Temporary Certificate, Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of
America. 8 x 11. Issued May 6 1912, less
than a month after the sinking of the Titanic.
Guglielmo Marconi created his first transmitter-receiver in
1894 at 20 years old. In 1897, Marconi founded the Wireless Telegraph &
Signal Company in London; expanding quickly overseas, the Marconi Wireless
Telegraph Co. of America was chartered in 1899. The company’s priority was
creating wireless capabilities for ships and shore – it was this campaign which
led to a Marconi radio on the Titanic in 1912. The sinking of the Titanic was
crucial for helping the public understand the importance of wireless
technology, especially at sea. The British Postmaster General famously said,
“Those who have been saved, have been saved by one man . . . Mr. Marconi and
his marvelous invention.” The United States responded with the Radio Act of
1912, making licenses mandatory for radio operators, and mandated ships
continuously monitor for distress calls.
Exhibits some use and wear, punch cancelled,,
light rippling of paper, o/w GD- VG condition.