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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.

EARLY PRE - 1881 TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (PART I)
W1TP TELEGRAPH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MUSEUMS: http://w1tp.com

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VERY EARLY LAND-LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (1) (prior to 1860s) - - (50 - 159)

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

PART I

50 THE ORIGINAL MORSE TELEGRAPH KEY was actually a notched piece of metal called a Portrule. It was pulled along and the parts of the metal that were not notched made contact with another piece of metal, completed the electrical circuit, and produced the dots and dashes of the Morse Code.

50a THE VAIL 'CORRESPONDENT':(41KB) This simple so- called 'strap key' was used in early tests by Morse and Vail that led up to the 1844 demonstration. It was given the name 'strap key' because it consisted of just a simple strap of spring brass.

50b THE ORIGINAL MORSE TELEGRAPH KEY CALLED THE 'LEVER CORRESPONDENT' THAT WAS USED IN THE 1844 BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON DEMONSTRATION:(36KB) This key is on display in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC and it is on loan from the Vail Museum in Morristown, NJ.

50h A VERY NICELY MADE REPRODUCTION OF THE VAIL LEVER CORRESPONDENT This key has the same design features as the original key. It has a very old-looking patina and it takes a few minutes to be certain that it is a replica. It is about 30% smaller than the original and looks very much like it. However, the hex nuts on the adjusting screws and on the lower contact posts are totally different from the square nuts used in the original. This key was purchased by Jon, WS1K. It came from an estate in New Mexico but no further information is available.

50i A RIGHT side view of the reproduction Lever Correspondent made by an unknown maker.

50i A closer view of the right side of the reproduction Lever Correspondent made by an unknown maker. Notice the hex nuts on the adjusting knobs and the lower contacts. No hex nuts were used in the original.

50x A REPRODUCTION OF THE VAIL LEVER CORRESPONDENT MADE BY KENT IN ENGLAND:(38KB) This key has the same general design and measurements as the original key but various production versions of the Kent key have been given sand-blasted and other finishes which make it look quite different from the polished brass of the original. Many owners have tried to achieve the weathered and aged patina of the original key in the Smithsonian Institution. Several techniques for developing an aged patina on the key have been tried. One that works quite well is to bury it in the ground for about a year and then gently clean off the dirt.

50y A LEFT side view of the Lever Correspondent Reproduction by Kent:(42KB)

50z ** THE EARLIEST CAMELBACK KEY THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN:(50KB) Owner anonymous.

51 ** EXTREMELY EARLY PALMER AND HALL BOXED COMBINATION TELEGRAPH KEY AND RELAY SET: This extremley rare Palmer and Hall telegraph set is contained in a wooden box that protects the early camelback key and relay from damage. One end of the box folds down to allow operation of the set while still in the box. The relay and the box are labeled: Palmer and Hall and the box label reads: PALMER & HALL electricians, 158 Washington St. Boston, Mass. The box measures: 8.5 x 6 inches. The owner was kind enough to allow me to include these photographs in my museum prior to selling it on ebay.

51a ** The Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set in its Original wooden box.

51b ** A different view of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set showing the telegraph key more clearly.

51c ** The operator's end of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

51d ** The Maker's Mark on top of the relay in the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

51e ** A close view of the far end of the key and a terminal in the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

51f ** The underside of the base of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

51g ** The front of the box of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

51h ** The inside of the cover of the box of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set showing the Palmer and Hall paper label.

51i ** A close view of the dovetailed corner of the box of the Palmer & Hall Telegraph Set.

52 ** EXTREMELY EARLY TELEGRAPH AND MINSTREL AMBROTYPE: (57KB)This extremely early ambrotype is from the Jim Bollman (email: [email protected] ) collection of very early banjos. It is copyright (c) Jim Bollman and it is provided courtesy of The Music Emporium ( http://www.themusicemporium.com ).
Ambrotypes were introduced after dagerreotypes and around the middle of the 19th century. They consist of a transparency which is mounted on a black background. This one shows a grouping of 8 young boys with a banjo and two telegraph instruments. The grouping and banjo indicate that these boys are members of one of the popular minstrel groups of the mid 19th century. Three of the boys are wearing hats and at least two are wearing uniforms which suggest that they work in a telegraph office. They are holding two extremely early telegraph instruments and I believe that this is the earliest photograph of these instruments that has been found.

The left instrument appears to be a Thomas Hall relay similar to the

number 68 ** Palmer & Hall relay shown in my museum:(16KB)

The right instrument appears to be a similar Hall relay mounted on the same board with a very curved telegraph key which may be an Hall or some other key. If it is an Hall key, it is much earlier and more elaborate than the
number 67 Hall telegraph key in my museum:(15KB)
Click here to see an enlarged (but very slow loading) view of this entire picture:(191KB)
I have selected the right instrument and enlarged it to allow much closer inspection.

This is an enlarged view with no sharpening:(17KB) It reveals that the key has a light-colored probably ivory knob.

Adding a very high degree of sharpening allows a few more details to be seen:(26KB)

Still more enlargement:(8KB) starts to show more additional details of the key's design. However, you will probably have to step quite far back away from your computer screen to view it.
CONCLUSION: I believe that the key is a Palmer and Hall camelback as shown in

This picture from the Hall Catalog:(12KB).

Although it is difficult to see all of the details in the ambrotype because the head of a minstrel gets in the way, most details seem to match the catalog illustration.

52f ** HOMEMADE MODEL OF THE PALMER & HALL CAMELBACK:(10KB)This key is in the Tom French W1IMQ collection. It appears to have been modeled after the above key.

52fa ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(11KB)

52fb ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(11KB)

52fc ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(10KB)

52fd ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(10KB)

52fe ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(10KB)

52fg ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(11KB)

52fh ** Another view of the homemade camelback:(14KB)

53 VERY EARLY PALMER AND HALL OR HALL BOXED PORTABLE COMBINATION TELEGRAPH KEY AND RELAY SET: This extremely rare portable telegraph set is enclosed in a strong wooden box that protects the tiny miniature straight lever key and miniature relay from damage. The overall design and the spring adjusting mechanism for the relay is quite unusual. Although there are no obvious markings on the set, the knurling on the hardware, the shape of the parts, and the design strongly suggest that it was made by Palmer and Hall or Hall in Boston, Mass.

53a Another view of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53b Another view of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53c Another view of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53d A closer view of the mechanism of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53e A closer view of the mechanism of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53f A closer view of the key in the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53g A closer view of the key in the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53h The front outside of the box of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53i The right outside of the box of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53j The left outside of the box of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

53k The bottom of the box of the Palmer and Hall portable set:

54 ** POSSIBLY THE EARLIEST TELEGRAPH DAGUERREOTYPES: These daguerreotypes are exhibited with the permission of Mark Koenigsberg whose daguerreotype museum at: http://www.geocities.com/~daguerreotype contains many other early pictures on other subjects. They are copyright (c) Mark Koenigsberg and are the earliest images of telegraphers and telegraph instruments that I have found.

55 EXTREMELY EARLY CATON 'MORSE' WEIGHT-DRIVEN REGISTER:(54KB) This extremely early Morse Register is a fine example of the first style of paper-tape recorder to be used on the telegraph lines. It is powered by a weight and pulls a paper tape past a stylus that makes indentations in the tape for dots and dashes. It was used in a railroad depot in Stockton Springs, Maine. It was acquired by James Coose (W1CBU) of Stockton Springs when the station closed and given to his son-in-law Robert Littlefield (W1MFU) and transferred to this museum by Diane Coose Littlefield in 1996. It was made by the Caton Instrument Co. in the 1850's. The base is stamped: OTTAWA - ILL 433.

55b ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CATON 'MORSE' REGISTER:(54KB)

55c ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CATON 'MORSE' REGISTER:(54KB)

56 CATON TELEGRAPH KEY:(12KB) This early straight lever key was made by the Caton Instrument Co., Ottawa, Ill. The long legs pass through holes in the operating table and wires are attached to binding posts at the end of each leg. The lever is stamped CATON, OTTAWA, ILL 7?? (illegible), and the base is stamped with the number 494. Circa 1860's.

57 ** EARLY CATON 'LINEMAN'S TEST SET OR POCKET RELAY:(18KB)This magnificent pocket relay or 'lineman's test set' consists of a sensitive sounder and a very early and tiny strap key. There is a tiny ivory knob on both the key and the shorting lever. These sets allowed linemen to tap into telegraph lines with a pocket-sized instrument and they were also used by the military for intercepting and sending false messages to the enemy. The set is enclosed in an oval hard rubber case and in a thick leather protective case. These pocket sets are very hard to find and this one is owned by collector Bill Carpenter, AA8EY.

57a High Resolution picture of the Caton Pocket Relay:(48KB)

60 VERY EARLY ELABORATE CAMELBACK KEY & SOUNDER:(63KB) This all brass key with leaf spring has a massive elaborately curved lever of the earliest "camelback" or "humpbacked" shape which was adopted soon after Morse's demonstration. These keys were only made for a short time because the steel shaft, press fit into the lever, tended to work loose with use. The sounder is also heavy brass but, although it was mounted on a board along with this key, I believe that the sounder may be from a later period. The original wooden base is missing. The two instruments came from a burned railroad station in Canada. Circa 1848. The lever shape and large dished adjusting screw heads are very similar to the two keys shown below. It has been suggested that these keys were all made by the Dominion Telegraph Company in Canada but unfortunately, we have very little information about Canadian Telegraph Companies.

62 VERY EARLY ELABORATE CAMELBACK KEY:(32KB) This all brass key with early hairpin spring has the same massive elaborately curved lever as number 210. The hairpin spring suggests that it is of a slightly later design. It is stamped NWT, the initials of the early Northwest Telegraph Company of Western Canada. All underside parts are stamped "2" and it is also stamped 1880., an inventory date? It came from Canada. Circa 1850.

63 VERY EARLY ELABORATE STRAIGHT LEVER KEY:(32KB) This extremely early all brass straight lever key is very similar to the two extremely early camelback keys above. Note that the shorting lever and adjusting screws are virtually identical to those above. Like the two camelbacks, it was also located in Canada and it may have been made by the Dominion Telegraph Company. Circa 1850's. Collector Pete Malvasi, W2PM owns a sounder which appears to match this key and which is labeled Dominion Tel Co. and this lends credence to the suggestion that Dominion made this key although the key below is very similar to this key and carries the label: FOSTER, Toronto suggesting that this key might have been made by Foster.

63a Another view of the early straight lever key:(16KB)

63b A closer view of the early straight lever key:(16KB)

63c A still-closer view of the early straight lever key:(32KB)

64 VERY EARLY ELABORATE CANADIAN 'FOSTER' STRAIGHT LEVER KEY {One Mystery Solved!}:(32KB) This extremely early all brass straight lever key is very similar to the key above (Number 0063). Note that the shorting lever and adjusting screws are virtually identical to those above. This key is labeled: FOSTER, TORONTO and it appears to be a very early key made in the 1850s. Several keys have turned up in the last 10 years that are similar to this key but none of them has carried a maker's name. It is apparent that this key solves the mystery of who made these other keys by showing that it was "FOSTER" of Canada who made them.

64a Another view of the very early Foster straight lever key:(16KB)

64b A view of the underside of the base of the very early Foster straight lever key:(16KB)

65 * 1850 TELEGRAM AND TAPE FROM A ''HOUSE PRINTING TELEGRAPH'':(14KB) This telegraph message was printed on the paper tape by a 'House Printing Telegraph' instrument in 1850. The 'House' was first patented in 1848. The tape was delivered to the addressee in the envelope which carries the date of receipt of the message.

65l Higher Resolution View of the telegram:(70KB)

66 VERY EARLY THOMAS HALL WEIGHT DRIVEN REGISTER: (24KB) This lovely old register was made by Thomas Hall of boston in the early 1850's.

66a Another view of the Hall Register:(28KB)

66b Another view of the Hall Register:(26KB)

66c Another view of the Hall Register:(28KB)

66d Another view of the Hall Register:(26KB)

66e Another view of the Hall Register:(27KB)

66f Another view of the Hall Register:(25KB)

66g Another view of the Hall Register:(23KB)

67 VERY EARLY THOMAS HALL CAMELBACK KEY:(15KB)
This lovely camelback key was made by Thomas Hall of Boston circa the 1850's.

67a The other side of the Hall camelback:(15KB)

68 * VERY EARLY PALMER & HALL RELAY:(20KB)
This lovely early relay was made by the firm of Palmer & Hall of Boston sometime between 1847 and 1849. Notice the ivory end caps on each of the coils and the ivory insulator on the very end of the contact spacing screw.(Traded to W2PM)

68a * Closeup of the Name on top of the frame:(11KB)

69 VERY EARLY THOMAS HALL SOUNDER:(26KB)
This lovely early sounder was made by the firm of Thomas Hall of Boston sometime between 1847 and 1859.

69a Another view of the Thomas Hall Sounder:(28KB)

69b Another view of the Thomas Hall Sounder:(30KB)

70 VERY EARLY CHARLES CHESTER WEIGHT-DRIVEN MORSE REGISTER:(18KB) This very early register was made by Charles T. Chester of New York in the 1850's. It is an embossing register which means that it marked dots and dashes by making impressions in the paper tape rather than by depositing ink on the tape. A pair of them was originally purchased and one was traded.

70a The Pair of Chester Registers:(17KB)

70b The Pair of Chester Registers-(other side):(20KB)

71 VERY EARLY CHARLES CHESTER TELEGRAPH KEY:(12KB) This lovely straight lever key was manufactured by Charles T. Chester of New York in the 1850's or 1860's. The lever is 5" long and the base is 3".

72 VERY EARLY MINIATURE CHARLES CHESTER TELEGRAPH KEY:(11KB) This is a smaller version of number 71. The lever is 4" long and the base is 2" long.

74 * VERY EARLY TILLOTSON WEIGHT-DRIVEN REGISTER:(45KB) This lovely and very early register was made by Tillotson & Co of New York in the 1850's. It's design appears to be identical to the Knox & Shain Registers made in Philadelphia. It is an embossing register which records dots and dashes on the paper tape by making indentations in the tape with a pointed stylus. This picture is displayed with the permission of the owner/collector.

75 * VERY EARLY CHUBBUCK WEIGHT-DRIVEN REGISTER:(24KB) This very early register was made by Chubbuck in Utica, NY in the 1850's. It is an embossing register which records dots and dashes on the paper tape by making indentations in the tape with a pointed stylus. (traded to K5VT)

75a ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHUBBUCK REGISTER:(25KB)

76 VERY EARLY CHUBBUCK WEIGHT-DRIVEN REGISTER:(29KB) Very similar to number 75 above.

76a ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHUBBUCK REGISTER:(31KB)

76b ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHUBBUCK REGISTER:(35KB)

76c ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHUBBUCK REGISTER:(30KB)

76d ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CHUBBUCK REGISTER:(30KB)

79 EARLY WESTERN UNION WEIGHT-DRIVEN REGISTER:(22KB) This is an early Western Union Weight-Driven Register. The solid brass sides of the string reel are very unusual. It is an embossing register which marks dots and dashes on the paper tape by making indentations in the tape with a pointed stylus.

79a ANOTHER VIEW OF THE WESTERN UNION REGISTER:(22KB)

79b TOP VIEW OF THE WESTERN UNION REGISTER:(21KB)
The register was apparently carried from location to location in this box.

79c WESTERN UNION REGISTER BOX OPEN:(23KB)

79d WESTERN UNION REGISTER BOX CLOSED:(20KB)
The box has the Western Union Label on the front:

79e WESTERN UNION REGISTER BOX LABEL:(20KB)

THE CIVIL WAR:

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Internet ENIGMA Museum:
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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.

EARLY PRE - 1881 TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (PART II)
W1TP TELEGRAPH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MUSEUMS: http://w1tp.com

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VERY EARLY LAND-LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (2) (Approx: 1860s to 1881) - - (160 - 1000)

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

160 EARLY OTTOMAN EMPIRE TURKISH TELEGRAPH KEY:(23KB)This early Turkish land-line telegraph key was found in an antique store in Istanbul in 2003. The letters stamped into the bottom of the base suggest that it was used during the Ottoman Empire.

160a Another View of the Ottoman Empire Turkish Key: (23KB)

160b A View of the Turkish Key showing the letters on the bottom of the base:(59KB)

161 * EARLY OTTOMAN EMPIRE TURKISH TELEGRAPH KEY:(29KB)This early Turkish land-line telegraph key was found but not purchased in an antique store in Istanbul in 2003. Its basic design is quite similar to the design of # 160 above.

169 EXTREMELY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY:(31KB) This is a very early German Camelback key although the next key in the museum, number 170, is clearly much earlier.

169a Another view of the Camelback Key:(34KB)

170 EXTREMELY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY:(14KB) This is one of the very earliest German Camelback keys that I have ever seen. I believe that it dates to the early 1850's based on my research in the Siemens and Deutches Museum Archives in Munich. I believe that the number stamped on the side of the key is either a part number or the date in which it was placed in service. I have included several different views of the key.

170a Another view of the Camelback Key:(15KB)

170b Another view of the Camelback Key:(14KB)

170c Another view of the Camelback Key:(18KB)

170d Another view of the Camelback Key:(27KB)

170aa ANOTHER EXTREMELY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY:(15KB) This is similar to the one above but perhaps slightly later.

170ab Another view of the extremely early German Camelback Key:(13KB)

171 * VERY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY:(15KB) Lovely very early German camelback land-line key with the flat, non- adjustable spring and the heavy brass camelback lever that was characteristic of the earliest German telegraph keys.

172 * EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY:(19KB) Nice early German camelback land-line key with the flat, non- adjustable spring and the heavy brass camelback lever that was characteristic of early German telegraph keys.

173 * LATER MATCHED GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEYS:(19KB) These two keys were mounted side-by-side on a single piece of wood. The keys are numbered 1 and 2. The heavy camelback levers are similar to those of early camelback keys but these keys were made around the turn of the century.

173a A closer view of one of the German camelback keys:(14KB)

174 EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY FROM CZECH REPUBLIC:(19KB) Nice early German camelback land-line key with the flat, non- adjustable spring and the heavy brass camelback lever that was characteristic of early German telegraph keys. This one was used in the Czech Republic.

174a Another view of the German/Czech Land line key:(22KB)

175 VERY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE FLAT SPRING PIVOT KEY:(18KB) Delicate key with flat spring/pivot (Like a Steiner key) at end of the 3-3/4" lever. Early Ivory knob and normally open and normally closed contacts. Books show this to be circa 1840s.

