SEMI - AUTOMATIC TELEGRAPH KEYS ( BUGS )
W1TP TELEGRAPH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MUSEUMS: http://w1tp.com

PLEASE **WAIT** FOR ALL PICTURES TO LOAD !
(If some do not load, click "Reload Page".)

BUGS (Semi-automatic telegraph keys) - - - - - - - - - (6001 - 8000)

These keys that made dots automatically were first patented in 1892 by Horace Martin to help operators send faster code with less effort.

(The instruments are in approximate chronological order: Oldest first.)
* = (Items no longer owned.) ** = (Items in other collections.)

VIBROPLEX KEYS (6001 - 7000), OTHER BUGS (7000 - 8000)

NOTE ON THE DATING OF VIBROPLEX BUGS:
John Elwood, WW7P has been gathering information about Vibroplex keys for many years. He has been able to reconstruct many of the dates of manufacture of the various models of Vibroplex keys which had been lost in the Vibroplex fire. His complete list of dates is published in the Vibroplex Collector's Guide by Tom French W1IMQ which is listed in the bibliography section of this website. You may also find John Elwood's complete list by going to the website of Randy Cole KN6W at: http://www.la.ca.us/frandy/dating.html
The following information briefly summarizes these published findings. To use this summary, first find the serial number on your Vibroplex. It will be stamped into the label on later models and into the damper or other parts on early models. Then use this table to find the approximate date of manufacture: 


Serial #  Date     Serial #   Date     Serial #   Date
001,000 - 1905     150,000  - 1946     040,000  - 1980 (Portland ME)
010,000 - 1911     200,000  - 1957     060,000  - 1988
050,000 - 1914     250,000  - 1967     080,000  - 1995 (Mobile, AL)
100.000 - 1920     300,000  - 1974

6005 ** MARTIN AUTOPLEX: (19KB) This is the first Martin Semi-automatic key. It used a DC voltage to activate the mechanism which made automatic dots. (This key is in the Gil Schlehman - K9WDY collection.)


6007 ** MARTIN AUTOPLEX: (19KB) This is another version of the first Martin Semi-automatic key. It used a DC voltage to activate the mechanism which made automatic dots. (This key is in the Gil Schlehman - K9WDY collection.)


6010 * MARTIN AUTOPLEX: (19KB) This is the second Martin Semi-automatic key. It used a DC voltage to activate the mechanism which made automatic dots. --> WA5Y

6010a A photo of the back of the Autoplex: (17KB)

6010b A Close-up of the lever mechanism: (21KB)

6010c A view of the underside wiring of the Autoplex: (17KB)


6012 ** MARTIN AUTOPLEX: (17KB)
This lovely Martin Autoplex carries serial number 630. The photograph of it is used with the permission of it's owner, Telegraph collector Steve Wilson - K0JW. Email: sdouglasw{at symbol here}aol.com"


6020 VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: (26KB) The first model Vibroplex. S/N 483. Labeled: "THE VIBROPLEX, Patented Aug. 9,1904 By Horace G. Martin, NewYork". Circa 1905.

6022 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial number 740. Same as 6020.Circa 1905.


6025 * TWO VERY EARLY VIBROPLEX ORIGINALS WITHOUT SERIAL NUMBERS: These two keys appeared at the 2005 Antique Wireless Association conference. They have no serial numbers but the hardware indicates that they are very early models.


6030 DAMAGED VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER MODEL: (28KB) This is a Vibroplex double lever key that has been stripped of many parts to make it into a typical Vibroplex single lever key. The very early nametag simply says: 'THE VIBROPLEX, Manufactured by Horace G. Martin.

6030a Another view of the damaged double lever Vibroplex: (33KB)

6030b Another view of the damaged double lever Vibroplex: (34KB)

6030c Another view of the damaged double lever Vibroplex: (31KB)

6040 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial number 1775. Labeled THE VIBROPLEX, HORACE G. MARTIN'S PATENTS NO. 732648, 767303. Others Pending. Circa 1906.
6050 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial Number 2697. Like # 6040.


