D. H. Fitch Perfect Battery
by Derrick Hollenbeck Fitch
The D. H. Fitch Perfect Battery was invented by Derrick Hollenbeck Fitch, Jr. (1837-1922), No. 5137. While a telegrapher for several southern railroads, he had developed a liquid for the galvanic batteries used in telegraphy, obtaining a patent, 16 Jun. 1863, "for the use of chlorate of potassium with sulphuric acid and water for the purpose specified." Returning to his home town of Cazenovia, NY, he founded a company to make electric batteries.
On the front of this example of one of his batteries, it reads "D.H. FITCH PERFECT BATTERY CHLORINE EXCITANT." On the insert at the top, it reads "FITCH PERFECT BATTERY MFG'D by GALVANO FARADIC MFG. CO. N.Y. PAT. OCT 6-1885" The battery is 4 inches wide by 6 inches high.