176 VERY EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE SEMI-CAMELBACK FLAT SPRING KEY:(34KB)This is an early German land-line key with a very unusual lever design. It uses the very early flat spring design to hold the lever up.

176a Another view of the German key:(36KB)

177 EARLY GERMAN LAND-LINE CAMELBACK KEY: Nice early German camelback land-line key with the flat, non- adjustable spring and the heavy brass camelback lever that was characteristic of early German telegraph keys.

177a Another view of the German Land line camelback key:

180 * EARLY FRENCH KEY, REGISTER, AND BELL PRACTICE SET:(17KB) This is an early French practice set consisting of a small telegraph key, an electrically operated bell, and a register which scribed impressions of dots and dashes into a moving paper tape.

180a Another view of the French practice set:(16KB)

181 EARLY GERMAN BRASS LEVER CAMELBACK PRACTICE KEY:(18KB) Small 3-3/4" brass lever with camelback curve and upward pointing end leading directly into knob. An early flat spring provides the tension. This design is typical of most of the early Prussian land-line keys. These keys were used with early German telegraph practice sets as shown below which are the German equivalent of the American Bunnell Camelback key and sounder practice sets.

182 * EARLY GERMAN TELEGRAPH SET: KEY, REGISTER, RELAY:(13KB) This simple practice set is the German equivalent of the American Bunnell Camelback key and sounder practice sets. The simply-made key follows the classic lines of the earliest Prussian Camelback keys. The register is also of very simple design. The paper tape is simply pulled through the register by hand. The relay, although simply made, is patterned after the earliest Prussian relays.

182a * ANOTHER EARLY GERMAN PRACTICE REGISTER:(23KB)
This is another variant of the very simple, hand-operated design.

182b CATALOG ILLUSTRATION OF COMPLETE EARLY GERMAN PRACTICE SET:(22KB)
This illustration shows a box containing a complete German practice set consisting of 2 glass batteries, 2 keys, 2 registers, and 2 rolls of wire. The catalog was published in 1910/1911 by Edmund Prandstatter of Munich, Germany. It is interesting to note that registers were still being produced and sold at this late date in Germany while Americans had abandonned registers in favor of copying code by ear from sounders around the 1860's. It is also interesting to note that there are NO sounders offered for sale anywhere in the catalog !!

182c CATALOG ILLUSTRATION OF ANOTHER GERMAN PRACTICE SET:(15KB)
This practice set from the above catalog included a more complex spring-driven register which pulled the paper tape automatically.

182d * Another GERMAN PRACTICE REGISTER:(15KB)

182e * Another GERMAN PRACTICE REGISTER:(15KB)

182f * Another GERMAN PRACTICE REGISTER:(15KB)

183 VERY EARLY GERMAN CAST LEVER CAMELBACK KEY:(25KB) Massive 4-3/4" long cast lever with the classical Prussian camelback shape. An early flat spring provides the tension. Normally open contacts only.

185 UNUSUAL EARLY GERMAN CAMELBACK KEY:(15KB) Small 4-1/4"Camelback lever with unusual upward pointing end leading directly into knob. Key is pivoted on far end and has coil spring. Black 3-1/2x2-1/2 base stamped: E.ZIMMERMAN, LEIPZIG. This key was sold for use in scientific experiments as well as for telegraph.

0187 EARLY GERMAN 'SIEMENS' KEY, REGISTER, & GALVANOMETER (KROB) SET:(16KB) This set is a typical example of an early European land-line telegraph system consisting of a straight-lever German key, an ink writing register, and a galvanometer for measuring the condition of the line. A roll of paper tape on which the dots and dashes were written (in ink) is stored in the drawer under the register. This set was manufactured by Siemens.

0187a ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SIEMENS SET:(20KB)

0187b ANOTHER VIEW OF THE SIEMENS SET:(17KB)

0188 EARLY FRENCH KEY, REGISTER, & GALVANOMETER (KROB) SET:(21KB)
This set is a typical example of the early European land-line telegraph systems which consisted of a straight-lever German-design key, an ink writing register, and a galvanometer for measuring the condition of the line. It is called a ''KROB'' set which stands for: Key and Register on Base. A roll of paper tape on which the dots and dashes were written (in ink) is stored in the drawer under the register. This set is stamped with the French manufacturer's name but the design of the key and register are clearly Siemens. The name stamped on the set reads: Societe Industrielle des Telephones, 25 Rue du 4 Septembre, Paris. I believe that the set was probably originally manufactured or certaily licensed by Siemens.
NOTE the interesting telegraph key which has the characteristic German Siemens spring-mounted lower contacts AND surprisingly, it has two tension springs. One spring is mounted in front of the trunnion and one spring is mounted in back of the trunnion. It is unclear why the spring in back of the trunnion was needed.
The only other two-spring key that I have been able to find is listed in the Spark and Radio keys' and the 'German Military keys' sections of this museum. The following views of this set allow you to see all of the important details.

0188a Another angled view of the French set:(21KB)

0188b Another angled view of the French set:(22KB)

0188c A view of the French set with paper drawer open:(19KB)

0188d A close up view of the galvanometer on the French set:(8KB)

0188e A close up view of the name stamped into the French set:(12KB)

0188f A close up view of contacts and dual springs of the (German-origin) telegraph key on the French set:(14KB)

0188g A key that is similar to that has the same dual springs as those on the above set:(25KB)

0189 * EARLY GERMAN 'WETZER' KEY, REGISTER, & GALVANOMETER SET:(17KB)
This set is a typical example of a land-line telegraph system consisting of a straight-lever German key, an ink writing register, and a galvanometer for measuring the condition of the line. This one is somewhat later than number 0187 and the black meters were probably added later than it's first date of manufacture. It was manufactured by H. Wetzer, Pfronten Bayern.

0189a Another view of the wetzer set:(17KB)

0189b Another view of the wetzer set:(17KB)

0189c Another view of the wetzer set:(18KB)

0189d Another view of the wetzer set:(17KB)

190 LARGE WESTERN UNION TRANSATLANTIC CABLE KEY:(51KB) Two large old brass levers mounted on a 4-1/2x6" black rubber base. The left lever was used to send dots. Pressing it drove the cable voltage positive. The right lever was used to send dashes and drove the cable negative. Since the cable was thousands of miles long, it acted as a huge capacitor and the full plus-to-minus voltage was necessary to help it discharge. The messages were recorded on a moving paper strip and it took skill to visually tell the difference between dots & dashes.

0190a Another view of the WU Cable Key:(37KB)

0190b Another view of the WU Cable Key:(37KB)

0190c Another view of the WU Cable Key:(37KB)

0190d A view of the bottom of the base of the WU Cable Key:(37KB)

192 LARGE ELLIOTT BROTHERS TRANSATLANTIC CABLE KEY:(51KB)This is a very fine example of an early submarine cable key. It has survived in very good condition and shows a plethora of adjustments that allow it to be set to the exact tension and spacing desired by an operator. The left lever was used to send dots. Pressing it drove the cable voltage positive. The right lever was used to send dashes and drove the cable negative. Since the cable was thousands of miles long, it acted as a huge capacitor and the full plus-to-minus voltage was necessary to help it discharge. The cable messages were usually recorded on a moving paper strip and it took skill to visually tell the difference between dots & dashes. This key, however, was used with the super-sensitive relay shown below instead of the typical paper tape recorder.

192a Another view of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192b Another view of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192c Another view of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192d Another view of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192e Another view of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192f A close view of the Victor-Patent-like pivots on the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192g A close view of the maker's name on the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

192h The underside of the base of the Elliott Brothers Cable key: (41KB)

193 SUPER-SENSITIVE POLAR RELAY USED IN SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH CABLE LINES:(70KB)The electrical signals on a submarine telegraph cable were usually recorded on a moving paper tape and then translated into letters by eye. This relay has the extremely high resistance of 506 Ohms, making it sensitive enough to detect the very small voltage changes in a submarine cable. In addition, it has numerous very fine adjustments that allow it to be set to react to very weak signals such as thouse received over very long cables. There is some engraved writing on the top of the relay but I have been unable to read it because it is not engraved deeply enough into the metal. This relay was located along with the Elliott Brothers Submarine Telegraph Cable Key shown above and was probably also made by Elliott Brothers.

193a A close view of the contacts on the super-sensitive submarine telegraph cable relay:(50KB)

193b A close view of the sensitive magnets underneath the submarine telegraph cable relay:(50KB)

193c Another view of the submarine telegraph cable relay:(50KB)

200 UNUSUAL ELLIOTT BROTHERS "UNIGRAPH" POCKET KEY AND SOUNDER: (20KB) This tiny set is carried in a small leather case. It consists of a 2 inch diameter brass cylinder 1-1/2 inch high. A tiny key protrudes from the side.

200a The circular disk (24KB) on the top pivots forward to make a clicking sound when the

200b coils (22KB) are activated.

200c The top is engraved (30KB): The "Unigraph" Designed by T. A. Bullock and A. C. Brown Elliott Bros., London. No 125.

201 * UNUSUAL MINIATURE BRITISH STRAIGHT LEVER KEY: (13KB) This miniature key was probably made by Elliott Brothers.

201a Closer view of the miniature British straight key: (14KB)

201b Another closer view of the miniature British straight key: (12KB)

203 WESTERN ELECTRIC LINEMAN'S POCKET TEST SET:(27KB) Similar to #205 but tiny camelback-style key has lever stamped Western Electric Co. Chicago.

203a Another view of W.E. pocket set:(24KB)

205 TILLOTSON LINEMAN'S POCKET TEST SET:(50KB) These hard-to-find sets were used by early linesmen and Civil War telegraph operators and spies to carry to the top of telegraph poles & tap into the telegraph lines for testing, espionage, and sending/receiving messages. Consists of a lovely oval hard rubber case with engraved top 4-1/2" long by 2" wide. Inside is a tiny key with 1-1/2" lever and a sounder with sensitive horizontally mounted coils.

205a Another View of the Pocket Set:(53KB)

205b Key End View of the Pocket Set:(36KB)

205c Sounder End View of the Pocket Set:(38KB)

205d Pocket Set and Sharps 4-barrel pistol in Civil War espionage setting:(56)

206 BUNNELL LINEMAN'S POCKET TEST SET:(34KB) Tiny sounder integrated with tiny key on black base.

210 POSTAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY POCKET TEST SET:(13KB) This very small set was made by The Postal Telegraph Company and used by the military in the Spanish-American war and others.

210a Opening the cover reveals the key mechanism:(13KB) and the sounder armiture.

210b The removal of the entire front cover:(12KB) shows the coils for the sounder and the "Skirrow patented" rack-and-pinnion device that adjusts the coil-to-armiture distance.

212 COMPLETE PORTABLE WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH OFFICE:(17KB) This is a complete portable 1870's Telegraph office. It is contained in a special box which serves as a desk and which can be attached to a telegraph pole. It was carried in a railroad car and used for emergency communications along the railroad line. This is a very interesting set so I have included many different views of it and it's components. Several views are very similar to each other but have slightly different color balance. As you can see, the set can be attached to any convenient telegraph pole using a chain attached to the back of the cabinet. It can be electrically hooked into any telegraph line using the special connector called a 'Wrecking Clamp'. A blueprint shows the wiring of many of the telegraph poles along the railroad line so the telegraph operator can know which line to tap into. The following views and descriptions should explain the operation of this unusual set...
Very similar portable telegraph offices were carried in Fire Chiefs' buggies in major city fire departments to allow communications during major fires. A pole-mounted tent was often used to protect the equipment and telegrapher from the elements in bad weather.

0212a A similar but slightly closer view of the set with an operator:(18KB)

0212b A view of the front of the set without the operator:(14KB)

0212c A similar view of the front of the set without the operator:(15KB)

0212d A view of the back of the set showing how it is chained to the telegraph pole:(23KB)

0212e A view of the front of the set with the cover/desk closed:(11KB)

0212f A view of the back of the set showing the wooden saddles and the chain for mounting the set to the telegraph pole: (11KB)

0212g A view of the front of the set with the cover/desk open:(11KB)

0212h A different view of the front of the set with the cover/desk open:(11KB)

0212i A closer view of the front of the set with the cover/desk open:(17KB)

0212j A still closer view of the front of the set with the cover/desk open:(19KB)

0212k A view of the blueprint showing the wiring of the different telegraph poles along the various sections of track: (10KB)
0212kl A MUCH higher resolution view of the blueprint: NOTE This is a BIG, SLOW-LOADING 135KB file! :(135KB)

0212l The sensitive Western Union Box Relay Key and Sounder with the magnificent Lewis key:(14KB)

0212m The lovely Lewis telegraph key:(15KB)

0212n The adjustments for the sensitive sounder part of the instrument:(14KB)

0212o The label on the telegraph set reads: ''PATENTED OCT. 12, 1871, W.U.TEL CO'' and number C540 is stamped into the wood:(16KB)

0212p The ''Wrecking Clamp''. This clamp was tightened over a telegraph wire and then the wire was cut. The terminals on the clamp allowed electrical connections to be made to each of the severed ends and the switch on the clamp allowed the two severed ends to be electrically reconnected:(12KB)

217 * VERY SMALL EARLY BRASS LEG KEY:(15KB) A tiny brass leg key with heavy lever and pressed-in steel trunnion.

218 VERY SMALL EARLY NICKEL-PLATED BRASS LEG KEY:(43KB) A tiny nickel-plated brass leg key with a heavy lever and a pressed-in steel trunnion.

218a Another view of the tiny key:(33KB)

218b Another view of the tiny key:(32KB)

218c A view of bottom of the tiny key:(30KB)

215 Another similar tiny key:(16KB)

215a Another view of the tiny key:(16KB)

220 GRAY & BARTON LEG KEY:(24KB) Lovely very early square brass lever bent down slightly toward knob and stamped "GRAY & BARTON, CHICAGO". Trunnion is nicely machined steel held in place by a setscrew. Very early design with no spring adjusting screw (a refinement invented by Phelps in the 1860s). Short brass shorting lever pivoted under trunnion. Cast brass base stamped "828". 2 tapered SMOOTH brass legs extend down 2" & end in brass-screw wire binding posts. ca. 1860s.

221 R. HENNING "MAKER" SOUNDER:(38KB) Very early all brass sounder used with 220 above. armiture stamped R.HENNING, MAKER on side & W.U.TEL.CO on top. Very early design.
221a * R. HENNING "MAKER" SOUNDER: As above. Traded to Roger Reinke.

222 Western Union / Grey & Barton Key:(24KB) Same as 220 with Nickel-plated lever, unstamped,base stamped"416". Spring adj screw. ca. 1860s.

223 * JAMES PARTRICK BRASS KEY AND SOUNDER:(24KB) Lovely and delicate all brass key similar in design to #110 with matching sounder >K9WDY

224 PARTRICK & CARTER "ARCH" KEY & SOUNDER:(47KB) This large set has an extremely unusual

224a Partrick & Carter step-lever key with a lovely brass arch over the trunnion:(55KB).

224b This view shows the front of the key:(22KB)

225 BRASS STEP-LEVER KEY & SOUNDER ON WOODEN BASE:(32KB) Masive brass lever key with steel shaft, japanned base, and early step-down lever design on wooden base with Black Japanned base sounder with gold lettering "PATENTED FERY 16,1875".

225a CLOSE-UP OF BRASS STEP-LEVER KEY:(16KB)

227 CLASSIC LEWIS PATENT KEY: (36KB) This is one of the more frequently seen versions of the Lewis Key which is the only key that was granted a patent exclusively based on the beautiful design of the key rather than any innovative electrical or mechanical attributes.

227a Another view of the LEWIS KEY: (36KB)

228 VERY UNUSUAL FLAT-LEVER LEWIS PATENT KEY: (33KB) This is one of the most unusual Lewis keys. It has a flat steel lever instead of a nickel-plated brass lever and the pivot points are at the far end of the lever.

229 MINIATURE LEWIS KEY BOX RELAY/SOUNDER: (38KB) This is an unusually small so-called box relay with a boxed sounder/relay and a lewis key on a wooden base. It is not clear why it was made in such a small size.

229a A closer view of the key: (37KB)

229b A closer view of the relay/sounder: (44KB)

230 LEWIS / WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH SET:(25KB) This unusual set consists of a lovely brass LEWIS key mounted perpendicularly across a 12inch long wooden base which is mounted on a gold pin striped black cast iron base. To the left of the LEWIS key is an unusual sounder and to the right of the LEWIS key is a line relay of unusual design. The adjusting string/spring for the relay passes over the top of the LEWIS key from right to left to an adjusting knob. The relay is engraved W.U. TEL. CO. on the brass base and OHMS 153 on one brown coil cover. The key is engraved "LEWIS PAT May 25, 1875 May 23, 1876 on top of the lever and "W. E. MFG. CO. CHICAGO" on the side of the lever. Bottom of base signed in ink: J.F. Putnam, July 10/80.

230a Another View of the Lewis/WU Set:(47KB)

232 EXTREMELY UNUSUAL STRAIGHT LEVER FLAT TERMINAL LEWIS KEY:(16KB) This is the strangest Lewis Key that I have ever seen. The lever is nearly straight which is unusual for Lewis keys but the most unusual aspect of the key is the three flat-topped terminals which, as you can see from the underside view connect to the normally open, normally closed, and frame of the key. There is no way to connect wires to these terminals directly so I can only assume that the key was slid into some sort of spring loaded contact assembly. I have included several different views of the key.

232a Another view of the Flat Terminal Lewis Key:(15KB)

232b Another view of the Flat Terminal Lewis Key:(25KB)

232c A view of the bottom electrical connections of the Flat Terminal Lewis Key:(18KB)

233 ** EXTREMELY UNUSUAL LEWIS CAMELBACK KEY:(21KB) This is a very unusual Lewis patent key with a camelback lever. Most Lewis keys have a gently sloping lever which paved the way for virtually all subsequent key designs. This key is owned by collector: Gray Marshall KQ6MW..

233a * ANOTHER VIEW OF THE CAMELBACK LEWIS KEY:(21KB)

234 LEWIS KEY: (15KB) This is one of the more frequently seen versions of the Lewis Key. It is described more fully in the write-up of the key below.

234a Another view of the LEWIS KEY: (16KB)

235 LEWIS KEY: (78KB) This all-plated Lewis key is an example of the early Lewis designs which did not include adjustments for side-play in the trunnion. The Lewis key patents referred to the unique and ornate design of the key rather than any distinguishing mechanical attributes. Stamped: LEWIS PAT. May 25, 1875, May 23, 1876 on top of lever and W.E.MFG CO. Chicago on side of lever..

