NYSE “Big Board” Broker Annunciator Set #355 (Rare Floor Trader Collection) — 1903–1980

Welcome to the NYSE trading floor the way it used to be—when brokers didn’t just wait for a call. They watched a machine.

This incredible collection centers on the legendary NYSE “Big Board” broker annunciator number, dating from the early 20th century and used in the famed New York Stock Exchange trading floor system. The NYSE building opened in 1903, and part of its original design included an elaborate broker pager setup called the annunciator board—two massive racks, miles of wire, and the kind of floor buzz you could hear.

The “Big Board” System (How It Worked)

The annunciator boards were two 800-square-foot racks mounted on the North and South sides of the trading floor. They were connected by more than 24 miles of wire. The board became known as the “Big Board”—a nickname still used for the NYSE today.

Each annunciator was painted with an individual broker's number—the number they wore on their jacket. When displayed on the Big Board, the face appeared black. When an order was placed with a clerk, the broker’s annunciator flap would drop to reveal the broker’s number and a color-coded flap. The color indicated where to send the broker’s “floor boy” or messenger, designating the corresponding trading booth or room (for example, orange for Merrill Lynch). One trader told us the white with the blue stripe meant to report to the "garage".

Brokers learned to monitor the board closely, and on heavy trading days the sound of flaps was a familiar and telling chorus of “Flap Flap Flap.” If their number was flashed rapidly, it meant there was an emergency and they had to call in immediately. Both positions can be shown on this annunciator.

The Star of the Set: Annunciator #355 (Stephen J. McGovern)

What makes this set truly special is that it’s more than a single artifact—it’s a complete, story-connected set tied to one floor professional: Stephen J. McGovern of Evans & Co., Inc.

Included is Annunciator number 355, alongside the matching personal items that would have helped him operate on the floor. Separately each of these items are rare, finding them together is almost impossible.

• Annunciator Number 355 (the broker’s badge number & used on the Big Board system)
• Trader badge bearing #355
• Multitone Pager also marked #355 and identified to Stephen
• Magnetic membership card that would allow him access to the floor
• Multitone pager details: it bears Steven’s name, badge number, and company

Each of these items is described as exceptionally rare—and the set’s biggest magic is that you’re seeing the same broker connected across multiple technologies and roles.

Technology Evolution in One Collection

This is what turns “cool memorabilia” into floor-history: the set shows the evolution of paging technology at the NYSE.

• Annunciator systems (1903): this was the first pager system installed as part of the NYSE’s 1903 setup.
• 1966 onward: in 1966, the NYSE began testing new radio pagers to keep brokers in contact with their order clerks.
• Multitone pagers: later models were adopted and used on the floor. They were made by Multitone and functioned as successor paging technology after the Annunciators were retired.

On the Multitone pager, you can clearly see how it was personalized for a broker: the name, badge number, and company. The pager also features a clip-on front designed to attach to a trader’s breast pocket.

Preserved for Floor Traders (1980 Renovations)

During major 1980 renovations to upgrade the NYSE trading floor’s electronics, these annunciators weren’t just discarded. They were preserved.

The annunciators were stored in wooden display boxes and gifted to floor traders. Because of that, they seldom appear on the open market or in auctions—and traders are known to be reluctant to part with them, since they preserved a personal connection to that era.

Presented in the Original Solid Wood Display Box

This set is presented in its original solid wood display box, built to protect and showcase this extraordinary piece of trading history. The flaps can be moved up and down to reveal either the black side or the number and colors.

Key Details

• Dates of Use: 1903 – 1980
• Annunciator Box: #355 (including trader badge, membership card, and Multitone pager)
• Historic: Installed as part of the original 1903 NYSE building
• Box Dimensions: 10 3/8" L x 4.75" W x 10.5" H
• Weight: 10 lbs 12 oz
• Condition: As pictured
• Shipping: Insured with signature required on delivery