selfmade replica "Sounder-Resonator" on White Co.Swing Arm
Sounders in "Resonators" and The "Prince Albert Tobacco Can"
Busy Telegraph Offices and Railroad Stations were very noisy and a wooden "solid state" amplifier box was
invented to make the clicks from sounders louder and easier to hear. This tringular or rounded wooden
"amplifier" was called a "Resonator". It was mounted on a black metal pedestal or an articulated
swinging arm that could be brought near the operators ear. To allow a telegrapher to be able to distinguish his/her
sounderīs clicks from other nearby sounders, a Prince Albert Tobacco Can was tucked between the sounder and the
wooden box. Opening or closing the lid of the tobacco can changed the tone of the sounder and made itīs
sound distinct from the other nearby sounders.
* note: from Pereraīs "Telegraph Collectorīs Guide" 2nd edition 1999
1911 Railroad Telegraph White Co 3 Piece Cast Iron Swing Arm Resonator Mount
History of the O.C. White Company - Established 1883
Vintage Lamp In 1883 Dr. Otis C. White, a dental surgeon from Hopkinton, Massachusetts, obtained the first of many patents for his adjustable joints, which included a dental head rest and a universal ball and socket joint. These inventions garnered numerous technological awards, including The John Scott Medal (awarded by the Franklin Institute), and the "Gold", "Silver", and "Honorable Mention" medals at the 1893 Pan American Exposition (precursor to the World's Fair). These same universal ball and socket joints can still be found in use today in various "Machine Lite" products in the O.C. White line.
During World War I, specialized arms were produced and "Patented", and used in large quantities by the U.S. Signal Corps to hold resonator signaling devices. The company was cited by the U.S. government for its part in "Helping to produce victory over the enemy."
During World War II, O.C. White lights were extensively used as Chart lights on board ships, both in the US Navy and the Merchant Marines. Like many companies of the day, our manufacturing efforts were shifted to 100% War production with many other products being used in other war facilities, such as the special units that were designed to be parachuted into field operations.