ROTATING VIEW OF #235 LEWIS KEY: (202KB) This is a VERY LARGE FILE that takes a long time to load but it results in a view of a rotating Lewis Key. It is an experiment to see whether it would be a practical way to show many sides of the same key.

236 RAILROAD LEWIS KEY AND LEWIS CAMELBACK SOUNDER:(14KB) This is a classic Lewis Key with an unusual Lewis Camelback Sounder. The Key and Sounder were apparently used on the railroad because each is marked NPRR. The key is marked J-165 and the Sounder is marked J-166. I have included several different views of the set.

236a A closer view of the Lewis Key:(11KB)

236b A closer view of the markings on the Lewis Key:(9KB)

236c A closer view of the markings on the3 Camelback Lewis Sounder:(18KB)

237 LEWIS KEY AND SOUNDER:(16KB) Lewis key like 0235 with hard-to-find Lewis sounder.

238 * LEWIS KEY AND SOUNDER 'PRIVATE LINE' CAST-BASE KOB :(16KB) This Lewis Key and Sounder have their bases cast into the cast iron base of this 'private line set'. Private line sets such as this were used in private residences and in businesses to communicate within the bruiding. (Same as item 275.)

238a Closer view of the cast-base Lewis Key:(16KB)

239 LEWIS KEY KOB:(17KB) This is an all brass Lewis Key mounted on a wooden base with an early horizontal spring sounder.

239a Another View of the LEWIS KEY KOB:(41KB)

240 EARLY LYMAN PATENT KEY: (19KB) This key shows the unique Lyman patent design with the lever suspended by a "y" shaped piece of spring steel.

240a Another view of the EARLY LYMAN KEY: (19KB)

240e UNUSUAL AND EARLY NICKEL PLATED LYMAN PATENT KEY:(26KB) This is the first Nickel plated Lyman key that I have seen. It shows the unique Lyman patent design with the lever suspended by a "y" shaped piece of spring steel.

240f Another view of the Nickel Plated Lyman Key:(28KB)

240g Another view of the Nickel Plated Lyman Key:(30KB)

240h Another view of the Nickel Plated Lyman Key:(25KB)

240i A view of the bottom of the Nickel Plated Lyman Key:(31KB)

241 EARLY NICKEL-PLATED VICTOR PATENT LEGLESS KEY:(27KB) This lovely nickel-plated brass key shows the "Victor patent" knife-edge bearings. Rather than using a pinnion shaft, the key pivots on a knife- edge.

241a A slightly different view of the Victor Key:(30KB)

243 * VICTOR PATENT LEG KEY:(17KB) This lovely brass key shows the "Victor patent" knife-edge bearings. Rather than a pinnion shaft, the key pivots on a knife-edge. The legs attach the key to the operating table and also provide connections for the electrical wires.

243a Close-up view of Knife-edge pivot:(24KB)

245 * TILLOTSON KOB WITH TILLOTSON-VICTOR KEY:(17KB) This lovely brass key shows the "Victor patent" knife-edge bearings. It is stamped: Pats Dec 26, 1882. Both are stamped: L.G.Tillotson, 5 & 7 Dey St. New York. The base is stamped: 20 Ohms, L.C.T. & co. 8 Dey St.,N.Y.

248 * TILLOTSON CAMELBACK KOB:(15KB) This is a nice example of a Tillotson Camelback KOB. I have included several different views of the set.

248a Another view of the Tillotson Camelback KOB:(15KB)

248b Another view of the Tillotson Camelback KOB:(14KB)

250 GREELEY / TILLOTSON CAST-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(43KB) 'KOB' stands for 'Key (and sounder) on base'. Gold-painted early camelback key with cast iron lever, shorting switch & matching sounder on wooden base which is engraved E.S.GREELEY & Co. Successors to L.G.TILLOTSON & Co. New York. Too early for spring adjusting screws.

250aa GREELEY / TILLOTSON BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(41KB)Early camelback key with brass lever, shorting switch & matching sounder on wooden base which is engraved E.S.GREELEY & Co. Successors to L.G.TILLOTSON & Co. New York. Too early for spring adjusting screws.

251 * BUNNELL CAST-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(40KB) Made by Bunnell around 1860s. Cast-Iron Lever Camelback Key originally painted gold to look like brass. Like number 250 above on unmarked base.

252a * BUNNELL CAST-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(27KB) As above on base stamped 20 ohms. J. H. Bunnell.

254 BUNNELL CAMELBACK KOB:(42KB) Made by Bunnell around 1860s. Like 252a above with black-painted camelback key mounted on unmarked base. The sounder is mounted on a large thin brass plate. An interesting spring-adjusting screw was added by a railroad operator in 1945.

259 * MINIATURE CAMELBACK KOB:(50KB) About 3/4 size mini cast-iron-lever camelback key & small sounder on wooden base. No identification but all painted black with fine gold flower patterns on key & sounder.Too early for spring adj screw.

260 BUNNELL BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(73KB) Early brass lever camelback key with steel trunnion and shorting switch and black and gold painted sounder on wood base stamped 20 Ohms, J.H.Bunnell & Co., New York.

260aa BUNNELL BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(43KB) Similar to 260 above:

261 BUNNELL BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(44KB) Early brass lever camelback key with steel trunnion and shorting switch and black and gold painted sounder on unmarked wood base.

261aa * Another BUNNELL BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KOB:(47KB) Similar to above. This key is now on display in the National Cryptological Museum of the NSA in Baltimore, MD.:

261b * The Bunnell Brass-Lever Camelback KOB as it appears in the NSA National Cryptological Museum:(80KB)

262 * REDDING BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KEY KOB with brass-Lever key, on a cast iron oval base frame with a shorting switch. Key has spring adjusting screw. Mounted on wooden base which is engraved JEROME REDDING & Co BOSTON, MASS - 4 ohms Pat April 3D '77. Small piece of base back missing.>>W2PM

264 * REDDING BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK KEY KOB. As above. No patent date or shorting switch.

266 EARLY UNKNOWN BRASS-LEVER CAMELBACK-KEY KOB:(41KB) Brass-lever camelback key with steel trunnion shaft, no spring adjusting screw, & brass shorting lever. All cast iron sounder. Both key and sounder have unusual bulges where trunnion shafts pass through. This is probably a Redding as above.

270 EARLY CAST-BASE TILLOTSON STRAIGHT-LEVER KEY PRIVATE-LINE KOB:(47KB)This private line KOB has a brass Key with a straight brass lever, steel trunnion shaft, spring adjusting screw, and brass shorting lever. The base is very heavy cast iron with a sounder stamped "BUNNELLS PATENT JULY 1874 No737" on the heavy brass armiture. These sets were often used in private residences in the 1870's.

270a Another view of the Private Line KOB:(44KB)

270b A closer view of the Bunnell Patent notice:(35KB)

270.gif Another view of the Private Line KOB:(53KB)

271 * CAST-BASE WESTERN ELECTRIC PRIVATE-LINE KOB:(23KB> Black cast-iron base with the Western Electric key that has two parallel rods as its lever.

271#2 CAST-BASE WESTERN ELECTRIC PRIVATE-LINE KOB:(20KB)Identical to number 271.

272 VERY EARLY L.G.TILLOTSON ALL BRASS KEY AND "APRIL-FOOL" SOUNDER KOB:(59KB) The key is a straight brass lever stamped L.G.TILLOTSON, 8 Dey St., New York. with no spring adjusting screw and a steel trunnion The sounder has two coils in line from front to back but the armiture is pivoted at the top center of one of the coils which can't possibly make any contribution to the operation of the sounder. (Did they not know this?) Sounder armiture stamped Patent App'd For. Wooden base stamped 6 Ohms, L.G.T. & Co. 8 Dey St. N.Y. Patented June 24, 1873.

273 ** VERY EARLY L.G.TILLOTSON ALL BRASS KEY AND REDESIGNED SOUNDER KOB:(46KB)This set appears to have been designed after Tillotson realized the error in the design of the ''April-Fool'' sounder shown above in item 272. The sounder now has both of the magnet coils pulling on the armiture. This set is labeled BLISS TILLOTSON and a pencilled-in address on the bottom shows that it was manufactured at 54 South 4th Street in Philadelphia where the company moved in 1874 which was the year after the above set was patented.

273a ** Closer views of the key and name:(51KB)

273b ** Closer view of the sounder and address:(60KB)

274 UNUSUAL ROUND TRUNNION FRAME KOB:(34KB) This is a very unusual early KOB with both the sounder and the key frame designed as circles. The maker is not known.

274a A Close view of the tiny key:(44KB)

274b A Close view of the sounder:(45KB)

274c Another view of the KOB:(27KB)

274d Another view of the KOB:(27KB)

274e Another view of the KOB:(33KB)

274f A View of the underside of the base:(39KB)

275 * CAST-BASE LEWIS KEY PRIVATE-LINE KOB:(21KB) This set has a Lewis-patent key and a Lewis sounder with their bases cast as integral parts of the large cast iron base. The lever of the key is stamped: Lewis Pat. May 28, 1875, May 26, 1876 on top and Western Electric Co. Chicago on the side. (Same as item 238.).

275a Closer view of Lewis Key:(21KB)

278 * VERY EARLY CHARLES WILLIAMS (Boston) CAMELBACK KEY: This is a fine example of the camelback keys made by Charles Williams in Boston. This camelback key was probably made after the next two Williams keys.

278a * The other side of the Williams key:

279 VERY EARLY CHARLES WILLIAMS (Boston) KEY:(30KB) Early brass straight lever key mounted on a wooden base with the Williams name stamped into the base.

279a Another View of the Williams Key:(29KB)

279b Another View of the Williams Key:(32KB)

279c Another View of the Williams Key:(23KB)

279d Another View of the Williams Key with the lever removed:(48KB)

279e A view of the name stamped into the base of the Williams Key:(51KB)

279f A view of the name stamped into the base of the Williams Key:(50KB)

279g A view of the bottom of the base of the Williams Key:(50KB)

280 * VERY EARLY CHARLES WILLIAMS (Boston) KEY & SOUNDER:(36KB) Early brass straight lever key and extremely early sounder mounted on a wooden base. Sounder design suggests that it is circa 1850's. Traded to W2PM

281 VERY EARLY AND UNUSUAL 'PUTT' NON-ELECTRIC PRACTICE SET:(36KB)This set is very similar to the Charles Williams Set listed as number 280. It has, however, no electric mechanism. Pressing down on the key operates a long metal bar hidden under the base which, in turn, pulls down the sounder. Each time the key is pressed, therefore, the sounder makes a clicking sound. The set was used for code practice without the need for batteries. The wooden base is stamped: PAT'D MAY 31.70 D.W.PUTT & Co. WELLSVILLE.O

285 VERY EARLY JAMES CLARK (Philadelphia) CAMELBACK KEY & BOX SOUNDER:(35KB) Very unusual camelback key with pull-down spring at far end and Prussian-like upswept lever mounted on wooden base with early wooden box sounder. Circa 1850s.

285a Closer view of key:(48KB) This view shows the shape of the lever and placement of the spring.

285b Side view of key showing curvature:(25KB)

285c Another side view showing curvature:(57KB)

298 SOUNDER D'EXERCICE:(56KB) Unique old miniature wooden resonator on pedistal with wooden key pivoted at base. Key mechanically connected to a bar which strikes an anvil inside the resonator making clicking sounds for practicing sending & receiving. Marked:SOUNDER D'EXERCICE,Alban La FON,EVEREUX. Signed R.Guillet,PTT twice.

315 BUNNELL NON-ELECTRIC PRACTICE SET:(39KB) Brass, horizontally-mounted sounder lever with small telegraph key knob attached directly to it. It was used to provide practice clicking sounds for people learning the Morse code without the need for batteries and wiring. Japanned, pinstriped frame on wooden base. Original box & stamps.

325 BUNNELL ARTICULATED NON-ELECTRIC PRACTICE SET:(15KB) Interesting combination of a brass sounder and telegraph key with a mechanical connection whereby pressing the key causes the sounder to move downward to make a click. It was used to provide practice sounds for people learning the Morse code without the need for batteries and wiring.

325a EARLY BUNNELL LOGO STAMPED INTO BASE:(22KB)

405 KNUDSEN MORSE REGISTER:(62KB) Made by Cornelius Knudsen in Denmark. - circa 1850 Before it was discovered that the Morse code could be copied by ear, "Registers" were used to print the characters on a paper tape for later transcription. These spring powered Registers continued to be used because they were thought to be more reliable than sound copy and because they made a permanent record. This is a very early brass register with an unusual armiture which presses the paper tape up against the (missing) pen to mark dots or dashes on the tape in ink. It has a key wound mechanism (with key) which runs constantly.

650 * EARLY L.G.TILLOTSON SOUNDER:(17KB)
Early all brass frame with brass armiture stamped L.G.Tillotson, 8 Dey St. New York with steel trunnion crimped into brass armiture. Horizontal adjusting spring. Wooden base. Notice the box-like anvil. It is similar to the Williams Sounder (Number 280) and the Putt practice set sounder (Number 281) seen above although those anvils were mounted on a single upright post.

650a A view of the other side of the sounder:(16KB)

685 * VERY EARLY L.G.TILLOTSON SOUNDER: Very early all brass frame with brass armiture stamped L.G.Tillotson, 26 Dey St. New York with steel trunnion crimped into brass armiture. Horizontal adjusting spring. Wooden base.

690 UNUSUAL VERY EARLY ROUND L. G. TILLOTSON SOUNDER:(29KB) Ornate brass design with brass armiture stamped L.G.Tillotson, 8 Dey St. New York, with steel trunnion crimped into brass. Horizontal adjusting spring. All mounted on ROUND plated brass base.

691 * VERY EARLY TILLOTSON SOUNDER: Medium size, all-brass sounder in excellent condition. Armiture is stamped "L.G.TILLOTSON & Co. 5&7 Dey St. New York." and "Pat'd Feb 16, 1875". Base is also stamped TILLOTSON and same address.

692 * VERY EARLY TILLOTSON SOUNDER: Similar to above but smaller. Armiture patent reads "Patent July 1874. No address on base. >Traded out.

693 * UNUSUAL TRANSITIONAL SOUNDER WITH VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL SPRINGS:(17KB) This is an interesting sounder which has parts for both horizontal and vertical springs. Although the Anvil is broken off, you can see where the horizontal spring adjusting screw was mounted. You can also see how the vertical spring was mounted. The transition from horizontal springs to vertical springs is generally believed to signal a major shift in sounder design strategy and this sounder appears to incorporate both designs.

693a Another view of the Transitional Sounder:(16KB)

694 * VERY EARLY GREELEY SOUNDER: All plated. E. S.GREELEY & CO. 5 & 7 Dey St. New York.

740 VERY UNUSUAL SOUNDER-ACTUATOR?:(8KB) This extremely unusual sounder/Actuator was found at an abandonned railroad station in the far west. It is of cast iron construction and looks very early. The sounder mechanism has an added long lever which allows it to act as an actuator to perhaps activate another mechanical mechanism.

800 * EXTREMELY EARLY TILLOTSON RELAY:(33KB) This extremely early L.C. Tillotson relay exhibits the early spring-through-the-post design along with the post-mounted contacts. These features were abandonned early in the design of relays. It is stamped L.C.T. & CO. 6 DEY ST. NY. 60 ohms. Circa 1850's. (Traded to John Casale - W2NI.)

945 VERY EARLY TELEGRAPH PLUG-BOARD:(33KB) This board was used to connect office telegraph instruments to 4 telegraph lines. Brass plugs with insulated handles shorted the blocks together and made the connections.

945a Another view of the plug-board:(33KB)

945b The back of the plub-board:(32KB)

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POST - 1881 LAND LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (PART I)
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EARLY LAND-LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (1): (Approximately 1881 - 1890s) (1001-1500)

EARLY STEEL LEVER KEYS (1): (Approximately 1881 - 1890s) (1001-1500)

KEYS (1001-1500), KEYS & SOUNDERS (1501-2000), SOUNDERS (2001-2500), REGISTERS, RELAYS, & OTHER (2501-3000)

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

PART I:

1005 THOMAS A. EDISON DUPLEX TELEGRAPH MODEL:(30KB) This model, manufactured in Edison's laboratory consists of a

1 X 2 Ft. board (28KB) with

a set of wires on the bottom (34KB). On this board, 3 wind-up clockwork mechanisms labeled "Terry Clock Co. Waterbury, CT, Pat'd Dec 1, 1868 are mounted.

Each clockwork mechanism has had its escapement removed and replaced with an air-propellor to govern its speed (47KB). Each clockwork mechanism turns a

rotating disk that makes contact with an adjustable wiper contact (46KB). The disk has an

insulated spot that breaks the contact at an adjustable point in its rotation (54KB). The device was an early experimental model of a form of mechanical time-division multiplex designed to allow 3 telegraph messages to be sent on the same line.

1010 * K1BH's TRANSATLANTIC CABLE KEY:(32KB) Small double (plated) lever key with ivory knobs on Gutta-Perchia base stamped: Edouard BOUTY. Constructeur. Traded to K1BH, 1995.

1011 * VERY EARLY EUROPEAN SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH CABLE KEY: (61KB) This is an unusual and very early cable key. Some of the insulators are ivory. The maker is not known.

1011a * Another view of the cable key:(60KB)

1011b * Another view of the cable key:(60KB)

1011c * Another view of the cable key:(60KB)

1011d * Another view of the cable key:(60KB)

1011e * A view of the wiring under the base of the cable key:(60KB)

1012 SIEMENS BROTHERS CABLE KEY:(29KB) This massive cable key has its entire mechanism mounted on high columns above the base because of the high voltages which were often necessary in order to transmit messages through the very long cables. It measures 6-1/4"long by 4-1/2"wide by 5" high. The base is stamped Siemens Brothers & Co. The unusual triangular levers are used to hold the contacts in the closed position.

1014 * ELLIOTT BROTHERS CABLE KEY:(20KB) Large and massive cable key similar to 1012 with the high voltage columns but labelled Elliott Brothers and with brass handled shorting cams.>K5VT

1015 UNUSUAL ROCKER-TYPE BRITISH CABLE KEY: This is a very unusual cable key that uses a rocker-type mechanism. Pressing the left knob puts a positive voltage on the cable and pushing the right knob puts a negative voltage on the cable. There is no maker's name on the key but the hardware strongly suggests that it is British.

