| collection |
SOAS Archive
|
| id |
JSS.2.4.8.1
|
| recordtype |
archive
|
| scb_item_location |
Archive & Special Collections
|
| item_location |
Archive & Special Collections
|
| scb_loan_type |
Reference only
|
| scb_order_with |
JSS Box 3060
|
| callnumber |
JSS/2/4/8/1
|
| callnumber_txt |
JSS/2/4/8/1
|
| callnumber-sort |
JSS/2/4/8/1
|
| scb_alt_ref_no |
JSSII 4/6
|
| prefix_number |
1
|
| title |
Butterfield & Swire Shipping Code
|
| scb_date_creation |
1925
|
| scb_level |
File
|
| level_sort |
7/Collection/Sub-Collection/Sub-Sub-Collection/Sub-Sub-Sub-Collection/Series/Sub-Series/Sub-Sub-Series/File
|
| scb_extent |
1
|
| format |
Archive
|
| scb_admin_history |
By the early 1920s, it was clear that Butterfield & Swire needed a code of its own for telegraphic communications, to cover routine matters which were nonetheless peculiar to its highly specialised business operations. A unique code had the added advantage of keeping confidential memos secure, and of protecting the company’s interests against the unwanted attentions of unscrupulous rivals. The B&S Code was first introduced in 1925, at the then huge cost of £6,583, which covered its compilation and the printing of 250 copies. The code was based on five-letter phrase ciphers which covered every eventuality from "Act of God" ("lagbu") to "Wind up the Company" ("xuugo"), and included such obscurities as "xiywa"-"There is ice forming at the bends and another day or two will see navigation closed" (of the river at Tianjin).
|
| description |
Code book produced by Butterfield & Swire for the purpose of confidential communication
|
| scb_access_status |
Open
|
| scb_copyright |
Copyright is owned by John Swire & Sons, Ltd, 59 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ
|
| scb_use_restrictions |
Copying for personal research purposes is permitted. Please contact the archivist for all publication requests.
|
| hierarchy_top_id_raw |
JSS
|
| hierarchy_sequence |
JSS.002.004.008.001
|
