Model of an Optical Telegraph for Ships 1836

This 1836 model by Engelbert Lucas depicts an optical telegraph for ships. The model features a central vertical post with a horizontal arm, from which wooden panels are suspended. By manipulating these panels, different configurations of light and dark could be created, transmitting messages over long distances. This technology was a crucial step in the development of communication, paving the way for modern telecommunications. The model stands on a wooden base, demonstrating the precise craftsmanship involved in early telegraphy. The delicate mechanism of the model, with its intricate gears and levers, highlights the ingenuity of its design. Optical telegraph, model, 19th century, communication technology, ship, nautical, invention, engineering.