1016 * Ted Huston's CABLE DISCHARGE KEY:(14KB) This large key was used to discharge the capacitances on the long submarine cables in order to permit measurements. The high columns isolate the high voltages on the mechanism from the base. It is in the Ted Huston collection.

1019 * CABLE KEY LITERATURE SHOWING/DESCRIBING ABOVE KEYS:(80KB) This page shows some of the keys (shown above) which were used for submarine telegraph signalling and testing on the Washington to Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System.

1020 * VERY EARLY AND UNUSUAL STRAIGHT KEY:(15KB) Heavy long oval brass base with round hole in the middle. steel lever. Extremely unusual round brass bar under steel lever runs between left and right upright pivot posts. Shorting lever under this bar is stamped WESTERN ELECTRIC CO.

1025 * VERY EARLY STRAIGHT KEY: Old all-brass key has a straight 1/4X1/4 inch brass lever bent down for an early-style knob. Wooden base with cotton-covered wires embedded in channels on the underside. The spring has a long gentle taper like Clapp-Eastham "Boston" key which it slightly resembles.

1026 * VERY EARLY STRAIGHT KEY & SOUNDER:(32KB) Key like #1025 with matching sounder.

1050 BEARINGLESS ''STEINER'' KEY: (20KB) The Steiner key is a very small key which is characterized by having no trunnion or bearings. The lever is supported only by a spring and knife edge. This one has a brass base which is stamped W.E.Co. New York. Pat'd Dec.21,1880. Mounted on newer wooden base.

1054 ''RESTORED'' STEINER KEY: (17KB) This is a small Steiner Key which has had its long legs cut off so it could be mounted on a metal base. The key has been chrome plated and the insulators have been replaced with white plastic material. The shorting lever knob has been replaced with a machined knob. I personally prefer to leave these keys in the as-found condition with perhaps a light cleaning to remove dirt.

1054a Another view of the ''RESTORED'' Steiner Key: (17KB)

1055 STEINER KEY: (28KB) This is a small Steiner Key whose design is characterized by having no trunnion and the lever supported only by a spring and knife edge. Brass base stamped W.E.Co. New York. Pat'd Dec.21,1880. This one has been mounted on a newer marble base.

1057 * STEINER KEY WITH UNUSUAL WESTERN ELECTRIC SOUNDER:(15KB) This Steiner Key was used with this very unusual Western Electric Sounder. The key has a brass base stamped W.E.Co. New York. Pat'd Dec.21,1880. The sounder has an unusual round anvil. I believe that this is a transitional design between the Western Electric rectangular frame sounders and the Western Electric all round frame sounders.

1057a * Closer view of the Steiner Key:(11KB)

1057b * Closer view of the Round-Anvil Western Electric Sounder:(12KB)

1062 * PRIVATE-LINE CAST-BASE KOB WITH STEINER KEY:(35KB) This KOB has a Steiner Key and sounder cast into it's base. Private-Line KOB's were designed to be used on ''private telegraph lines'' in homes and businesses. They were made on cast iron bases which were often decorated with flowers and designs to better integrate into a home or business environment.

1067 EXCEPTIONALLY UNUSUAL STEINER KEY AND STRANGE AND COMPLEX RELAY ON WOODEN BASE, KOB:(40KB) This instrument was probably made and used by Western Electric since they were the most frequent users of Steiner keys. Its base was covered with mud indicating that it was immersed in a flood at some time. Removal of some mud revealed that the base and key were painted black while the relay was nickel plated brass.

The Steiner key is the only one if its kind that I have ever seen. It has a rectangular frame over the lever. This rectangular frame converts the normally-open contacts of the Steiner key into normally-closed contacts. All of the Steiner keys that I have seen are configured like the one on the Private-Line KOB and other Steiner keys shown above and have normally open contacts and no rectangular frame. I believe that the closed-circuit feature of this Steiner key was probably found to be necessary to work with the complex relay system to produce some sort of duplex operation.

The most unusual feature of this instrument is the extremely complex relay mounted on its wooden base. It was probably used in some kind of duplex circuit. Duplex circuits often employed complex relays in an attempt to send two signals on the same line and this is certainly a very complex relay. It has a set of single-pole double-throw contacts on top that move back and forth when BOTH of the coils are energized simultaneously. It has another set of single-pole double-throw contacts located toward the key that move from side to side when one OR the other coil is activated or when there is an imbalance in the pull exerted by the two coils. This is generally called a polar relay configuration in that the contact remains in its last position untill pulled over by the other coil. It is also clear that a box, probably made of wood, was mounted on the four pins that stick up around the relay. The exposed coils that could be easily damaged also suggest that the box was used to protect them and perhaps to keep people from trying to adjust the very delicate mechanism. Close views of the underside of the base show that the wiring was changed probably several times in what must have been an attempt to explore different circuit configurations.

1067a Another perspective view of the instrument in as-found condition:(38KB)

1067i A closer view of the unique Steiner Key:(36KB)

1067b A closer view of the mechanism showing the contacts that are activated when BOTH of the coils are energized:(37KB)

1067c Another close view of the mechanism showing the contacts that are acrivated when BOTH coils are energized:(37KB)

1067j A Close View of the contacts that activate when BOTH coils are energized:(43KB)

1067k A Close View of the contacts of the Polar Relay that are activated when One OR the Other coil is energized:(43KB)

1067g A Right Side View of the KOB after cleaning the base:(406KB)

1067h A Left Side View of the KOB after cleaning:(36KB)

1067d The wiring under the base:(38KB)

1067e Details of the wiring & markings under the base:(38KB)

1067f Details of the markings under the base:(38KB)

1070 * VERY UNUSUAL LEFLEY LEG KEY:(20KB) This is a very hard to find key with an unusual shorting lever which moves forward-and-back rather than side-to-side. Traded to K5VT.

1070a * Another view of the Lefley Key:(18KB)

1070b * Another view of the Lefley Key:(21KB)

1070c * Another view of the Lefley Key:(22KB)

1075 VERY UNUSUAL "M. BIGGS" LEG KEY: (23KB) Very unusual early all brass design with normally-open contacts out at far end of key armiture. Brass armiture engraved M. BIGGS. Pat Oct 20, '86. Standard Electric Co. Louisville, KY. Brass shorting lever and all brass legs with wing nuts.

1080 PUMP HANDLE KEY (The "Twentieth Century Key"):(48KB) Serial #386. All brass key with hanging wooden lever shaped like a pump handle, mounted on very heavy cast iron base. Wooden lever is pushed left to make contact. This key was designed to help overcome "Telegrapher's Paralysis" which we now call "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome". A small knob on the front of the key acts as the shorting switch. Key stamped "Made by Foote Pierson & Co. New York. Pat Applied For."
1082 PUMP HANDLE KEY:1082 ("The Twentieth Century Key").As above.Serial #1067. (Traded to K5VT).

1125 * MODERN SWEDISH ERICSSON-STYLE KEY:(21KB) A modern version of the lovely Ericsson keys shown below. (This key is the same as number 5050.)

1200 LARGE EARLY SWEDISH ERICSSON-STYLE KEY:(15KB) This is the classic early Swedish land-line key made from the 1870s well into the 20th Century. The key has a very long lever and a crisp 'feel'. Operators were trained to sit in front of the operating table with their upper arm straight down and their lower arm pointing straight ahead. Their seat height was adjusted so their arms made a right angle with each other. Their lower arm was thus parallel with the operating table. They were taught to grasp the key knob firmly with thumb and forefingers and to use ONLY up and down whole-arm movements to operate the key. You can see the cuts in the wooden base which were used to allow the wires to come up to the key connectors from the operating table. This is my all-time favorite key to own and to operate on the air.

1200a Another View of the Swedish Key:(16KB)

1200b Another View of the Swedish Key:(17KB)

1215 SWEDISH ERICSSON-STYLE KEY: (49KB) Very large old all-brass key on a wooden base with very long lever and beautiful brass hardware and switch block. Made in 1880's by ERICSSON or KUNGLIGA TELEGRAFUERKET (The Royal Telegraph Administration) at their NYNASHAMN factory S. of Stockholm.

1217 SWEDISH ERICSSON-STYLE KEY: (49KB) Same as above but plated brass.

1219 SWEDISH ERICSSON KEY: (45KB) Like 1215 but smaller and perhaps older.
1221 * SWEDISH ERICSSON KEY: More modern version of above. Circa 1960s.
1222 * SWEDISH/NATO ERICSSON-STYLE KEY: Long 7" lever on brown base. Circa 1960s.

{1222} 5060 * {Duplicated from Wireless Keys section.} EARLY DANISH - GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH WORKS KEY: This Danish key carries a label that reads: Great Northern Telegraph Works, Copenhagen, Denmark. No. 77773. It is not likely that 77773 of these keys were made since they do not show up very often. I think it is more likely that the manufacturer started with a high serial number. The picture was sent to me by another collector.

5060a * The Label on the Early Danish key:

{1223} 5070 * {Duplicated from Wireless Keys section.} LATER DANISH - GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH WORKS KEY: This appears to be a later version of the Danish key above. This Danish key carries a label that reads: Great Northern Telegraph Works, Copenhagen, Denmark. No. 13779. Since it is not likely that 13779 of these keys were made it is more likely that the manufacturer started with a high serial number. Circa 1960s. The picture was sent to me by another collector.

5070a * The Label on the Danish key:

5070b * The Underside of the Danish key:

5070c * The Removable Base of the Danish key showing the modular connectors:

1224 * DANISH ERICSSON-STYLE KEY:(16KB) Long 7" lever on black plastic base. Circa 1960s.

1225 FRENCH PTT KEY:(28KB) Used in France by the Poste and Telegraph Offices. Massive all-brass key w/straight lever mounted on well worn wooden base.

1226 FRENCH PTT KEY:(14KB) Used in France by the Poste and Telegraph Offices. Massive all-brass key w/straight lever mounted on wooden base.

1226a Another view of the FRENCH PTT KEY:(14KB)

1228 * LARGE WELLS FARGO KEY:(32KB) Large 5" rectangular brass lever with round, skirted knob mounted on a 2x5" wooden base. Underside stamped: NATIONAL STATE CAPITAL BANK, Wells Fargo Agents.

1228a Another view of the WELLS FARGO Key:(12KB)

1229 * SMALL WELLS FARGO KEY:(23KB) As above with 4" lever on 2x4" wooden base.

1235 * EARLY BRITISH TELEGRAPH KEY:(34KB) Very large all brass key on large wooden base with brass "SEND - RECEIVE" switch.>>W2PM

1237 EARLY BRITISH TELEGRAPH KEY:(13KB) Classic straight lever brass British land-line telegraph key on wooden base.

1237a Another view of the British key:(13KB)

1240 EARLY BRITISH "WALTERS" LAND-LINE KEY:(13KB) The unique and unusual design of this key includes a flat spring steel strip (Similar to that on a Steiner Key) instead of a trunnion shaft. The contacts are enclosed in the round brass cylinder at the middle of the key.

1242 EARLY BRITISH GPO LAND-LINE KEY:(19KB) This lovely early key is marked PATT 1056A.

1242a Another view of the BRITISH LAND-LINE KEY:(16KB)

1245 ** EARLY BRITISH LAND-LINE KEY MADE BY ELLIOTT BROTHERS:(15KB) This lovely early brass land-line key is owned by collector Peter Malvasi - W2PM.

1250 BRITISH DOUBLE CURRENT KEY:(28KB) Elaborate key with complex mechanism enclosed within a circle. Sent out a weak negative signal between dots and dashes to depolarize very long telegraph lines & counteract the capacitance. I have seen some examples of these keys with the 'Siemens Brothers, London' label. This one has no label.

1251 BRITISH DOUBLE CURRENT KEY:(38KB) This is another example of the above key. I have taken pictures of the complex mechanism to try to clarify its design.

1251a Right-Side top view of the key:(36KB)

1251b Closer view of the top of the key:(50KB)

1251c A view of the bottom of the key:(33KB)

1252 * BRITISH DOUBLE CURRENT KEY: (28KB) Similar to 1250 but all brass with brass cover over contacts. Engraved: TYLER & CO., Ltd. 1923 III 1915

1255 * SPECIAL BRITISH RAILROAD TELEGRAPH KEY: (16KB) This unusual key is built on the same metal base as a solenoid-operated bell. It was used on the British Railroads as the bottom element of an LNWR (London & North Western Railway) block instrument that was made ca. 1890-1925. A few remain in use to this day.

1255a Closer view of the British Railroad key/bell: (14KB)

1260 EARLY AUSTRALIAN LAND-LINE KEY:(58KB) This is the earliest Australian land-line key. Many of the early features of this key were carried on into later Australian key designs such as number 1262 and finally into the modern Clipsal keys. (number 9190).

1262 LATER AUSTRALIAN LAND-LINE KEY:(59KB) This key shows the design influences from the early Australian key (number 1260) and led the way to the more modern:

9190 Australian Clipsal key (number 9190):(54KB)

1270 ** INDIAN LAND LINE TELEGRAPH KEYS: These three keys were purchased in India by collector Jack Klobuchar - W1TEC. They include one very early and two more recent keys. The oldest key was made by the India Electric Works Ltd. of Calcutta, India. Keys like these are still being used on the Indian Railroads. The design appears to have been patterned after early British keys.

1270a ** A closer view of the oldest Indian Key:

1270b ** A closer view of the label on the oldest Indian Key:

1275 * EARLY FRENCH BRASS STRAP KEY:(22KB) Unusual old multiple part all brass design marked: SOC DES TELEGRAPHES. ATELIER C.AL. (Atelier means builder.)

1280 * EARLY BRASS STRAP KEY: (14KB) This very small early strap key is simply a springy brass strap with contacts and binding posts mounted on an old wooden base.

1282 * VERY EARLY HEAVY BRASS STRAP KEY:(28KB) This medium sized key consists of a heavy springy brass strap with interesting upper and lower contacts and binding posts mounted on a heavy black marble-like base.

1282a Another closer view of the strap key:(17KB)

1283 * SMALL STRAP KEY:(15KB) This small key consists of a springy metal strap with a set of lower contacts and binding posts mounted on a wooden board.

1284 * SMALL STRAP KEY:(14KB) This small key is similar to number 1283. It consists of a springy metal strap with a set of lower contacts and binding posts mounted on a wooden board.

1290 EARLY SWISS / ITALIAN LAND LINE KEY:(31KB) Heavy brass key with 1/2 X 5/16 X 4-1/2" straight lever. Adjustable pull-down spring beyond pivot. Doorknob shaped knob. Make & Break contacts. Huge adjusting screws. All parts and screw heads are numbered "12". 5-7/8 X 2-13/16" wooden base with recessed wiring. Greg Ulsamer, DL1BFE, reports that this kind of key was first made in the 1850's by a Mechanicus by the name of Kaufman in the town of Solothurn and later by the 'Eidgenoessische Telegraphenwerkstaette' which was the workshop of the (governmental) Swiss Telegraph Administration. Since many of these keys are found in Italy, it has previously been assumed that they were Italian.

1290a Another view of the Swiss/Italian key:(29KB)

1294 EARLY STYLE SWISS / ITALIAN LAND LINE KEY:(17KB) This medium sized brass key is typical of the early straight-lever Swiss/Italian land line keys (See above for an explanation of the confusion about the key's origin).

1294a A different view of the Swiss/Italian key:(18KB)

1295 * EARLY STYLE SWISS / ITALIAN LAND LINE KEY:(25KB) This medium sized brass key has the unique automatic shorting contacts that are typical of the early Swiss/Italian land line keys. Placing fingers on the knob pushes a plastic plate forward and unshorts the key readying it for transmission. Releasing the lever automatically places it in the receive mode. Greg Ulsamer reports that this key is called the ''Forchieri-key'' which is a family name from the Italian portion of Switzerland. It was first made by the workshops of the Swiss Telegraph Administration in the 1890s and used on the American type of Closed Circuit lines in Switzerland.

1295a Another view of the Swiss/Italian key:(30KB)

1295b Another view of the Swiss/Italian key:(30KB)

1295c Another view of the Swiss/Italian key:(30KB)

1295d A view of the underside of the base of the Swiss/Italian key:(30KB)

1295r * REPRODUCTION OF THE EARLY STYLE SWISS / ITALIAN LAND LINE KEY:(25KB) This key is a recent reproduction made in Italy in the 1990's.

1296 RECENT SWISS PRACTICE LAND LINE KEY:(28KB) This interesting key has its contacts supported on strips of thin spring metal. I am told that it was used by the Swiss military for practice... but the reason for placing the contacts on springs is unclear. The most likely explanation is that it reduces the noise of the contacts and it is less likely to annoy or confuse nearby student operators. The maker's name and location, E. Bischhausen, Bern is stamped on the frame under the lever.

1296a A left side view of the Swiss Key:(30KB)

1296b A close-up view of the spring supported contacts also showing the maker's name and location:(34KB)

1296c A side-by-side comparison between the Swiss/Italian key (1294 above) and this Swiss key:(27KB)

1298 * EARLY STYLE GERMAN LAND LINE KEY:(13KB) This key has the classic straight lever and spring-mounted normally-open and normally-closed lower contacts that are uniquely found on virtually all of the early post-camelback era German keys.

1298a Another view of the German key:(11KB)

1305 LEG KEY, land line, brass with steel lever and brass shorting switch. Base engraved W.U.Tel.Co. JHBunnell & Co, New York USA. Very unusual bearings with adjusting screws COUNTERSUNK into cast brass uprights. Brass wing nuts and washers.

1307 * WESTERN ELECTRIC LEG KEY:(16KB) Unusual brass key with plated lever consisting of parallel circular rods. Trunnion reads Pat App'd For. Shorting switch. Quite early. Circa late 1870s to early 1880s.

1307a Another view of the Western Electric Leg Key: (14KB)

1308 LEGLESS WESTERN ELECTRIC KEY:(29KB) Parallel rods lever like 1307 above but a legless design mounted on a wooden base.

1310 MINIATURE BRASS LEG KEY: Unusual small brass key with steel trunnion press fit into brass lever and normally-closed contacts at far end of key.

1320 * VICTOR PATENT LEG KEY:(13KB) Early all brass Victor leg key characterized by knife-edge bearings on both sides of brass lever which is stamped: Pat Dec 26th,1882. E.S.Greeley & Co., Successors to L.G.Tillotson & Co. New York.