6060 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(31KB) Serial number 2856. Labeled THE VIBROPLEX, HORACE G. MARTIN'S PATENTS NO. 732648, 767303, 842154. Others Pending. Circa 1907. Traded to: ->KB2SWI.


6120 VIBROPLEX "X"-MODEL: (38KB) Serial number 11124. Labeled: "Trade THE VIBROPLEX Mark, Pat June 30.03, Aug.9.04.Jan.22.07 OTHERS PENDING Horace G. Martin, New York,U.S.A. Circa 1912. This model is also called the 'single point key' because it uses a single set of contacts for both dots and dashes.


6123 * VIBROPLEX "X" MODEL:(26KB) Serial Number 12277. Labeled: "Trade THE VIBROPLEX Mark" 84356 Nov 28, 1911, Pat Aug 9, 1904, Jan 22, 1907, Oct 29, 1912 Nov 5, 1912.Others pending. Horace G. Martin,New York,USA. Circa 1912 With connecting wedge contact stamped: J.E.ALBRIGHT, 253 B'way, N.Y.


6140 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(36KB) Serial number 20694. Labeled "Trade THE VIBROPLEX Mark" 84356 Nov 28, 1911, Pat Aug 9, 1904, Jan 22, 1907, Oct 29, 1912 Nov 5, 1912.Others pending. Horace G. Martin,New York,USA. Circa 1913.


6145 * VIBROPLEX "X" MODEL:(20KB) Serial Number 25,258. Labeled: "Trade THE VIBROPLEX Mark" 84356 Nov 28, 1911, Pat Aug 9, 1904, Jan 22, 1907, Oct 29, 1912 Nov 5, 1912.Others pending. Horace G. Martin,New York,USA. Circa 1913.

6145a Another view of the model 'x':(19KB)


6150 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 DELUXE:(18KB) (Early "Blue Racer"). Number B-566. Labeled: "Trade THE VIBROPLEX mark" 84356 Nov 28, 1911, Pat Aug 9, 1904, Jan 22,1907, Oct 29, 1912, Nov 5, 1912.Others pending. Horace G. Martin, New York, USA. Unusual All Nickel-plated base. Circa 1914.

6150a Another view of the model 4:(17KB)

6150b Another view of the model 4:(35KB)

6150c Another view of the model 4:(35KB)

6157 VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 (Early "Blue racer"). Number B-933. As above. BLUE Base. Barely Visible Albright decal. Circa 1914.


6160 VIBROPLEX MODEL 4:(15KB) Serial Number B-998. As above. This key also has a decal on the base.

6160a A view of the label on the key:(17KB)

6160b A view of he decal on he base:(11KB)

6178 VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Number 50671. Parts key. No label. As below.1913.


6180 VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(35KB) Serial Number 50686. Label reads: "Trade THE VIBROPLEX mark" 84356 Nov 28, 1911, Pat Aug 9, 1904, Jan 22, 1907, Oct 29, 1912 Nov 5, 1912. Others pending. Horace G. Martin, New York,USA. Circa 1913.

6180a Another view of the Vibroplex Original:(39KB)


6220 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 ''BLUE RACER'':(13KB) Serial Number 55088. Labeled: Trade "VIBROPLEX" Mark, No 58702, US PATENTS NO.767,303 NO.812183 NO. 842154 NO.1,042,457 NO.1,043,449 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway,NewYork. Circa 1916.

6220a Another view of the Blue Racer:(16KB)

6230 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer": Number 57218. As above. Typical BLUE Base. Circa 1916. (Traded to W9AC).


6240 * VIBROPLEX "X"-MODEL: (44KB) Labeled: Trade "VIBROPLEX" Mark, No 58702, US PATENTS NO.767,303 NO.812,183 NO. 842154 NO.1,042,457 NO.1,043,449 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway,New York. From the Delaware and Hudson Railroad office in Whitehall,NewYork.Shows wear from heavy use.Circa 1917.


