To mark its 80th anniversary, the BBC is handing over its original transmitter to the Science Museum as a "gift to the nation."

The BBC, in conjunction with Crown Castle, who now handle the corporation's terrestrial transmission systems, will handover the first transmitter -- the 2LO -- this Thursday, after a special concert featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra at Birmingham's Symphony Hall.

The transmitter was made by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company in 1922. It takes its name from the number of the Post Office broadcasting licence issued to Marconi to operate an experimental radio station for London, and was the first transmitter to be used by the BBC -- then the British Broadcasting Company -- when it was formed later the same year. The 2LO was replaced by more powerful transmitters in 1925.

"Future generations should be able to share what is a fascinating piece of early 20th century technology," said BBC chairman Gavyn Davies, who will present the 2LO with Peter Abery, Crown Castle CEO.

"We also want them to understand its significance in the development of our broadcasting system, which is held up as a model for the world. So I can't think of a more appropriate home for 2LO."