1320a Another closer view of the knife-edge bearings:(14KB)

1325 VICTOR LEG KEY:(31KB) This early all-brass Victor leg key is characterized by the unique Victor patent knife-edge bearings on both sides of the brass lever which is stamped: Pat Dec 26th,1882. E.S.Greeley & Co., Successors to L.G.Tillotson & Co. New York.

1325.gif Another view of the VICTOR LEG KEY:(18KB)

1327 VICTOR LEGLESS KEY:(18KB) All Nickel plated as above. Stamped: Western Electric.

1335 VERY UNUSUAL WESTERN UNION/BUNNELL LEG KEY:(13KB) This key stamped "W.U.TEL.CO. and Bunnell has an unique additional spring plate between the contacts that is adjusted by Phelps style screws.

1335a CLOSE-UP VIEW OF SPECIAL SPRING ON ABOVE KEY:(13KB)

1340 MESCO LEG KEY, land line, brass with steel lever. Thick brass base engraved "M E S C O" (Manhattan Electric Supply Co.)

1345 SIGNAL ELECTRIC CO. LEG KEY IN ORIGINAL BOX:(28KB) This is a new Signal Electric Co. Leg Key with the original box. The markings on the box include a place to list the 'ohms' suggesting that the same box was used for their sounders and relays.

1345a A closer view of the label on the box:(43KB)

1350 BUNNELL LEG KEYS:(24KB) Land line, brass with steel lever stamped "Patented Feb 15,1881". Brass shorting switch. Base stamped JHBunnell & Co,New York USA. Brass wing nuts.
1351 * LEG KEY, Like 1350 but lever stamped BUNNELL inside rectangular box.
1352, * & 1253 LEG KEY, Same as 1350 but lever not stamped.
1355 * LEG KEY, Same as 1350 but missing one wing nut and the insulated leg.

1361 LEG KEY:(17KB) Land line, brass with unusual thick steel lever with all edges beveled. Brass base stamped Nat Elec Mfg Co.

1370 * UNUSUAL LEG KEY:(16KB) This is a brass land line key with an unusual heavy brass base and with an unususal brass rod running from left to right under the trunnion.

1370a Another view of the unusual leg key:(16KB)

1370b Another view of the unusual leg key:(15KB)

1440 UNUSUAL BUNNELL SIDESWIPER MODEL 'G':(11KB) Unique early Bunnell design in which the upright support is made of insulating material. It looks very much like the standard Bunnell model "W" so-called "double speed key" but has a very different design. Historian John Casale-W2NI believes that it was named after Geohegan who worked for Bunnell and probably invented it. Base engraved PATENTED JHBunnell & Co, New York USA.

1441 BUNNELL "SIDESWIPER":(12KB) This is the early Bunnell model "W" so-called "double speed key" supposedly patented in 1888 and designed to overcome "telegrapher's paralysis" (Now known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). Has the old style black insulators and a shorting switch. Base engraved PATENTED JHBunnell & Co, New York USA. Historian John Casale-W2NI has presented convincing evidence that this key was actually patented after 1900.

1442 * BUNNELL SIDESWIPER:(10KB) Similar to above.

1443 * BUNNELL SIDESWIPER:(17KB) Similar to above.

1450 * FOOTE PIERSON LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY:(13KB) Steel armiture, Brass hardware and reddish painted cast iron base with raised, cast-in lettering: "Postal Telegraph Company" Brass shorting bar is engraved "Made By Foote-Pierson & Co. New York."

1451 FOOTE-PIERSON LEGLESS KEY: This looks like the Bunnell Triumph key but shorting lever stamped FOOTE-PIERSON. Base stamped LEGLESS KEY,2-A, W.U.TEL. CO.

1452 * LEGLESS TELEPLEX LAND LINE KEY:(6KB) Cast iron base. No shorting switch. Mounted on bakelite base with stick-on emblem "Manufactured by TELEPLEX, NewYork,N.Y.

1453 * LEGLESS TELEPLEX LAND LINE KEY:(21KB) Similar to # 1452.

1454 * LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY:(9KB) Cast Iron base and no shorting lever mounted on a wooden base. Unique lever is made of two pieces of brass stock which have been riveted together at the center where they cross.

1455 VERY UNUSUAL MULTIPLE CONTACT LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY:(19KB) This strange key has normally open and normally closed contacts as well as multiple contacts which can be closed or opened by moving the sorting switch lever left or right. I am looking for more information on this key.

1455a Another view of the multiple contact key:(21KB)

1456 WESTERN UNION 4B PANEL MOUNT TELEGRAPH KEY: This key mounted on a panel. The shorting switch lever also extends through the panel.

1456a Back view of the Panel Mount Key.

1456b Right side view of the Panel Mount Key.

1456c Left side view of the Panel Mount Key.

1457 LEGLESS LAND LINE "POLECHANGER" KEY:(22KB) With black bakelite base engraved "1-B W.U. Tel. Co. Mfg by Speis Electric Works, Chicago". Plated brass construction mounted on heavy black with plated three-pole changer switch.

1458 UNPLATED BRASS POLECHANGER KEY:(20KB) Same as 1457 but unplated brass.

1458a Another View of the unplated polechanger key:(18KB)

1459 * POLECHANGER KEY WITH OVAL BRASS BASE:(15KB) Similar to 1458 but key has oval brass base.

1459a * Another view of the Polechanger Key:

1460 BUNNELL LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY:(24KB) Brass base engraved: "Mfg by JHBunnell, New York USA." Very early all brass key with shorting switch and steel lever. The electrical terminals are unusually well machined and are screwed to the brass base with fine brass screws. Mounted on a wooden base.

1460 A close-up view of the terminals:(28KB)

1460b ** HARD-TO-FIND EARLY BUNNELL LEGLESS TRIUMPH KEY WITH SOLID BASE:(24KB) This key is similar to number 1460 and has the very early elevated terminals but it also has a solid brass base. (In the John Casale - W2NI Collection.)

1461 LEGLESS land line key: Brass base engraved:"Mfg by JHBunnell,NewYork USA." Also, barely visible under the "hot" terminal is engraved: "POSTAL TEL CO. This is the very early "Triumph" key design all brass key with shorting switch, steel lever, and early style cylindrical electrical terminals.
1462 LEGLESS land line key: Brass base engraved:"Mfg by JHBunnell, NewYork USA." The early "Triumph" key design all brass key with shorting switch and cylindrical electrical terminals. The steel lever is engraved "BUNNELL S".

1463 WESTERN ELECTRIC "LEGLESS" key: This all-brass key with steel lever looks like a Bunnell "Triumph" key made for Western Electric. Stamped"TELEGRAPH KEY 1A, AT&T CO." on the brass base & "WESTERN ELECTRIC" on shorting bar.

1464 WESTERN UNION "LEGLESS" KEY:(8KB) This all-brass key with steel lever looks like a Bunnell "Triumph" key made for Western Union. Stamped "LEGLESS KEY,W.U.Co."

1465 CHAS CORY & SON - WESTERN UNION "LEGLESS" KEY:(20KB)This is the classic Western Union Telegraph key. The far end is stamped: Legless Key 2A Western Union. The shorting lever carries the stamp: CHAS CORY & SON, NY which suggests that the key was used by the Cory Company.

1465a Closeup of the CHAS CORY stamp:(25KB)

1466 * EARLY BUNNELL LEGLESS KEY:(9KB) This key has black cast oval iron base with brass hardware and a steel lever engraved "BUNNELL". It is mounted on an old wood base with screw contacts stamped J.H.Bunnell Co.,NewYork U.S.A.

1468 LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY: Mfg by JHBunnell but labeled Western Electric on the shorting lever and "A T & T Telegraph Key" on the all brass base. This is the early "Triumph" key design all brass key with a steel lever.

1469 LEGLESSS LAND LINE KEY:(7KB) Same as above on wooden base.

1470 * LEGLESS LAND LINE KEY, SOUNDER, & TEST SET:(26KB) Triumph Key as above mounted on a black metal bracket with Western Electric zero center 10-0-10 milliammeter on front of bracket and brass Western Electric sounder & other components inside bracket. (Traded to John Casale - W2NI.)

1473 * LEGLESS land line key Mfg by JHBunnell but labeled Western Electric on the shorting lever and "(H) A T & T Telegraph Key" on the brass base. This is the early "Triumph" key design brass key with steel lever, On a white marble base.

1474 * Same as above:(7KB) Mounted on black bakelite base.

1475 * Same as above:(32KB) Engraved"(N)AT&T Telegraph Key" on the brass base.Unmounted.
1476 * LEGLESS land line key Mfg by JHBunnell, New York, USA. The early "Triumph" key design all brass key with cylindrical electrical terminals.No shorting switch, and no identification on brass base. Mounted on marble base.

1477 * LEGLESS land line key probably Mfg by JHBunnell, New York, USA. but marked Manhattan Supply Co., New York on the brass base. This is the early "Triumph" key design all brass key with tapered electrical terminals, no shorting switch, and steel lever. This key was probably manufactured for Manhattan Supply Co by Bunnell before they changed their name to Manhattan Electric Supply Co.

1479 * LEGLESS land line key with shorting lever which is stamped "Standard Electric Mfg. Co., Menominee, Mich". This key has a brass base, shorting lever, and hardware with steel lever and shorting strap. It is mounted on a marble base.

1480 * LEGLESS SIGNAL ELECTRIC COMPANY LAND LINE KEY:(25KB)This is a typical steel-lever oval-based land line key. It is mounted on a wooden base which displays the Signal Electric Company Decal. Many of these keys were used for training purposes.

1480a Another view of the key:(16KB)

1480b A right side view of the key:(15KB)

1480c Another similar Signal Electric Key:(27KB)

1480e A Signal Electric Key sold by NATHANIEL BALDWIN:(47KB) This is a very unusual key. It is a typical Signal Electric Legless Key but it carries the Nathaniel Baldwin-Consolidated Radio Products Co. Chicago... label under its base and has a special second wooden base which has been drilled out to make room for the contact screws and then nailed to the underside of the key. The bindiing posts have been drilled out to accept the pin jacks of a pair of headphones (presumably the Baldwin Headphones.) The top of the key also carries the WW-2 US Army Signal Corps insignia in red.

1481 * EARLY BUNNELL STRAIGHT KEY:(20KB) Cast iron based key mounted on newer oak base.

1482 * BRASS "MESCO" KEY:(51KB) (Manhattan Electric Supply Company.)
1483 Same as above but steel lever stamped with military type number.

1484 * J.H.BUNNELL "TRIUMPH" KEY:8KB) Brass key with steel lever stamped BUNNELL.

1485 * STRAIGHT KEY: Black cast base with cylindrical Bunnell style terminals and "Triumph" style steel strap to 1/8" hot contacts. No shorting lever or ID.

1486 * UNUSUAL LEGLESS KEY: This key has a black cast iron base with chrome plated hardware and a steel lever. The bearings are screwed into the bearing supports and locked in place with hex nuts. They have slotted ends to accept a screwdriver.

1487 * UNUSUAL LEGLESS KEY:(14KB) This key has a black cast iron base and chromed hardware. The armiture is an almost straight 3/16" square steel bar with round steel trunions press-fit through it like the early camelbacks. The spring rests directly on the wooden base.

1488 * UNUSUAL LEGLESS KEY:(6KB) This key has a black cast iron base and chromed hardware. The armiture is an almost straight 1/4" square steel bar with round steel trunions press-fit through it like the early camelbacks. The spring rests on a round nubbin cast into the base.

1489 UNUSUAL LEGLESS KEY:(15KB) This key has a black cast iron base and chromed hardware. The unusual aspect of the key is that the trunnion supports have no adjusting screws and the trunnion is simply inserted into each side. This key is in quite rusty condition and its unusual design suggests that few were made.

1489a Another view of the UNUSUAL LEGLESS KEY:(15KB)

1490 VERY UNUSUAL DELANEY PATENT KEY IN ROUND BOX USED FOR CONVEYING MORSE CODE OVER THE TELEPHONE:(51KB) This device consists of a J.H.BUNNELL "Triumph" key mounted inside an extremely well made 6" diam. circular wooden box. The metal label on the outside reads "DELANY PATENTS 1270398 1274520". There are absolutely NO electrical connections to the key which is entirely enclosed inside the box with the exception of the end of the lever and knob which extend out of the side of the box. The original 1917 patent sent to me by the well-known telegraph historian and key collector Roger Reinke shows that this key was placed underneath a candlestick telephone and that pressing the lever made a mechanical clicking sound against the base of the telephone which could be heard and read as morse code by the person on the other end of the telephone line. This seems very funny since there was already voice communication with the person on the other end of the line. Could it have been an early attempt at providing secure communications that could not have been listened in upon unless the eavesdropper knew the morse code? - But then, almost everyone knew the morse code in those days. ??

1490a The Telegraph-by-Telephone Key in its box: (49KB)

1490b A Closer View of The Telegraph-by-Telephone Key in its box:(72KB)

1490c The Telegraph-by-Telephone Key and a candlestick telephone in operating position:(85KB)

1490d The Original Patent for the Telegraph-by-Telephone Key:(183KB)

1495 TINY WESTERN ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH KEY:(35KB) These tiny keys have a nice action and are often used by telegraph operators who need an extremely small key. The keys have metal shorting levers and knobs numbered from 1 to 4. Originally, they all came from a Western Electric Telegraph Line Test Set. (See 1495b below). These test sets are of no practical use these days and most have been discarded after the keys were removed.

1495a Closeup of Western Electric Mini-Key:(35KB)

1495b * WESTERN ELECTRIC TEST SET & TINY KEYS:(40KB)

PLEASE SEE PART II FOR CONTINUATION:

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POST - 1881 LAND LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (PART II)
W1TP TELEGRAPH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MUSEUMS: http://w1tp.com

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EARLY LAND-LINE TELEGRAPH EQUIPMENT (2): Approximately 1890s-1960s (1501-3000)

EARLY STEEL LEVER KEYS (2): (Approximately 1890s-1960s (1501-3000)

KEYS (1001-1500), KEYS & SOUNDERS (1501-2000), SOUNDERS (2001-2500), REGISTERS, RELAYS, & OTHER (2501-3000)

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

Click Here for Part I:

Part II:

1505 STEEL LEVER KEY KOB:(60KB) Made just after the camelback era. Has no spring adjusting screw. Cast iron base key with shorting switch engraved J.H.Bunnell & Co New York. Arm engraved "Patented Feb 15, 1881". Mounted on wooden base with J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York USA 20 ohm sounder.

1507 STEEL LEVER KEY KOB:(41KB) As above but has no stamping on key or sounder.

1508 STEEL LEVER KEY KOB:(45KB) As above but has no stamping on key or sounder.

1520 UNUSUAL PROTOTYPE/EXPERIMENTAL ALUMINUM-LEVER KEY KOB:(10KB) This is a classic early Bunnell KOB with an unusual ALUMINUM KEY LEVER. I believe that this lever was made by the Bunnell Company in an attempt to study the advisability of making Aluminum-Lever Keys. They could have thought that the lighter-weight Aluminum might give a potentially faster action. There is an old-style steel trunnion pin press fit into the Aluminum lever which leads me to believe that this is an early experimental key. The press-fit steel trunnion pin was abandonned when the all steel lever triumph key was invented in 1881. The steel trunnion pin was known to come loose with extended use and it would then allow the key lever to slide left and right making the key useless.

1540 J.H.BUNNELL "COMMEMORATIVE MINIATURE SOUNDER:(12KB) This unique and fully functional Bunnell Miniature Sounder was presented to each of the guests at a dinner in honor of Andrew Carnegie in 1908. The dinner was held to celebrate his "73rd" birthday and was attended by hundreds of important people including Thomas Edison and many members of the Civil War Military Telegraph Corps including four members who had actually received his call for volunteers over the telegraph lines in 1861. The dinner concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Sine" by Samuel Morse's Grandaughter.

A special brass plaque:(9KB) on the bottom of the sounder reads: TELEGRAPHER'S DINNER in honor of ANDREW CARNEGIE, Hotel Manhattan, New York, November 27, 1908. The plaque also has a big "73" engraved on it over the other writing. It was reported that each guest had one of these sounders at his place setting and that the host sent messages to his guests' sounders in code.

1550 J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY and 1551 SOUNDER:(60KB) This is the tiny brass Bunnell miniature key with the ring for attaching it to a watch chain. The steel lever is stamped J.H.Bunnell, N.Y. Oval brass base measures 1" long. These keys are fully functional and were sold either plain or with a ring or pin. It is mounted on a small wooden board with the #1551 sounder.

1550a Another view of the J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY and SOUNDER:(48KB)

1550b Another view of the J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY and SOUNDER:(57KB)

1550.gif J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY and 1551 SOUNDER:(11KB)

1551 J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY:(34KB) This is the tiny Bunnell key with the ring for attaching it to a watch chain.

1551a Another view of the Bunnell Miniature Key:(38KB)

1552 J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY AND SOUNDER:(44KB)This is the tiny Bunnell Miniature Key and Miniature Sounder with 1-1/8 inch long brass base mounted on a black base stamped J.H.Bunnell & CO. New York, USA. It is fully functional.

1552a Another view of the Bunnell Miniature Key and Sounder:(43KB)

1553 J.H.BUNNELL MINIATURE SOUNDER:(34KB) This is the tiny Bunnell Miniature Sounder. It is fully functional and all adjustments work.

1553a Another view of the Bunnell Miniature Sounder:(38KB)

1555 ** NEW MANUFACTURE BUNNELL MINIATURE KEY & SOUNDER:(37KB)This miniature Bunnell KOB is being offered by Dr. Joe Jacobs who is now the owner of the J.H.Bunnell Co.

1575 * BUNNELL "Trainmaster" PORTABLE RESONATOR-BOXED KEY & SOUNDER:(31KB) This unique portable telegraph set consists of a resonator box with a handle and a brass "BUNNELL 160 OHMS" label on top, an unboxed box sounder, and a modified Bunnell steel-lever key.

The closed box looks like this:(31KB)

Another view of the inside:(34KB) showing the steel-lever Bunnell key on the right, and the unboxed box-sounder on the left as well as a place to coil the wires in the cover.

The key has an unique additional bar riveted to the shorting bar:(25KB) That allows the shorting bar to be operated from the left side of the key. This is necessary because of the restricted space inside of the box.

1700 WESTERN ELECTRIC-MILANO PORTABLE BOXED REGISTER, KEY, SOUNDER, METER, BELL, SWITCHBOARD ETC:(25KB) This is a complete ink-writing portable telegraph set consisting of a miniature ink register with folding paper tape reels, an Italian style telegraph key with Ivory knob, an unique sounder that rings a bell, a plug-style switchboard, and ink well, an ink applicator, with fitted pliers and accessories for field use.

