Radio Headphones Used by Theodore Haubner While Transmitting the First "SOS" Distress Signal, August 11, 1909
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In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS. These headphones were part of his wireless equipment. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.
In 1909, telegraph operator Theodore Haubner sent the first American ship-to-shore wireless distress signal -- SOS. These headphones were part of his wireless equipment. Haubner was aboard the SS Arapahoe off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when it became disabled.
Artifact
Headphones
Date Made
1908-1909
Subject Date
11 August 1909
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
39.559.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Theodore D. Haubner.
Material
Nickel (Metal)
Aluminum
Plate (Material)
Dimensions
Height: 6.25 in
Width: 7.25 in
Inscriptions
Stamped on exterior of each headphone: THE SCHMIDT-WILCKES ELECTRIC CO. / NEW YORK, U.S.A.
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