The very first Atlantic Cable was completed in 1858. It worked for several days and then failed but that cable and the messages from England that arrived in minutes marked the beginings of global telecommunications. After the failure plans for a new cable were started within weeks and the next effort the very next year succeeded for a longer period of time but also failed ultimately. This was before the Civil War and the thirst for almost instant communication with England and the continent was insatible. After the failure of the first cable in 1858 some of the coastal laid cable was salvaged and used as ships hawsers but Tiffany and company of New York obtained several feet of it and bound the ends and affixed a tag to the piece commerating the event even in failure because it was so significant a venture and so promising. 

Tiffany was a great jeweler renowned for their style and craftsmaneship. They sold these out of their New York location as an almost jewelry like artifact and today more then 150 years later very few of the first pieces of the cable are available. This came out of a significant California collection. It is mounted in a very nice 17 by 21 inch shadow box. Gray velvet like lining with an illustration from Harpers Weekly detailing the cables construction and the cover of an Engish paper book giving it's readers an overview in 19th century artwork and lurid prose. Titled simply 'The Atlantic Telegraph'. Practically science fiction to most readers. The band affixed to the cable by Tiffany reads 'Telegraph Cable Mounted by Tiffany & Company, New York.


DOMESTIC SHIPPING will be via USPS First-Class (under 13oz), Media Mail (for books, DVDs, CDs, etc.), Parcel Post, Priority Mail or Express Mail upon request. Always a *smoke-free environment* and happy to combine shipping!

INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS: If you choose USPS First-Class International shipping, please be aware that there is no insurance or delivery confirmation available. If you do choose first-class shipping, you agree to assume all liability for your item and package arriving safely. Fortunately, so far, I have not had an issue.

This item is guaranteed as described or winning bid refunded. Returns must be in same condition and postmarked within one week of purchase. 

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 Acceptable Payments: PayPal only for International buyers. Cash is okay in the event you are picking this item up locally.

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