The 8" x 7" x 20" brass edged wooden box:(22KB) has brass reinforcements around all edges. A brass label in the center reads 284. Another brass tag in the front left reads MATR 92 21-72.

This view shows the register with its arms folded:(34KB) The set is obviously designed for field use with all metal parts plated.

This close-up view shows the ink register:(31KB) which is stamped WESTERN ELECTRIC ITALIANA-MILANO. Telephonici-telegrafici Societa anonyma. Number 15998.

This close-up view shows the early telegraph key:(19KB)

This close-up view shows the sounder/bell and switchboard:(42KB)

1720 TWO CLASSIC GERMAN SIEMENS KEY-REGISTER SETS:(28KB)These sets were the most widely used telegraph stations in Europe. They were found in every town telegraph office across the continent. They consist of a telegraph key, ink-writing register, and galvanometer which measured the electrical condition of the telegraph line. A roll of paper tape is stored in a special drawer in the wooden base. Ink writing registers were required because it was illegal to copy Morse Code by ear since that method was not thought to be reliable.

1720a Another view of the two sets:(30KB)

1730 * BRITISH SIEMENS BROTHERS KEY-REGISTER SET WITH UNIQUE SOUNDER-OPERATED REGISTER:(18KB) This interesting set is typical of those used throughout Europe where copy-by-ear using sounders was not trusted. The set is labeled: Siemens Brothers & Co. London. No. 17022. and there is a tag on the unique sounder mechanism which reads: A. E. Co. Ltd. A.T.M. Liverpool. A roll of paper tape is stored in a drawer under the register.

The key:(16KB) is a typical straight-lever European style key.
The ink-writing register is operated by an

Unique Sounder Mechanism:(19KB) which is directly coupled to the Register mechanism.

1745 CZECH REGISTER PROBABLY MADE BY SIEMENS: (26KB) The Siemens company of Germany made most of the registers used in European telegraph offices. Some of these registers were labeled with other names. This one carries CZECH identification marks which read: FRANTISEK, STEPANEK, & SPOL, V SPOLECNOST S.R.O, v PARDUBICCICH and the number 195. Pardubice is a town in eastern Bohemia that was part of the Austrian Monarchy, later a part of Czechoslovakia and now in CZECHIA (the Czech Republic).

1745a Another view of the Russian Register: (26KB)

1745b Another view of the Russian Register: (26KB)

1745c A view of the Russian Register which shows the makers name:(26KB)

1747 AUSTRIAN EMBOSSING TELEGRAPH REGISTER: (26KB) This is an early Embossing Telegraph Register made in Vienna, Austria. It is marked: CZEIJA NISSL, WIEN, 769. Embossing registers recorded dots and dashes on a moving paper tape by pressing a sharp point into the tape. The sharp point 'embossed' a depression into the paper tape.

1755 BRITISH GPO KEY-SOUNDER-GALVANOMETER:(40KB) Huge all brass key Engraved M.W.T.Co. Ltd. 372. 1915, and sounder engraved G.P.O.16830 and Galvanometer Engraved EDISON & SWAN, No. 18220. 1917, mounted on wooden base and fitted into wooden box with brass handle.
Historian and collector Neal McEwen K5RW has researched this unit and reports that it is properly called a 'direct working single current intermediate baseboard set.' He traced out the schematic and found that the sounder is in the circuit only on receive. The sounder is out of the circuit on send. The telegraphist apparently watched the galvanometer or listened to the galvanometer needle ring as the needle hit the stops to monitor his sending. The galvanometer is in the circuit on both send and receive so the telegraphist can see the galvanometer even if the sounder is mal-adjusted.
Neal believes that the galvanometer started out as a traditional ''Q and I'' detector, which is an application of galvanometer technology for linemen to check bateries, find faults, etc. It measures relative current, not absolute current. The Q and I detectors were turned into galvanometers for use on the baseboard sets. On Neal's galvanometer he can see the original Q and I connections that have been puttied up.
Neal believes that these sets were made for the British Army and that the traditional single current galvanometer was too big to make the set portable. Hence the small galvanometer made from the Q & I meter.

1810 * ADAMS-MORGAN (AMCO) KEY & SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(35KB) This small and simple practice set was described in a book of do-it-yourself projects. It is surprising to see one that was commercially manufactured with the letters AMCO enclosed in a diamond outline stamped on the base. The key and sounder are very simple but the unusual sounder has its two coils lined up under the armiture.>>W2PM

1825 * "MOTLEY" TELEGRAPH KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(22KB) This brass KOB carries

a label:(18KB)that reads: THORNTON N. MOTLEY & CO., NEW YORK, U.S.A.

1830 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(36KB) Early brass key and sounder on wooden base Key and sounder stamped J.H.Bunnell & Co., New York. Key stamped Patented Feb 15, 1881 on steel lever. Sounder is old horizontal spring design. Has brass switch lever on base.

1830a Another view of the KOB:(45KB)

1832 * Same as above:(40KB) with vertical spring sounder w/aluminum armiture. No switch.

1834 * Similar to above:(39KB) but key stamped "MESCO". No ID on sounder. Has switch.

1836 VERY PRETTY BUNNELL KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(38KB)This is an unusually attractive and clean Bunnell KOB with 20-ohm sounder.

1838 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND ''SNARE-DRUM'' SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(42KB) Early brass hardware key with black cast base, steel lever and shorting switch on a wooden base. Sounder is early "Snare-Drum" style. Base stamped J.H.Bunnell Type 220, 35-Ohms.

1839 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND ''SNARE-DRUM'' SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(17KB) Similar to 1838 above.

1839a Another view of the Snare-Drum set:(15KB)

1840 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB): Early brass hardware key with black cast base and steel lever and shorting switch on a wooden base. Sounder stamped J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York U.S.A.
1842 * Same as 1840 above.

1844 * Same as above:(27KB but sounder stamped "Manhattan Electric Supply Co.New York".
1846 Same as above but sounder stamped "MESCO".
1848 Same as above but key & sounder stamped"Signal Electric Co.Menominee,Mich".

1849 Same as above but unmarked:(46KB)

1850 * Same as above:(40KB)
but key and sounder both mounted on individual wooden bases and stamped "Signal Electric Mfg. Co., Menominee, Mich".
1852 * Same as above but key only on its wooden base and not stamped.
1854 * Same as above but key only on wooden base & not stamped.No shortg switch.

1860 * SKIRROW-POSTAL TEL CO KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(20KB) Very early steel lever brass key and unique diagonal-frame magnetic-flux-adjustable sounder on wooden base stamped "Postal Tel Co. 150 ohm. Number 1428. SKIRROW PAT Dec. 10, 1901. (Postal Telegraph Company owned the "Skirrow" patent which involved the use of a rack-and-pinnion mechanism to adjust the coil-to-armiture distance to allow the sounder to be made more or less sensitive to the tiny currents on long telegraph lines.

1860A * SKIRROW-POSTAL KOB:(16KB) similar to 1860.

1861 * POSTAL TEL CO KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB).(48KB)
Vy early steel-lever brass Bunnell key & Large Bunnell main-line sounder with the unique cam operated magnetic flux adjustment mechanism. Base stamped: "POSTAL TEL CO. 150 OHMS.

1861a Another view of the Skirrow-Postal KOB:(22KB)

1861b Another view of the Skirrow-Postal KOB:(42KB)

1862 * BEEKO-LIKE LEARNER'S KOB SET:(47KB) Interesting early set with chromed key lever without spring adjusting screw held in bent sheet metal base. Has chromed shorting switch that looks a little like a McElroy design. The sounder has a sheet metal base but chromed lever and anvil. Oak base.

1862a Another view of the Beeko-Like KOB Set:(15KB)

1863 * BEEKO SEPARATE COMPONENT KEY AND SOUNDER SET:(18KB) Typical key and sounder set. The key is mounted on a separate wooden base and has a steel key lever and no spring adjusting screw. The lever is supported by a bent sheet metal base. The sounder also has a sheet metal base. Many thousands of these sets were produced butg they were so toy-like that most were eventually thrown out making it more difficult for collectors to find them.

1863a A view of the Beeko key alone:(21KB)

1863b A view of the Beeko sounder alone:(16KB)

1864 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND BEEKO SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(27KB) Early brass hardware key with black cast base and steel lever and shorting switch on a wooden base. Sounder has very simple design with no bearing adjustments and sheet metal frame. It is stamped J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York U.S.A.

1866 * Same as above:(28KB)

1865 BEEKO TELEGRAPH KEY AND SOUNDER ON BASE (KOB):(42KB)This is the classic BEEKO practice set made by Bunnell. Both the key and the sounder have simple sheet metal frames making this set very inexpensive to produce and sell.

1868 * SIGNAL ELECTRIC CO. KOB SET: All-brass key with steel lever & Signal Electric Co. style sounder with armiture simply stamped"MENOMINEE".

1870 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND BUZZER ON BASE:(27KB) Very early brass hardware key with steel lever mounted on a wooden base with a very early wood encased buzzer.

1872 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND BUZZER ON BASE:(32KB) Brass hardware, steel lever key with black cast iron base mounted on a wooden base with a round chrome buzzer.
1874 * Same as above.

1875 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND BUZZER ON BASE:(13KB) Similar to 1872.
1876 * Same as above with unenclosed brass buzzer.

1877 * TELEGRAPH KEY AND POCKET WATCH STYLE BUZZER ON BASE:(18KB) This cast iron base key has been mounted on the same base as an old pocket watch style buzzer.

1877a A close view of the pocket watch style buzzer with cover removed.(23KB)

RESONATORS:
The 'RESONATOR' is a wooden box which channels and acoustically amplifies the sounds made by a sounder to help an operator to hear the clicking sounds. The typical resonator is made of 3/8-inch thick cherry or similar wood. If you would like to build one, the dimensions are as follows: The base is 6-7/8 inches wide and 4-7/8 inches deep overall. The height of both the back wood panel and of the front edge up to the peak is 7-7/8 inches.

2030 SOUNDER IN CANDLESTICK-BASE RESONATOR:(23KB) The resonator is mounted on a metal candlestick phone style base. The sounder is marked MANHATTAN ELEC SUPPLY CO, NEW YORK.

2031 *, 2032 * Same as above:(23KB)

2035 SOUNDER IN SWING-ARM MOUNTED RESONATOR:(20KB) Resonator is mounted on a two section adjustable cast iron arm with screw down base. Sounder is Bunnell.

2040 * SOUNDER IN RESONATOR. Resonator is roughly constructed on a wooden upright base and looks home made. Sounder is Bunnell.

2050 * GEOHEGAN PATENT BUNNELL SOUNDER:(15KB) This sounder has two special adjustments to allow its sensitivity to be adjusted so that it could respond to weak incoming signals. First, there is a cam which is activated by the round brass wheel on the vertical frame and which adjusts the coil-core to armiture spacing. Second there is a knob activated adjuster which allows the spring tension to be adjusted very precisely.

2051 SOUNDER: * Very Large brass sounder on a wooden base. Sounder engraved "J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York. Patent applied for".

2052 SOUNDER: * Large brass sounder on a wooden base. Sounder engraved "Patented in U.S.A. March 6, 1917". and "J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York.

2054 * MAIN LINE SOUNDER:(19KB) Large brass sounder on a wooden base. Sounder engraved Western Electric. Base engraved W. U. Tel. Co. Main Line Sounder 3B(?) 20 ohms.

2056 * SOUNDER:(22KB) This is a very old style medium size brass sounder mounted on a wooden base stamped 20. The sounder has an interesting horizontal spring and is engraved J.H.Bunnell & Co, New York.

2058 * SOUNDER: Medium size brass sounder on a black wood base. Base labeled "Western Electric Company" & stamped "20 ohms" on top &12519(H) on bottom.

2060 * SOUNDER:(20KB) Medium size brass sounder on a black wooden base. Sounder engraved "Western Electric". Base engraved "SOUNDER 3B 20OHMS".

2062 * SOUNDER:(19KB) Medium size brass sounder. Wooden base.Sounder engraved "Western Electric".Base labeled "Western Electric Company" and stamped "20 OHMS(H)"

2064 * SOUNDER: Medium size brass sounder on a wooden base. Sounder engraved "Manhattan Electric Supply Co. New York". Base engraved "20 OHMS".

2066 * SOUNDER: Medium size brass sounder. Wooden base. Sounder engraved "SIGNAL"

2080 * VERY UNUSUAL SOUNDER:(16KB) The lever of this sounder is separated from the iron armiture by an adjustable spring mechanism. The separation distance and the spring tension can be adjusted by the knob on top of the sounder.

2080a * A closer view of the Unusual Sounder:(37KB)

2095 * VERY UNUSUAL SOUNDER MECHANISM:(16KB) This strange sounder looks as though it was made to fit into some larger wooden structure.

2100 UNFINISHED SOUNDER MECHANISM:(17KB) This sounder was never assembled nor varnished. It gives us an idea of what sounders looked like during the assembly process.

2255 * BRITISH GPO SOUNDER: Sounder like the one in the combination set number 1755. This sounder is mounted mounted on its own wooden base.

2520 MORSE REGISTER made by FOOTE PIERSON & Co:(45KB) With chromed case and glass encased brass movement. Spring mechanism starts when character is received. With roll of original paper tape. Case stamped FOOTE PIERSON & CO. NEWARK, NJ. F-5570 F-2.

2525 * MORSE REGISTER: as above but with brass case and beveled glass- encased brass movement. Case stamped FOOTE PIERSON & CO. 160-162 Duane St., New York. 10243.

2550 * EARLY BUNNELL CURVED POLAR RELAY:(17KB) Lovely flowered curved magnet polar relay on large wooden base. (Traded to John Casale - W2NI.)

Another view of # 2550(17KB)

2553 * UNUSUAL EARLY BUNNELL RECTANGULAR POLAR RELAY:(19KB) This is an unusual rectangular box-shaped polar relay made by J. H. Bunnell.

2553a Another view of the Bunnell polar relay:(19KB)

2555 * EARLY CURVED POLAR RELAY:(19KB) Unique curved frame.Smallish wooden base stamped 60 ohms.>>W2PM

2557 * WESTERN UNION POLAR RELAY:(20KB) This polar relay was used in duplex and multiplex circuits which allowed several signals to be carried simultaneously on the same wires.

2557a A closer view of the contacts:(19KB)

2558 * JESTER-COOPER REPEATER RELAY:(15KB) This repeater/relay was used in duplex and multiplex circuits which allowed several signals to be carried simultaneously on the same wires. The label reads: J-C Repeater System, Patent No. 1,116,591. Ohms, 250. Type D. Serial-661. Jester Cooper Company, Houston, Texas.

2558a A different view of the repeater:(15KB)

2559 * BUNNELL REPEATER RELAY:(19KB) This repeater/relay was used in duplex and multiplex circuits which allowed several signals to be carried simultaneously on the same wires.

2559a A closer view of the special contacts:(15KB)

2560 * EARLY TELEGRAPH LINE RELAY OF UNUSUAL DESIGN. All brass relay with unusually large vertical coils with large adjusting screw and odd design on wooden base on cast iron base.

2562 * UNUSUAL REPEATER RELAY:(16KB) This small repeater/relay was used in duplex and multiplex circuits which allowed several signals to be carried simultaneously on the same wires.

2565 * EARLY TELEGRAPH LINE RELAY OF UNUSUAL DESIGN. Medium size all brass relay with curved iron armiture and string-spring tensioning. (50 Ohms).

2570 * SMALL POLAR-LIKE TELEGRAPH LINE RELAY:(23KB) Very unusual small relay with two coils pulling on a shared armiture which is adjustably tensioned by a spring/string. One coil can be moved toward and away from the armiture. The wires in the wooden base are sealed in beeswax. Old cylindrical terminals. * TRADED OUT: 1995.

2575 * TELEGRAPH RELAY:(17KB) Unusual small brass relay on wooden base stamped "MFD by L.F.C., SIGNAL RELAY 3-D on top and N.Y.R.S.4-29 on bottom.

2580 * TELEGRAPH RELAY:(24KB) Large Brass relay on black bakelite and metal base which is inscribed "RELAY TYPE SW-37".

2581 * WESTERN UNION 4-D TELEGRAPH RELAY:(18KB) Large plated relay on black bakelite and metal base which is inscribed ''WU TEL CO. MORSE RELAY 4-D. 100 OHM.''

2582 * WESTERN UNION 22-A TELEGRAPH RELAY:(18KB) Large plated relay on black bakelite and metal base which is inscribed ''WU 22A''

2585 * TELEGRAPH RELAY: Large Brass relay on wood and metal base which is inscribed "Signal Electric Co. Menominee, Mich 150 ohms".

2588 LARGE BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY: Large Brass relay with very large coils mounted on wood and metal base. The shape of the frame has led people to also refer to this as a 'spectacle relay' since the coil supports resemble a pair of spectacles. Labeled: J.H.Bunnell & Co. N.Y. 250 ohms.

2588a Another view of the Bunnell Telegraph Relay:

2590 LARGE BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(33KB)Large Brass relay with very large coils mounted on wood and metal base. The shape of the frame has led people to also refer to this as a 'spectacle relay' since the coil supports resemble a pair of spectacles. Labeled: J.H.Bunnell & Co. N.Y. 250 ohms.

2591 LARGE BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(35KB)Similar to above.

2592 MEDIUM SIZE BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(33KB) Medium-size brass relay on wood and metal base with metal ''bowtie-shaped'' Bunnell label.

2593 SMALL BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(19KB) Small plated brass relay on wood and metal base with metal ''bowtie-shaped'' Bunnell label.

2593a Another view of the Small Bunnell Telegraph Relay:(46KB)

2594 SMALL BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY: Small plated brass relay on wood and metal base with metal ''bowtie-shaped'' Bunnell label.

2594a Another view of the Small Bunnell Telegraph Relay:(46KB)

2595 * SMALL BUNNELL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(19KB) Small Brass relay on wood and metal base which is inscribed "J H Bunnell & Co. N.Y. 100 ohm".

2597 * Same as above but 4 ohm:(15KB)

2598 * Same as above but just stamped 20 ohms:(21KB)

2599 * Same as above but just stamped 20 ohms:(14KB)

2600 * SKIRROW-PATENT POSTAL TELEGRAPH CO. RELAY:(18KB) An unusual relay with the "Skirrow" patented rack-and-pinnion adjustment for the coil-to-armiture distance. Postal Telegraph Co. owned this patent.