6260 * VIBROPLEX DELUXE DUAL-LEVER MODEL:(17KB) Number 61867. Cloverleaf Frame. Last Patent No 1,178,291 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC 253 Broadway, New York. Circa 1918. (Traded to W9AC).


6265 VIBROPLEX VERTICAL "LINE CHIEF'S KEY:(10KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 63440 U.S.Patents 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,074,831, 1,109,818, 1,110,373, 1,170,796 1,178,291. THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York.Circa 1918.

6265a Another front view of # 6265:(9KB)

6265b A rear view of # 6265:(10KB)


6270 VIBROPLEX DELUXE MODEL 4 'Blue Racer':(36KB) All plated. Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 63,838 U.S.Patents 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Cloverleaf Frame. Circa 1918.

6270a Another view of the VIBROPLEX DELUXE MODEL 4 'Blue Racer':(36KB)


6320 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(33KB) Labeled: Trade "VIBROPLEX" Mark, No. 64681 U.S.Patents 767,303, 812,183,1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,074,831, 1,109,818, 1,110,373, 1, 170,796, 1,178,291 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC 253 Broadway,NewYork.Circa 1919.

6330 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer": S/N 65,406. Standard. like 6270. Circa 1919.

6331 VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer":(18KB) S/N 65,845. Standard. like 6270. Circa 1919.
6332 VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer": S/N 67,099. Standard. Black base. Circa 1919.


6333 VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(19KB) Labeled: Trade "VIBROPLEX" Mark, No. 66985 U.S.Patents 767,303, 812,183,1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,074,831, 1,109,818, 1,110,373, 1, 170,796, 1,178,291 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC 253 Broadway,NewYork.Circa 1919.

6333a Another view of the VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(24KB)


6338 * RARE VIBROPLEX 'MIDGET':(17KB) This key carries serial number 69,685. It is by far the rarest of the Vibroplex models. I was able to buy it at the Dayton hamfest in 1999. It is one of the 6 Midgets known to exist. It is missing the articulated leg. --> Randy Cole, KN6W.

6338a A bottom view of the Midget:(15KB)


6340 * VIBROPLEX "X" MODEL:(32KB) Round shaft. Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 70053 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Circa 1919.


6345 ** K8DV's RARE VIBROPLEX 'MIDGET':(12KB) This key carries serial number 70,235. It is by far the rarest of the Vibroplex models. David Vest, K8DV has given me permission to include several pictures of his key in my museum. It is one of the 6 Midgets known to exist.

6345a Another view of the Midget:(12KB)

6345b A top view of the Midget:(14KB)

6345c A bottom view of the Midget:(16KB)

6345d A view of the label on the Midget:(12KB)


6349 VIBROPLEX DUAL-LEVER MODEL: Cloverleaf frame. Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 72210 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Circa 1919.

6349a Another view of the Vibroplex Dual-Lever key:

6349b Another view of the Vibroplex Dual-Lever key:

6349c Another view of the Vibroplex Dual-Lever key:

6350 VIBROPLEX DUAL-LEVER MODEL: Cloverleaf frame. Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 72216 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Circa 1919.

6370 * VIBROPLEX "X" MODEL-X: Round shaft. No. 72977. Same as 6340. Circa 1920.

6400 * VIBROPLEX "PSEUDO-X" ORIGINAL / MODEL "X" HYBRID: Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 73847 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Circa 1920. This extremely unusual key has the ORIGINAL style base, upright frame, lever, and dash mechanism but it also has a round-shaft MODEL X style damper, and MODEL X elevated dot spring and high dot contact post.>K5VT.


6401 ** LEFT-HANDED "PSEUDO-X":(16KB)
Similar to 6400 but left-handed. (Owned by collector Ed Biter-NS3E)

6401a LEFT-HANDED "PSEUDO-X" ENLARGED VIEW:(34KB)

6410 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Black Japanned Base. No Label. Circa 1920.

