Images(5)

Polygraph

Object number2011.135.2 a-r

Manufacturer Stoelting Co.

Manufacturer Halliburton Company

Manufacturer Little Fuse, Inc.

Datec. 1960

OriginLos Angeles, CA

OriginDes Plaines, IL

Mediumvarious metals; paper; plastic; polyester

Credit LineGift of Joseph Modispacher

DescriptionPolygraph machine with accessories.Dimensions8 x 21 x 18.5 in. (20.3 x 53.3 x 47 cm)
Inscriptions(b)
Knob labeled, "PEN CENTERING".

(g)
Label attached.

(l)
Handwritten on inside of each paper in ink: "3".

(m)
Handwritten on inside of each paper in ink: "6".

(q)
Typed numbers: "3302-5".
Marks(a)
Engraved in center, "DECEPTOGRAPH" & "C.H. STOELTING CO."

Label by lock "HALLIBURTON / [next line rubbed off] / LOS ANGELES".

(k)
Printed on top: "LITTLE FUSE / FIVE SLO-BLO / FUSES / [picture of fuse] / LITTLE FUSE, INC. / SUBSIDIARY OF TRA COR / DES PLAINES, IL., U.S.A." Product information on side.
Historical NotesPolygraph machine, or "deceptograph", which was used by the first polygraph examiner to work for the Pittsburgh Police, donor Joseph Modispacher. Before 1966, the Pittsburgh Police had used the county examiner, but in that year they decided to train their own polygraph examiner. Joseph Modispacher was a detective in the Pittsburgh Police force, he has started out as a cop in 1954 and retired around 1988. He was sent to Chicago to complete a course in polygraph examining and was the sole examiner until 1976, when two other detectives also went through the training. After he retired he continued to conduct examinations for attorneys and private clients. Early polygraph machines were very basic and only tested the blood pressure and heart rate. This machine was used by the donor from 1966 until 1976 when the police department got a more updated detector. The donor was allowed to take this machine home and intended to use it for extra parts, but never did.

Related institution Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

Previous owner Joseph E. Modispacher

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