The Morse telegraph system had its beginnings in 1836 when Samuel Morse, Alfred Vail and Joseph Henry developed an early model of the system. There are a number of variations on the machine but the operating system is very similar in all and the language is a standardised international code which has been in operation since the 1860's. Morse code consists of five elements, dots, dashes, and gaps of one , three and seven units in length. It is still in use to this day and has been applied to other systems of communication such as amateur radio, mobile phones and communication systems for disabled people. This particular telegraph key possibly has post office or naval origins.Morse code was an important invention in world communication systems and this machine therefore has important social and research significance. It is useful as an interpretive item.This instrument sits on a black rectangular base of black bakelite. The mechanism ids held in place by three larger metal screws and two smaller ones on the upright section from the base.The movable part is metal with the attached handle a similar black material as the base.ADMY.PATT No 7681 KEY MORSE SERN PL 23780 Rocker Front contact. Lift @ turn on one of the screws on the bar.history of warrnambool, rocker telegraph, telegraph key, morse code