A close-up of the Patent on the tension adjustment knob:16KB)

A close-up of the label:(15KB)

A close-up of the Skirrow mechanism:(10KB)

2605 SMALL PLATED MESCO TELEGRAPH RELAY:(15KB) This is a small plated brass telegraph relay which was made by the Manhattan Electric Supply Company (MESCO) It is labeled under the armiture.

2605a Another view of the SMALL PLATED MESCO TELEGRAPH RELAY:(47KB)

2607 * SMALL SIGNAL ELECTRIC COMPANY TELEGRAPH RELAY:(15KB) This is a small relay which was made by Signal Electric Company. Many thousands of these relays were made and used and they are very common.

2610 * ASSOCIATED PRESS WHEATSTONE POLAR TELEGRAPH RELAY:(11KB)This polar relay is housed in a cylindrical casing with a beveled glass top cover.

2610a A closer view of the label and contacts:(15KB)

2630 * VERY SMALL TELEGRAPH RELAY:(15KB) Very small mostly brass relay on grey marble base.

2640 * "SPARK"? TELEGRAPH RELAY:(22KB) Unusual small brass relay on grey marble base with vertically mounted coils and 3/8 inch carbon contacts. May have keyed spark transmitter.

2805 WESTERN ELECTRIC BOX SOUNDER / ROD-LEVER KEY:(31KB) The key on this early Western Electric combination box sounder and key has the uniquely Western Electric designed lever made of two parallel steel rods.

2805a A closer view of the key on the Box Sounder / Rod-Lever Key:(34KB)

2805b A closer view of the box sounder on the Box Sounder / Rod-Lever Key:(34KB)

2810 * OLD BUNNELL BOX RELAY/KEY. Key is steel lever style with "patent applied for" on shorting switch and extremely narrow lever area under knob. This may be the first model "Triumph Key" made just before the 1881 patent was issued.

2815 * TELEGRAPH BOX RELAY/SOUNDER AND KEY:(45KB) Old brass JH Bunnell key with steel lever and brass shorting switch mounted on wooden base with an all wooden boxed brass combination relay and sounder. The base has a metal label reading: 150 Ohm.J.H.Bunnell & Co., N.Y.

2816 * TELEGRAPH BOX RELAY/SOUNDER AND KEY:(18KB) Old brass JH Bunnell key with steel lever and brass shorting switch mounted on wooden base with an all wooden boxed brass combination relay and sounder. The base has a metal label reading: 150 Ohm.J.H.Bunnell & Co., N.Y.

2816a A closer view of the telegraph key:(15KB)

2816b A closer view of the relay/sounder:(13KB)

2820 * TELEGRAPH RELAY/SOUNDER AND KEY:(31KB) Old brass key with steel lever mounted on wooden base with a brass combination relay and sounder. Labeled: "J.H.Bunnell New York,N.Y. RELAY, Type 405, 150 ohms.

2822 * TELEGRAPH RELAY/SOUNDER AND KEY:(15KB) Similar to above.

2822a * Another view of # 2822:(17KB) 2824 * Same as above but labeled "Western Electric Company, Pat'd".
2826 * Same as above but labeled "W. U. Tel. Co., Pat'd", 35 ohms.

2825 * UNUSUAL RIGHT-ANGLE KEY AND RELAY SET:(16KB) This is a very unusual combination of a right-angle telegraph key and a sensitive relay mounted on a thick bakelite base with contact pins sticking down to make contact with some kind of sub-base.

2825a A closer view of the telegraph key:(15KB)

2930 * TELEGRAPH LINE LIGHTNING ARRESTOR:(12KB) Lovely brass mechanism on round wooden base. Lightning spark gap can be adjusted by turning large brass wheel.

2932 * TELEGRAPH LINE LIGHTNING ARRESTOR:(32KB) Lovely brass mechanism on rectangular wooden base. Lightning spark gap is the double sawtooth design. Brass pins can be inserted to ground various lines.Engraved J.H.Bunnell & Co.NewYork.
2934 Similar to above engraved L.G.TILLOTSON, 8 Dey St. New York.

2936 * TELEGRAPH LINE LIGHTNING ARRESTOR. Lovely brass mechanism on rectangular wooden base. Lightning spark gap is the double sawtooth design and a brass pin can be inserted to ground various lines. Brass wing nuts are used to connect to the lines. The wood base is engraved N.T. CO. Which probably stands for National Telephone Company the competitor to the British Post Office until nationalized in 1912.

2940 * SWISS TELEGRAPH TEST SET:(17KB) This is an unusual Swiss Telegraph Test Set.

2950 * WESTERN UNION - BUNNELL 18-A TELEGRAPH RHEOSTAT NETWORK:(19KB) This is a network of switchable resistors which can be switched into a circuit to help balance it.

2950a A closer view of the label of the rheostat:(22KB)

2950b A closer view of the dial of the rheostat:(22KB)

2960 TELEGRAPH LINE IMPEDANCE MATCHING NETWORK:(29KB) Black box marked Western Electric with many brass switches for selecting combinations of capacitors and resistors to simulate a second line for duplex setups and to balance line impedance over very long distance lines.

2968 BRITISH GPO TELEGRAPH TEST METER SET:(18KB) This set consists of a multimeter with many voltage ranges which is marked GPO and accompanied by numerous shunts to increase the ranges.

2968a A closer view of the meter:(16KB)

2970 * TELEGRAPH LINE SWITCH:(23KB) 2-pole,3 position sliding line switch mfg by Bunnell.

2970a Another view of the switch:(18KB)
2972, 2974 * Similar to above but use brass pins (missing) to make the contacts.

2972 * TELEGRAPH LINE SWITCH:(23KB) This is a 4-pole, 2 position telegraph line switch.

2980 * WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CALL BOX:(17KB) When you turned the handle of this box it sent out a coded call and dispatch a messenger to your location to pick up a telegram.

2985 20-LINE TELEGRAPH OFFICE INPUT PANEL:(26KB) This is the input panel for 20 telegraph lines coming into a telegraph office. It has a separate fuse for each line and a jack for connecting the office instruments to each line. It is labeled: Western Union Telegraph Company.

2985a The other side of the panel:(29KB)

2985b Another view of the panel:(35KB)

2985c A close-up view of the label:(24KB)

2990 * FIRE ALARM KEY & LIGHTNING ARRESTOR:(15KB) Many interesting and early keys were used in early fire-alarm systems in which the location of the fire was transmitted as a series of short electrical pulses and long or short spaces. The signals were received as a series of bell rings in every fire house in the city. Fire alarm keys such as this one are often mistaken for telegraph keys. In trying to determine whether a key is from a fire-alarm or telegraph system, it is helpful to remember that Gamewell and Roland made exclusively fire alarm apparatus. In addition, the keys do not usually have fine adjustments and are designed for rather large movements of the knob. Many, such as this one do not even have any adjustment for knob-travel or spring tension.

2995 UNUSUAL ANGLED FIRE ALARM KEY:(15KB) This unusual upward-angled key was mounted vertically on a Fire Alarm Bureau test panel. Keys like this were used in test circuits in the Fire Alarm Bureaus of major city Fire Departments like that in Boston. In the early days before telephone and radio, these keys were sometimes also used to send Morse Code messages between the Alarm Bureau Staff and the Linemen that were working to maintain the circuits.
In rare emergencies involving the breakdown of the Chief Dispatcher's desk equipment, these test board keys were used to send actual fire alarm signals on local and city-wide fire alarm circuits.
The Chief Dispatcher's key was referred to as a "tapper". The coded location of the fire was sent by the "tapper" and received in the form of bell signals at the remote stations. Every 'tap' on the key would ring alarm bells in all the fire statgions in the city to identify the location of the fire.
These keys were widely used in fire stations as early as the 1860's (This key is much more recent).
2995a A view of the contacts of the Fire Alarm Key:(15KB)

2998 CAMELBACK STYLE FIRE ALARM KEY:(33KB) This Chrome-plated camelback key was probably used by a Chief Dispatcher because it is horizontally-oriented. Chief Dispatcherts used this type of key to send fire alarm signals on local and city-wide fire alarm circuits. Often mistaken for land-line telegraph keys, these fire alarm keys (sometimes called 'tappers') were widely used in fire stations as early as the 1860's (This key is much more recent). The coded location of the fire was sent by the key and received in the form of bell signals at the remote fire stations.

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SPARK AND WIRELESS / RADIO TELEGRAPH KEYS
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SPARK KEYS AND WIRELESS / RADIO KEYS - - - - - - - - - - (4001 - 5500)

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

4005 MARCONI SPARK KEY AS USED ON THE TITANIC: (52KB)
After many years of searching, I have finally found one of the very few existing examples of this rare key. This is the exact model of Marconi key used on the Titanic. It has an auxilliary set of contacts which are moved when the key is depressed and which deactivate the receiver when the transmitter is in operation. It also has an emergency switch on the left side which was used to break the circuit if the contacts should become welded together by the high currents. This switch would disconnect the keying line from the transmitter if it was pulled upward. A rope hanging down from the ceiling was usually attached to the eyebolt on the side of the switch lever. The rope could be easily found in an emergency and pulling it would disconnect the circuit to the transmitter.
As you can see from the pictures below, disassembly of the base of the key reveals that the key carries serial number 24.

4005a Another left side view of the Marconi Spark Key:(62KB)

4005b A top front view of the Marconi Spark Key:(54KB)

4005c A top front view of the Marconi Spark Key showing the label:(99KB)

4005d A closeup view of the label on the Marconi Spark Key:(22KB)

4005e A back end view of the Marconi Spark Key:(22KB)

4005f A right side top view of the Marconi Spark Key:(43KB)

4005g Another right side top view of the Marconi Spark Key:(36KB)

4005h Another right side view of the Marconi Spark Key:(33KB)

4005i A view of the auxilliary receiver control contacts:(90KB)

4005j Another view of the auxilliary receiver control contacts:(70KB)

4005k Another view of the auxilliary receiver control contacts:(89KB)

4005m A closeup view of the Mag Key No. 1 Terminal:(68KB)

4005n A closeup view of the Mag Key No. 2 Terminal:(41KB)

4005o A closeup view of the Main Terminal:(29KB)

4005p A view of the bottom side of the key with the base cover removed showing some of the pencilled-in manufacturing numbers and the serial number 24 written in pencil.:(42KB)

4005q A view of the bottom side of the key with the base cover removed showing the serial number 24 pencilled on the wood.:(35KB)

4005r A view of the base of the key after it was unscrewed from the bottom of the key. If you look very carefully at the very center of the lower part of the base where the painted wood changes to unpainted, you will see the number 24 stamped into the wood. :(46KB)

4005s A closeup view of the number 24 stamped into the wooden base of the key.:(29KB)

4005t A view of the Marconi Spark Key as-found in the house in England where it was located.:(40KB)

4005u Another view of the Marconi Spark Key in as-found condition.:(26KB)

4005v A closeup view of the label on the Marconi Spark Key in as-found condition.:(66KB)

4015 * MARCONI SPARK KEY SIMILAR TO THE ONE USED ON THE TITANIC:(18KB)
This lovely spark key is similar to the one used on the Titanic but it does not have the emergency switch on the side of the key. It is owned by collector Pete Malvasi - W2PM.

4016 REPRODUCTION OF THE MARCONI SPARK KEY USED ON THE TITANIC: (44KB) This beautiful key was constructed to closely duplicate the key used on the Titanic by taking measurements from a key used on the Titanic's sister ship. The maker's call letters - W2CUV, are stamped under the base.

4016a Another view of the reproduction Marconi key:(20KB)

4016b Another view of the reproduction Marconi key:(21KB)

4017 CURRENT REPRODUCTION OF THE MARCONI KEY MADE BY "KENT":(28KB)This key is made and sold by the Kent Company in England. It looks somewhat like the original Marconi Key and carries a

LABEL which reads: "R.M.S.Titanic. G.Marconi":(20KB)

4018 EXCEPTIONALLY UNUSUAL ARTICULATED LEVER OIL BREAK SPARK KEY:(51KB)This is a very unusual oil-break spark key with an open oil cup, an articulated lever, and a rather unusual round skirted knob. The oil lies in an open cup and surrounds the contacts. Oil kept oxygen from reaching the contacts while they were making and breaking the circuit and this reduced contact disintegration due to sparking. The lever is split in the middle to allow the knob end of the key to be raised high above its normal position. It is thought that this was done to allow extra movement and thus make it easier for the contacts to be broken apart if they had become welded together by the high current spark. In this way, the split lever functions in a manner similar to the side-lever of the Marconi Titanic key shown above which could break the circuit if the contacts had become welded together. Look closely at the following photographs and you will see the key in the normal open position as well as in a position with the knob end of the lever raised upward to enlarge the contact gap.

4018a Another Left Side view with the lever in the extended UP position:(39KB)

4018b A Close-up view of the open oil cup and the contacts in the extended OPEN position:(71KB)

4018c A Right Side view with the lever in the lowered (normal) position:(38KB)

4018d A Right Side view with the lever in the extended UP position:(39KB)

4018e A Right Side Close-up view of the open oil cup and the contacts in the extended OPEN position:(66KB)

4018f A Right Side Extreme Close-up view of the open oil cup and the contacts in the NORMAL position:(59KB)

4018g A Top view of the key showing the construction of the articulated lever:(43KB)

4018h A view of the bottom of the base of the key showing the construction and glue residue indicating that it may have been glued to another larger base or to the operating table:(59KB)

4019 EXCEPTIONALLY UNUSUAL MINIATURE GERMAN WW-I AIRCRAFT HIGH-KNOB SEALED-CAN OIL BREAK SPARK KEY:(45KB) This is a very unusual oil-break spark key that was used in German WW-I aircraft. It has a sealed oil container that kept the oil in place even during inverted flight maneuvers. It has a very high and thick knob that was easy to use by aircraft radio operators wearing thick gloves for the cold temperatures at high altitudes in open-cockpit aircraft. It also has a mechanism whereby the lever can be swung up to a vertical position to allow refilling the oil can, inspection of the contacts, and replacement of the contacts if necessary... all without changing the adjustments for contact spacing. Look carefully at the end of the key away from the knob and you will see a horizontal piece of metal that can be pivoted up and out of the way. When it is raised, the entire lever of the spark key can pivot up to a vertical position. The key is very small and can be removed from the wireless transmiter by simply pulling it upward.

4019a Another view of the oil break spark key in the palm of my hand showing its small size:

4019b Another view of the oil break spark key showing the small metal bar that pivots upwards to allow the lever to be lifted to add oil or change the contacts:

4019c A close view of the oil cup of the oil break spark key:

4019d Another view of the oil break spark key showing how the lever is raised to allow filling of the oil cup or changing of the contacts:

4019e Another view of the oil break spark key with the cover removed from the oil cylinder and showing the upper and lower contacts:

4019f Another view of the oil break spark key showing the contacts that are pushed into the transmitter:

4021 FRENCH LAGIER OIL-BREAK SPARK KEY:(31KB) This is a French Oil-Break Spark key made by Lagier.

4021a Left side view of the Lagier key:(32KB)

4021b Closeup view of the maker's label:(30KB)

4023 ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL "AMPLIFYING HAND BREAK SPARK KEY": This is a very unique spark key. Its most unusual design characteristics are the multiple spring-loaded mechanisms that allow three heavy spark contacts to be closed and opened in a specific temporal sequence.

Although nothing is currently known about where or how it was used, a careful examination reveals some clues. The label clearly reads: AMPLIFYING HAND BREAK KEY, A.C. VOLTS 220, A.C. AMPS 10, RADIATION AMPS 10, TYPE {blank}, The serial number is blank and the Number is DRG RN 26F216.

The label is in English suggesting that it was made and used in England or America. A check of the threads on the screws shows that they are American.

Russ Kleinman, WA5Y is probably the world's most thorough researcher of spark keys. His Website is at: http://www.zianet.com/sparks/ He has deciphered the "DRG RN 26F216" for me. It identifies the Drawing (DRG) number for the key. He writes that nearly all of the US Navy drawings or books from 1918-1923 started with an "R". The "N" means that it was designed by the Norfolk Navy Yard. The "26" refers to transmitting keys of any kind. The "F" refers to the size of the drawing and the "216" is the exact drawing in the series."

Russ suggested that I examine the National Archives either in person or by hiring one of their researchers to track down the specific drawing number 216 and find out from it exactly what the key was used for. Since this will take a good deal of time, I will have to report on the results when I can obtain them.

Russ included the following list of drawing numbers and corresponding keys:
RB 26F 107 SE 86
RB 26F 111 SE 144
RB 26A 104 SE 144
RB 26F 113 SE 653
RB 26F 117 SE 923
RW 26F 153 SE 1865
RB 26F 102 SE 68
RB 26F 102 & 18RE 26A 1089 SE 68A
RB 26F 112 SE 137 2&5 KW Relay Key
RB 26F 119 SE 137B
RM 26F 103 SE 976 20KW morse hand sending key for Morse set
RM 26F 103 Morse hand sending key for 20 KW arc set SE 993
RM 26F 105 Unit type radio relay key for 20 KW arc set SE993
RM 26F 107 Relay condenser for SE 993
RM 26F 108 Relay key resistance for use with 20KW arc set SE993
RN 24F 121 Selector Switch for subterranean antenna
RN 25F 106 2 KW Radio Transformer
RN 25F 121 5 KW 500 cycle transformer
RN 25F 105 Reactance for 5KW transformer
RN 25F 144 1 KW Navy standard transformer
RN 21F 110 5 KW Motor Generator

Additional contacts on a spark key are not unusual but they are usually small and clearly designed to carry only small currents. The multiple sequenced high-current contacts on this key were probably used to switch on and key a very large and powerful transmitter either directly or through an "Amplifying" Spark Relay.

Poulsen Arc transmitters are known to use multiple-contact keys. Here, for example is a multiple-contact key recovered from the Poulsen Arc transmitter of a German warship that had been sunk in Scappa Flow:
Poulsen Arc transmitters were used by British, German, and eventually American stations from 1906 into the 1920s. Poulsen arc transmitters oscillate and generate RF continuously. Keying involves shifting the frequency of this continuous wave to the desired operating frequency during key-down and off to a remote frequency during key-up. This is typically achieved by shorting out a few turns of a resonant tuning inductor with high current key contacts. Later uniwave keying designs switched the continuous RF energy into a non- inductive resistor during key-up periods. The critical operational parameter was that the transmitter needed to always see a load so it was necessary to switch in the dummy load before disconnecting the transmitter from the antenna. With its multiple sequentially-closing contacts, it seems possible that this key was used with a Poulsen arc transmitter especially since several arc keys are included in the list that Russ sent.
Neil McEwen, K5RW discusses Arc keying in a fascinating article at: http://www.telegraph-office.com/pages/Federal_Telegraph_Relay.html He mentions sequential contact operation and the keying of a chopper circuit.

