Hello everyone. When I was speaking with a few of the locals on 27.355 MHz recently, there was a bit of a debate about how the phrase "73's" came into being. For those who are unsure on the matter, the traditional phrase "73’s" or more correctly “73” goes right back to the intro of the landline telegraph days.

In fact, it’s found in some of the most primitive editions of the numerical codes, each with a different definition, but each with the same idea in mind — indicating that the end or a signature was coming up.

The first bona fide use of “73’s” is in the publication called ‘The National Telegraphic Review and Operators Guide’ which was first published way back in April 1857. At that time, “73” meant "My love to you!” Ensuing issues of this journal continued to use this explanation of the term. Strangely enough, some of the other numerals used then had the same definition as they have now, but within a short time, the use of “73” began to change.

In the National Telegraph Convention, the numeral was changed from the Valentine-type sentiment to a vague sign of fraternalism. Here, “73” was a greeting, a friendly word between operators and it was so used on all wires.

In 1859, the Western Union Company set up the standard ‘92 Code’. A list of numerals from one to 92 was assembled to denote a series of prepared phrases for use by the operators on the wires. Here, in the 92 Code, “73” changes from a fraternal sign to a very baroque "accept my compliments”, which was in keeping with the florid language of that era.

Over the years from 1859 to 1900, the many manuals of telegraphy show adaptations of this meaning. Dodge's ‘The Telegraph Instructor’ shows it merely as "compliments”. The Twentieth Century Manual of Railways and Commercial Telegraphy describe it in two ways, one listing as "my compliments to you"; but in the glossary of abbreviations it is merely "compliments".

Theodore A. Edison's ‘Telegraphy Self-Taught’ shows a return of "accept my compliments". By 1908, nevertheless, a later edition of the Dodge Manual gives us today's definition of "best regards" with a backward look at the older meaning in another part of the work where it also lists it as "compliments".

"Best regards" has remained ever since as the "put-it-down-in-black-and-white" meaning of “73” but it has acquired overtones of much warmer meaning. Today, Freebanders use it more in the manner that James Reid had intended that it be used — a "friendly word between operators".

Regards,

Pete
43MU101