between the horizontal bar and the vertical main line bars to provide lightning protection. Inserting a plug at the lightning arrester bar provides a means of grounding the telegraph line for test purposes.

The holes on the right are for storing unused plugs.

 (2021) I bought mine on ebay for $30. It was not labeled correctly, and in a incorrect classification. Another one just sold on ebay for $525. Twice as many lines, more vintage looking, and Western Union brand. 

Jul 2023 - A three line switchboard in good condition, but no pegs, sells for $112. Listed on ebay as "telegraph peg board", under the 'pre 1940 telephones' category.

Sep 2023 - A Western Electric single line switchboard like mine, with six pegs, sells for $97, with two bidders.

Apr 2024 - A Bunnell three line switchboard, with pegs, dirty brass, sells for $81

Sep 2024 - A six line Bunnell switchboard, with pegs, sells for $88. ..."Other Railroad Hardware" category

Oct 2024 - A six line switchboard in fair condition, only two pegs, sells for $225. under "pre 1940 telephones"

Apr 2025 - A six line switchboard in good condition, no pegs, sells for $263. Listed under " advertising, communication, telegraph and telegram".

May 2025 - An eight line switchboard, with only nine pegs, missing ground bar, missing a few binding posts, sells for $152.

Jun 2025 - A two line switchboard, in fair condition, sell for $66. No pegs, missing label, some bad terminals.

Jul 2025 - An eight line switchboard in very good condition, and most of the pegs, sells for $315.

The Telegraph - general notes

The telegraph was the first digital technology, developed in the 1840s. Instead of 1s and 0s, it was short and long electrical pulses. It was the first practical use of electricity, and powered by batteries. The telegraph used a single conductor, and earth ground return , which worked fine for the telegraph.  When the telephone was invented in the 1880s, they tried to use telegraph lines, but there was too much noise and interference. The telephone had to use two wires; one for signal and one return line. Digital technology is less susceptible to noise and interference.

Some telegraph switchboard information:  http://members.kos.net/sdgagnon/te6.html

A correct Bunnell two line switchboard on left, a reproduction or rebuilt two line Bunnell switchboard on right. Note solid ground bar on top, with Bunnell name stamped on it for correct switchboard, NOT a tacked on label. There is a separate wood section for each line, not a solid block of wood. 

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