Western Union Ceremonial Device

This unusual set was built by Western Union and used at major ceremonies such as the opening of a bridge or tunnel or roadway or building where a ribbon was to be cut. When the set received the appropriate signal, it activated the large metal 'Ribbon Cutter' in the center of the set and simultaneously flashed a very large Press-sized flashbulb. The remote signal was presumably sent by an important person such as the president of the United States who may have been unable to attend the ceremony in person. The device was excellent advertising for Western Union because it used the Western Union Telegraph Lines and therefore a large Western Union sign was prominently displayed along with the unit.