Rare vintage 1918 Signal Corps U.S. Army Airplane RadioTelegraph Transmitting Set Box Type BC-15A. Measures approx. 6-1/2\" x 8\" x 5\". Nice original condition with no breaks or repairs. As found from a recent local estate. The following is information that I gleaned from a museum collection via an internet search: Aircraft type transmitter used by the Royal Flying Corps and Australian Flying Corps during World War I. These transmitters were installed in two-seat reconnaissance aircraft such as the RE.8 used to spot German artillery and troop concentrations and call in artillery fire by morse message. A long 120 foot wire aerial on a reel had to be wound out by the observer to enable transmissions to be sent on the 100-260 metre wavelength. Power was provided by a 6-volt wind powered accumulator providing an output of 30-40 watts.

Physical Description

Rectangular wooden box with hinged ebonite lid. A spiral inductor is mounted on the lid along with four terminals and two moveable clips. A window on one side allows viewing of the spark gap. Instrctions are glued to bottom of box. Clipped to inside of box is abrasive stone for cleaning contacts and the gap, spare spark gap, and a spanner.

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On Feb-05-16 at 04:55:09 PST, seller added the following information:

I believe that the black surface is Bakelite. It has scratches on it near the front terminal area.