6420 * VIBROPLEX "X" MODEL: Round shaft. Number 74896. Like 6340. Circa 1920.


6430 VIBROPLEX DELUXE ROUND SHAFT MODEL X:(26KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 75839 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. This is the first Nickel-Plated Round Shaft Vibroplex Model X that I have come across. Circa 1920.

6430a A Right-Side view of the VIBROPLEX DELUXE ROUND SHAFT MODEL X:(28KB)

6440 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer" Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 76722 U.S.Patents No 767,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 253 Broadway, New York. Unusual wheel damper. BLACK Japanned base. Cloverleaf frame. Circa 1920.

6450 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial Number 78857. Label same as 6440.Circa 1920.


6460 VIBROPLEX "JUNIOR":(35KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 81905 U.S.Patents No 767303, 812183,842154,1042457,1043449,1260008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 825 Broadway,NewYork.Circa 1920.Pencilled"March 15 1927 WATKINS"on bottom.

6480 VIBROPLEX "JUNIOR-MODEL4": Very rare Junior base with model 4 mechanism. Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 82332 U.S.Patents No 767303, 812183, 842154,1042457,1043449,1260008 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 825 Broadway, New York. Cloverleaf Frame. Circa 1921. (Base 6" X 3".) Only 1 other one known to exist.

6505 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial Number 84903. Label like #6480. Circa 1922.


6540 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(38KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 86654 U.S.Patents 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 825 Broadway, New York. Circa 1922.


6550 * VIBROPLEX MODEL 4 "Blue Racer": (29KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 87181 U.S.Patents 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, 1,445,226 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 825 Broadway, New York. Cloverleaf Frame. Circa 1922.


6555 * HYBRID VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL / BLUE RACER:(15KB) This unusual key has a blue racer mechanism with cloverleaf frame mounted on a Vibroplex Original base. It is labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 96,337 U.S.Patents 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, 1,445,226 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 796 Fulton St. New York. Cloverleaf Frame. Circa 1926.

6555a Another view of the hybrid key:(12KB)

6555b Another view of the hybrid key:(17KB)

6555c Another view of the hybrid key:(29KB)

6555d Another view of the hybrid key:(31KB)


6558 VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL:(36KB) Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 96,844 U.S.Patents No 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, 1,445,226 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 796 Fulton St. New York. Circa 1926.

6560 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Labeled: Trade VIBROPLEX Mark, No. 96944 U.S.Patents No 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, 1,445,226 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 796 Fulton St. New York. Circa 1926.


6580 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL DELUXE:(29KB) Early all chrome plated. Labeled:Trade VIBROPLEX Mark,No. 98947 U.S.Patents 763,303, 812,183, 842,154, 1,042,457, 1,043,449, 1,260,008, 1,445,226 THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY INC. 796 Fulton St. New York. Circa 1926.

6605 * VIBROPLEX LIGHTNING BUG: Number 103421. Japanned base. Label same as 6580. Circa 1929.>K2PTS.


6607 * VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER:(28KB) Serial Number 107,029 which indicates that it was built in 1933.

6607a * Another view of the BLUE RACER:(30KB)

6607b * Another view of the BLUE RACER:(37KB)

6607c * Another view of the BLUE RACER:(43KB)

6610 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Number 111309. Wrinkle-finish base. label same as 6580. Circa 1938.

6611 * VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL: Serial No. 113803 in Carrying case marked NORTHWEST AIRLINES INC. U.S. Airmail. Circa 1939.>K2PTS.


6621 1943 VIBROPLEX HYBRID BLUE RACER / ORIGINAL:(46KB)Serial Number 125,892 which indicates that it was built in 1943. The Blue Racer Mechanism is mounted on a Black Wrinkle-Finish Original-Size base.

6621a Another view of the 1943 VIBROPLEX HYBRID BLUE RACER /ORIGINAL:(47KB)


6630 * VIBROPLEX BLACK BASED BLUE RACER:(19KB) Serial Number 146,955 which indicates that it was built in 1945 when the Vibroplex company was located at 833 Broadway, New York.


