[tmodelman]

That was interesting, but should have been understood as a common code back in telegraph days! The young researcher just didn't have the knowledge of Ford using the telegraph for parts ordering by dealers too, simple to deduct that office personnel including Henry Ford's secretary would use telegraph code.

Here is the inside cover page of a Ford Parts and Price list for the Model T, it explains how to use the code to order parts for the T. All the part numbers in a Ford Parts and Price list include a telegraph code peculiar to that part number.

Ordering parts by telegraph code elminated mistakes in numbers set by wire, plus shortened the wire message and improved efficency.