|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Giddings Field Message Book
|
 |
|
|
Message Pad with US Army Cipher Disk
The Giddings Field Message Book was a small pocket book with a multi-page
note pad and a built-in US Army Cipher Disk. It was intended for use in the
field by soldiers who needed to issue secure messages during the
Spanish-American War in 1898.
|
The image on the right shows the Message Book in use.
Message were encrypted using the hard-paper cipher disc that was mounted
inside the flap. This US Army Cipher Disk was similar to the
Confederate Cipher Disc.
Once sent, the encyphered messages were stored in a pocket of the flap.
Copies of the message were created using a piece of carbon paper that was
stored at the back of the book.
The book itself had a green leather cover. When closed, the two halves
were held together with a pencil that was inserted at the front.
|
|
|
The book was designed by Major Howard A. Giddings of the Brigadier Signal
Officer Office of the Connecticut National Guard. It was published by
Hudson-Kimberly Publishing Co. in Kansas City (Missouri, USA) and was first
mentioned in the Privates' Handbook
[1]
of 1898.
At the time, a soldier would pay USD 1.00 for it.
Full instruction are at the back of the book.
Although the Spanish-American war of 1898 was a conflict between Spain
and the United States about Cuba, it involved the Caribbean and the
Pacific, including the Philippines
[2]
.
When found, the Field Message-Book shown here contained a Cablegram
message inside its pocket. The message was sent in 1901 and was received
by the Headquarters Division of the Philippines.
|
|
|
|
Any links shown in red are currently unavailable.
If you like this website, why not make a donation?
© Copyright 2009-2013, Paul Reuvers & Marc Simons. Last changed: Friday, 03 September 2010 - 23:49 CET
|
 |
|
|
