This is a wonderful model developed from a drawing of this device in the 1906 edition of Jane's Fighting Ships. Thanks to Andrew "Denbigh" Hall for locating this reference and producing a spectacular model.

Modeller Denbigh/Tone Source Jane's Fighting Ships 1906 Edition, NMM Plans for HMS Acheron Grid Size 1 mm Scale 1/48 This appears to be the same type as fitted to the Lusitania and Mauretania. The linkage to the receiving indicator in the engine spaces was transmitted through jointed, rotating rods. One turn of the wheel turned the indicator at each end a single command-position. This offered reliable readings over any length of linkage.. even when the linkages traversed hot boiler rooms. Earlier methods of linkage using push-pull rods failed to give reliable readings owing to expansion and contraction of the rods under these same thermal conditions. I suspect that the left cylinder on this device was a feed-back meter showing that the other end had responded. The bell on the right side rang when orders were transmitted. It is an utter guess, but I think the butterfly screw under the bell is to wind up a clockwork ringer spring -- leaving this device independent of electricity. Note: This JPEG is the decal for the face of the telegraph dial

Download Rhino Model

I have since found a postcard showing a bridge scene which features this device. This photo included what appears to be a wire housing coming up to the curious cylinder on the left of the telegraph, leading me to believe that this is a telltale of what order is being acknowledged at the engine room. However, I have no further details on this, and so the cylinder looks more like a pencil holder in model.