Early "word processor." Power outage? Not a problem! This amazing device was completely immune to hard disk crashes too.

Believe it or not, this was an "audio/visual" communications device. Located on the bridge, the captain could shout or whistle a signal (AUDIO) through either of these two brass tubes to other areas of the ship. The switch/key below the tubes activated signaling lights (VISUAL) atop the forward king posts.

This is how the captain communicated with the engine room. "Full speed ahead" was mechanically transmitted from the bridge with this simple lever.