Salvaged Engine Order Telegraph – Brass Wilkens & Co Unit from Bremerhaven

This salvaged engine order telegraph comes from Wilkens & Co, a well-known maritime manufacturer based in Bremerhaven, Germany—a historic port city with strong shipbuilding roots. The telegraph served on a working vessel, and it still carries the wear and character from years at sea.

Ship crews used telegraphs like this to send engine commands from the bridge to the engine room. This model includes a full range of commands, from Dead Slow to Full Ahead and Full Astern. While most of the engine orders are painted in white, a few appear in faded red and are harder to read. However, the lever still moves smoothly, and the internal bell rings when shifted into position.

The telegraph is made from brass and shows real patina from ship use. A red arrow points to the selected order, while a brass plate covers the old chain opening. Both handles feature black round knobs. For stability, the telegraph mounts to a flanged aluminum pedestal, making it easy to display in homes, offices, or galleries.

Whether you’re restoring a maritime collection or adding character to a space, this piece offers original construction with functional movement and authentic style.

Features:

• Genuine Wilkens & Co telegraph from Bremerhaven, Germany
• Brass construction with natural patina and red order indicator
• White and faded red command markings
• Black round knobs on both handles
• Working lever with functional internal bell
• Brass plate covers former chain housing
• Mounted to a flanged aluminum base for display