Vintage telegraphic code is found
in this antiquarian book: The Sixth Edition
Five-Letter ABC Universal Commercial Telegraphic Code,
circa 1920. Proprietors are E.M.M. Clauson-Thue and
F.C.E. Faulkner, edited by William Droege. Published
in London
by Eden Fisher & Co,. Limited and in New York by The
Macmillan Company. Hardcover, x + 1386
pages, excluding index and advertisement pages. A complete reference book regarding the use of “five-letter” artificial code words,
which were originally invented to
produce a practical code for International use and
conserving expense on long phrases sent over wire that costs per word. Also noted
in the front this book was specially adapted for the use of shipowners, bankers, merchants,
brokers, underwriters, solicitors,
engineers, forwarding agents and tourists! The first ABC Code
was published by W. Clauson-Thue,
F.R.G.S., in 1872 – the pioneer of telegraphic codes.
Measures 9 ¾ inches by 6
inches. Good condition. No rips, tears, and
is still well bound. The spine is
strong and the pages are only
slightly discolored from age. One user has marked
"H.W.G. Prommel" on the outside page edges – which is German. Perhaps someone famous? I do not believe there are any other markings in the
book. The cover is in good condition with the front right corner bent (see photo) and the others only slightly bent.
The 1920 illustrated advertisements
in the front of the book are also of great interest and
appear to be mostly British based. For
anyone collecting this type of antiquarian communication material, this is a
great addition.
I would be happy to email larger image files. Just contact us if you would like these sent to you.