6700 LEFT-HANDED VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER PRESENTATION MODEL:(24KB) Serial Number 188.359. 833 Broadway, New York.

6700h Higher resolution photo of 6700:(52KB)

6700h3 MUCH Higher resolution photo of 6700:(292KB)


6820 * VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER:(22KB) Serial Number 189,322. 833 Broadway, New York.


6827 LEFT HANDED VIBROPLEX PRESENTATION DELUXE ORIGINAL:(22KB) Serial Number 199,400. 833 Broadway, New York. This is a very unusual Left Handed Presentation Model. Vibroplex typically made these keys only on special order and they made very few of them.

6827a Right Side View of the Left Handed Vibroplex Presentation.(35KB)


6830 * VIBROPLEX GREY BASED BLUE RACER:(14KB) Serial Number 200,107 which indicates that it was manufactured in 1957.


6840 * VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER DELUXE:(20KB) Number 208,374.All Chromed.833 Broadway. Circa 1955.

6840a Another view of the 1955 Blue Racer:(20KB)


6860 * VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER:(32KB) Serial Number 222,914. 833 Broadway,New York. Circa 1961.


6900 MARBLE-BASED MODEL "X" BUG:(22KB) This bug has the same design features as the Vibroplex model "X" and is mounted on a white marble base. It may be a copy of a Vibroplex key made by perhaps ATOZ.


6925 * UNUSUAL VIBROPLEX NAMETAG: I had not seen one of these Vibroplex Nametags before someone brought one to my table at the Dayton Hamfest. It is obviously designed to be attached to a Vibroplex carrying case as shown in the photo:


6950 UNUSUAL VIBROPLEX DECAL:(48KB) This decal is obviously designed to be pasted to the inside of a window... perhaps on a car. Other collectors tell me that this decal is fairly common.


6990 MITCH, W4OA, THE OWNER OF THE VIBROPLEX COMPANY AT THE 2000 DAYTON HAMVENTION:(27KB) Mitch was kind enough to take a moment to pose for this picture holding the new Vibroplex paddle / straight key combination at the Vibroplex booth at the Dayton Hamvention. He is at the left in this picture alongside Wayne Smith, K8FF. The Vibroplex exhibit booth was constantly busy and sold a lot of keys and parts. The square weights for the Lightning/Champion bugs were particularly popular.

6990a PEOPLE TRYING OUT THE KEYS AT THE VIBROPLEX BOOTH:(26KB) There were always a lot of eager hands reaching out to try the keys on display at the Vibroplex booth.

END OF VIBROPLEX SEMI-AUTOMATIC KEYS

NON-VIBROPLEX KEYS AT: http://w1tp.com/im8000b.htm

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please Note: IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN ANSWER TO YOUR EMAIL
IT MEANS THAT I CAN NO LONGER RESPOND.
Please use internet search engines to find other information if you do not receive a reply.

Professor Tom Perera Ph. D. - W1TP
Professor Emeritus:
Montclair State University
  • Go to Tom Perera's Professional Neuropsychology Home Page. Internet On-Line Telegraph & Scientific Instrument Museums:
    http://w1tp.com

    Internet ENIGMA Museum:
    https://EnigmaMuseum.com

    COPYRIGHT NOTICE: (Copyright (c) 2023: Prof. Tom Perera Ph. D.)
    Although all the pictures and text are copyrighted, you may use any of them for your own personal applications including public lectures and demonstrations, publications and websites as long as you mention the w1tp.com Museum. If you plan to offer them for sale to the public in any form, please email me for permission which I will generally grant as long as you mention my museum: http://w1tp.com or https://EnigmaMuseum.com My email address is given at the bottom of this page. Some of the material may require contacting other copyright owners for commercial use and I will inform you by email. Please also see the Disclaimer of Warranty.