Careful examination of the action of the key reveals that the lifting force applied to the main lever by the main spring is counteracted by the downward force applied to the two large main adjusting screws by the two auxilliary contacts with the help of their individual springs. This means that the key was designed to be easy to push down since downward pressure is aided by the downward pull of the two auxilliary levers. In practice, however, it results in a rather "mushy" feeling.
Note also that the two large main adjusting screws on the right and left are insulated from the main lever by large insulating washers. The sole purpose of these screws is to exert sequential upward force on the two auxilliary keys as indicated by the fact that if you push up on the big adjusting screws they and their washers simply slide upwards freely in the lever.

Below you will find a number of detailed photographs showing the complex parts of this unusual key.

4023c Another view of the right side of the Amplifying Key showing the two complex additional contact keys:

4023d Another view of the right side of the Amplifying Key showing closer views of the complex additional contact keys:

4023g A closer view of the right side of the Amplifying Key showing the two additional contact keys:

4023i A view of the right side of the partially disassembled Amplifying Key showing the large contact sequencing screw assembly with its insulating washer that has been lifted out of its hole in the lever. This picture also shows one of the trunnion screws and the hole in the lever that accepts it:

4023k A much closer view of the right side of the Amplifying Key showing the heavy contacts on one of the two additional contact keys:

4023m A view of the right side of the Amplifying Key showing the main spark contact and one of the two heavy contacts on the two additional contact keys:

4023n A very close view of the main spark contact showing the burn marks in the base made by the high voltage sparks:

4023p A view of the brass strap that mounts the knob of the key showing how it is riveted to the main metal casting of the key's lever:

4023s A close view of the left side of the Amplifying Key showing the two additional contact keys:

4023t A general view of the left side of the Amplifying Key showing the two additional contact keys:

4023v An overall view of the left side of the Amplifying Key showing the two additional contact keys:

4023w A close view of the label on top of the Amplifying Key:

4023y An overall top view of the Amplifying Key:

4023z A view of the bottom of the base of the Amplifying Key:

4022 LEMKUHL NORWEGIAN SPARK KEY WITH FINNED CONTACTS:(14KB) This early Norwegian spark key was made in Oslo by Ingenior J. Lemkuhl. The lower contact has a set of metal fins which help to dissipate the heat generated by switching the high currents of a spark transmitter. The serial number is 962.

4022a Another view of the Lemkuhl spark key:(14KB)

4022b A close view of the label on the key:(16KB)

4024 * UNUSUAL LOWENSTEIN SPARK KEY:(18KB) This unusual little spark key was made by Lowenstein. The design is quite unique. -> WA5Y.

4024a Another view of the Lowenstein Spark Key:(20KB)

4024b Another view of the Lowenstein Spark Key:(19KB)

4025 MINIATURE MARCONI SPARK KEY: (15KB) This miniature spark key made by Marconi has a 5" lever on a 2x4" slate base which is stamped B116.

4027 * MARCONI BALL-CONTACT SPARK KEY: (22KB) This large Marconi Spark Key is particularly unusual because it uses a captive round ball to complete the contact. The ball is self-centering and centers itself with every depression of the key. The key is stamped: T.S.N197 Nr. 548.

4027a * A view of the right side of the key:(22KB)

4027b * A view of the ball-contact:(27KB)

4027c * A view of the labeling on the key:(23KB)

4028 * MARCONI BALL-CONTACT SPARK KEY: (18KB) This is very similar to number 4027 above. This large Marconi Spark Key is particularly unusual because it uses a captive round ball to complete the contact. The ball is self-centering and centers itself with every depression of the key. The key is stamped: H.T.395 Nr. 18109.

4028a * A Left Top view of the key:(18KB)

4028b * A Right Side view of the key:(19KB)

4030 MARCONI "ROAD MAP" SPARK KEY:(26KB) This spark key was nicknamed the "roadmap" because of the conductors traced out on its base like a map.

4032 * MARCONI MODEL SE-86 WW-I SUBMARINE SPARK KEY: This Marconi 1/2 KW spark key was designed for use in American Submarines. The contacts are enclosed to prevent open sparks.

4032a * The other side of the Marconi SE-86:

4032b * The underside of the base of the Marconi SE-86:

4032c * Closeup of the label of the Marconi SE-86:

4034 MARCONI MODEL CM-425 SPARK KEY LABEL AND COUNTERFEIT VERSIONS OF THIS KEY'S LABEL:(35KB) The Marconi 425 spark key was a popular and well-made key which is considered to be a very nice find for a collector. Unfortunately, Phil Weingarten made quite a few reproductions of this key which he offered as being original Marconi Keys. He did such a good job of copying the key that it is difficult to tell the original from Phil's copies. This picture of the original label and the Weingarten label should help collectors to identify the copies.

Chuck Brydges, W4WXZ has put together this list of differences between original and counterfeit Marconi 425 keys that should help in determining the authenticity of a key:
1. BEVELING AROUND TOP EDGE OF BASE: Original: Wide beveling. Repro: Narrow Width Bevel.
2. ID TAG ORIENTATION: Original: To read the label hold key knob-end to LEFT. Repro: To read label hold key knob-end to RIGHT.
3. KNOB CONSTRUCTION: Original: 1-piece single button knob. Repro: 1-piece skirted knob.
4. ID TAG LETTERING: Original: Lettering is larger and all letters and numbers are NOT the same size. Repro: Lettering is smaller and all letters and numbers are the same size.
5. PLATING: Original: Nickel plating originally on lever, lever hardware, trunnion adjustment hardware and binding post nuts (May be very worn). Nickel plated or silver ground strap. Repro: Never had any nickel plating. Shiney copper ground strap from lever to base.
6. CONTACTS: Original: 5/8" silver contacts marked '507' in numbers considerably smaller than the thickness of the contacts. Repro: numbers '507' almost the thickness of the contacts.
7. COMPRESSION SPRING: Original: Wider-spaced COPPER spring. Repro: Closer-spaced STEEL spring.
8. BASE HARDWARE: Original: Thinner and smoother 'roadmap' hardware. Repro: Thicker and more bumpy 'roadmap' hardware.

4035 MASSEY SPARK KEY (Phil Weingarten Reproduction): (16KB) This huge key was designed to key the Massey Spark Transmitters used around 1915. This key was made by Phil Weingarten and it is an accurate reproduction of the actual key with a few notable exceptions such as the label and internal screw as noted below. Collectors can use these details to help identify counterfeit versions of this key.

4035a This is the actual DESIGN DRAWING for a Massey key:(45KB)

4035b ENLARGED VIEW OF LABEL OF THE 'REPRODUCTION' MASSEY KEY:(16KB) This label appears to have been made from a sand casting of an original label. It is much rougher than the original and is perhaps the easiest way of identifying a reproduction.

4035c Close-up view of the cadmium 1/4-20 bolt holding the knob to the key:(14KB)This bolt is one of the things that give away the fact that it is a reproduction key. In the actual Massey Key, the bolt is brass.

4037 ** MASSEY SPARK KEY:(10KB) This unusually long Massey spark key is in the collection of Pete Malvasi - W2PM.

4038 ** MASSEY SPARK KEY:(25KB) This unusually long Massey spark key is in the collection of George Rancourt, K1ANX.

4038a Another view of the Massey Spark Key:(24KB)

4040 * MURDOCH SPARK KEY:(28KB) Lovely all plated key mounted on a grey marble base. The label reads: Wm. J. Murdoch, Co. Chelsea, Mass, Chicago, San Francisco. The lever is somewhat sculptured and flat and the 1/4 inch contacts are removable and replaceable.

4041 MURDOCH SPARK KEY ON WOODEN BASE:(16KB) Lovely all plated key mounted on a wooden base which might be a replacement. The lever is somewhat sculptured and flat and the 1/4 inch contacts are removable and replaceable.

4041a Another view of the Murdoch Spark Key:(15KB)

4042 * MURDOCH SPARK KEY ON WOODEN BASE:(24KB) Similar to Number 4041 above. This key is in the George Rancourt, K1ANX collection.

4042a * Another view of the Murdoch Spark Key:(21KB)

4045 * EASTERN PRECISION SPARK KEY ON MARBLE BASE:(17KB) Lovely all plated key mounted on a marble base which has been chipped and then repaired. This key is very easy to mistake for a Bowman (See number 4150 below.) key because of its wide flat lever. It is also easy to mistake for a Clapp-Eastham Boston key (See number 4110 below.) because the mechanism is similar. This is a very hard-to-find key. -> Tony Rogozinski.

4045a Another view of the Eastern Precision Spark Key:(17KB)

4047 * UNKNOWN SPARK KEY:(17KB) This is a well made spark key mounted on a black base. The manufacturer is not known. It is in the George Rancourt, K1ANX collection.

4047a * Another view of the Unknown Spark Key:(18KB)

4048 * UNKNOWN SPARK KEY (Similar to above):(25KB) This is also a very well made spark key mounted on a brown base and showing many similarities to number 4047 above. The manufacturer is not known. It is in the Jim Jarvis, N2EA collection and he has kindly provided these pictures and allowed me to include them in the museum.

4048a * A closer view of the UNKNOWN SPARK KEY:(25KB)

4050 A.W.BOWMAN SPARK KEY: (22KB) All plated spark key integrated with a marble base. Large 5/16th inch diameter silver contacts. Lever stamped "A.W.B.&CO." Made by A.W.Bowman Co. Circa 1915. Many of these keys were made by Bowman without their name stamped into the lever and offered for sale by Sears and Montgomery Ward.

4052 * UNUSUAL A. W. BOWMAN KEY: (19KB) This key is stamped A. W. Bowman and is the only example of this style key that I have seen with the Bowman label. All of the other Bowman keys that I have seen are like number 4050 above. This key was shown to me by a collector at the Dayton 2000 hamfest and he allowed me to take this picture and display it in my museum.

4055 GENERAL RADIO 2KW SPARK RELAY KEY:(18KB)This unique key combines a horizontal-action spark key with a spark relay. It can be operated by pressing the key knob or by activating the relay coil which is enclosed in the black box.
Pressing the down the key lever closes the

4055a large 5/8-inch silver contacts with cooling fins visible on the left:(13KB)

4055b The label reads:(27KB) '2 K. W. RADIO RELAY KEY. Made for NAVY DEPT. (Bu. S. E.) by General Radio Co. for NAVY YARD, Boston, Mass. Reg. No. 156 NSA. Cont. No. 233. Date 1918. Type C.A.G. 457 Serial Number __ 500 cycles, A. C. AMPS 30.'

4058 SE68 NAVY SPARK KEY FROM WW1 SUB CHASER:(20KB) 1918 U. S. Navy 20 ampere key. All cast brass construction mounted on a black bakelite base. Very large 5/8 inch diameter replaceable silver contacts. Legs end flush with base. Label reads: AUXILIARY HAND SENDING KEY. 500 Cycles. Made for Navy Department BU SE by Lowenstein Radio Incoporated, Brooklyn New York. KW: 2, Reg No. 1689 NSA, Cont. No. 38279, Date 1918, Type No. SE-68, Serial No. 193L, A.C.Volts: 250, A.C. Amps: 20.

4058a This photo shows the tag:(27KB) Which reads: :NAVY KEY USED BY JOE, W2BE, IN WORLD WAR 1, 1918. ABOARD SUBMARINE CHASER U.S.S.C. #43. IN NORTH ATLANTIC CONVOY AND PATROL SERVICE.

4060 * SE68A NAVY SPARK KEY:(26KB) 1918 U. S. Navy 50 ampere key. All cast brass construction mounted on a black bakelite base. Very large 5/8 inch diameter replaceable silver contacts. Legs end flush with base. Label reads: AUXILIARY HAND KEY. Volts 250, Amperes, 50, Cycles 500, Type S.E.68A Serial No. B1067. Mfg'd by MACH'Y DIV, NAVY YARD, BOSTON. TRADED TO: WB2BYQ 1995.
4061 Same as 4060 but with long legs.(4061* -> traded
4061A Same as 4060 but with very long legs and S/N 1297

4061B Same as 4060 with very long legs and s/n B1282:(14KB)

4061Ba Another view of 4061B:(12KB)

4061Bb A close view of the label of 4061B:(20KB)
4062 SE68A NAVY SPARK KEY: Similar to 4060 but with repro label.

4063 * U.S. NAVY SPARK KEY: (19KB) This example of the above key is in the George Rancourt, K1ANX collection.

4070 U.S. NAVY SPARK KEY: (46KB) Unusual variant of 1918 U. S. Navy 50 ampere key. All silver? plated cast brass construction with ribbed lever mounted on a black bakelite base with long legs, washers, and nuts. Very large 5/8 inch diameter replacable silver contacts stamped "504". Found new in original box which has since been lost.

4078 ** WIRELESS SPECIALTIES SE-653 FLAMEPROOF SPARK KEY:(11KB)This unusual key is similar to the larger Marconi SE-86 Spark Key. It's contacts were enclosed within a metal cover to allow it to be used in explosive environments. (This key in in the collection of Pete Malvasi - W2PM.)

4080 MINIATURE WIRELESS SPECIALTIES SPARK KEY: (20KB) Massive lever similar to 4060 and 4078 but much smaller overall dimensions with an oval all-brass base with legs for mounting and making electrical connections.

4085 LARGE JAPANESE WW-1 NAVY SPARK KEY ON MARBLE BASE:(20KB) This large Japanese Navy spark key uses the classic Japanese heavy straight lever. It has large, easily replaced main contacts and a receiver-shorting contact to protect the receiver circuitry when the transmitter is keyed on. It also has the typical large connectors found on Japanese keys through WW-2 but it has screw slots instead of the horizontal pins found on the later versions. The key also has a skirt to protect the operator's fingers from the hot spark. I was told that the key was removed from a Japanese ship at the end of WW-1. I suspect that the wooden base is not original.

4085a Another view of the Japanese Spark Key:(20KB)

4085b Another view of the Japanese Spark Key:(20KB)

4090 LARGE BRITISH WIRELESS & LIGHT KEY: (44KB) This key was used for blinking the lights on Navy vessels and frequently as a wireless key. It has heavy brass parts and an

4090a the unusual cam operated shorting switch.(45KB)

4090b * The same type and model of key as it was recovered from a SHIPWRECK. Picture sent to me by another collector.

4095 LARGE CANADIAN MARCONI SPARK KEY: (18KB) This massive spark key was made by the Canadian Marconi Company. The only marking on the key is an XXIII carved into the base. The key was found at the 2001 Dayton Hamfest and the seller had found it in an antique shop about 20-miles from Dayton.

4095a A left-side view of the Canadian Marconi Spark Key: (16KB)

4095b A different right-side view of the Canadian Marconi Spark Key: (22KB)

4095c A different left-side view of the Canadian Marconi Spark Key: (22KB)

4095e A view of the bottom of the base of the Canadian Marconi Spark Key: (25KB)

4097 VERY EARLY FRENCH SPARK KEY:(30KB) This is a very early French spark key.

4097a Another view of the Early French Spark Key:(26KB)

4097b Another view of the Early French Spark Key:(26KB)

4097c A view of the very heavy conductors under the base of the Early French Spark Key:(45KB)

4098 EARLY FRENCH SPARK KEY: This is a early French spark key.

4098a Another view of the Early French Spark Key:(26KB)

4099 FRENCH RADIO KEY MADE BY MANITONE: This French key was made in rather large quantities by Manitone and used for radiotelegraph transmissions and practice.

4099a Another view of the French Manitone Key:

4100 * WWI NAVY SE-1443A WIRELESS KEY: (33KB) The contacts are enclosed in a heavy, plated-brass flameproof box.-> W2PM

4101 * WWI NAVY SE-1443A WIRELESS KEY: (21KB) This example is in the George Rancourt, K1ANX collection.

4101a * Another view of the Navy SE-1443A Wireless Key: (21KB)

4102 ** UNUSUAL GERMAN SPARK KEY:(11KB) This massive high-current key is marked: H.T. 3 No. 3362. (It is in the collection of Pete Malvasi - W2PM.)

4103 UNUSUAL GERMAN WW-1 LUFTWAFFE AIRCRAFT SPARK KEY:(13KB) This interesting key was used by the German Luftwaffe during WW-1. Notice the interesting similarity of the lever of this key to the lever of the preceding German Spark Key (Number 4102). The reason for the high wooden knob is not known. They appear on several German keys. One possibility is that the high knob allowed the operator to use the key while wearing the heavy gloves required during high altitude flight in open cockpit aircraft.

4104 ** FEDERAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY NAVY KEY:(9KB) This key has an unusual knob which can be moved up and down on a central cylinder presumably to allow it to be adjusted to suit the preference of different operators. (It is in the collection of Pete Malvasi - W2PM.)

4106 SIMPLE GERMAN PHYWE AIRCRAFT SPARK KEY WITH HIGH WOODEN KNOB: This is another German key as indicated by the unique spring-supported contacts. It has the same kind of high knob seen in number 4103 above suggesting that it was designed for use in aircraft. The label suggests that it was made by PHYWE.

4106a A left side view of the simple German Aircraft key:

4106b A top view of the simple German Aircraft key:

4108 LARGE AND UNUSUAL EMILIO CIAMI ITALIAN WIRELESS KEY:(16KB) This huge key weighs almost 10-pounds and measures almost 12-inches long. As you can see from the label, the Tipo or type is ''pesante'' which translates into the word ''heavy''.

4108a A view of the other side of the key:(15KB)

4108b A view of the label on the front of the key:(15KB)

4110 CLAPP-EASTHAM "BOSTON" SPARK KEY:(35KB) The classical nickel plated Clapp-Eastham mechanism on a black base stamped: BOSTON KEY, CLAPP EASTHAM CO. The company also made these keys on a brown base and on a marble base (See below).
4112 * CLAPP-EASTHAM "BOSTON" SPARK KEY: Same as above. -> W2PM

4114 * BROWN BASED CLAPP-EASTHAM "BOSTON" SPARK KEY: (85KB) Same as 4110 but with an unusual brown base.

4116 CLAPP-EASTHAM "BOSTON" SPARK KEY WITH MARBLE BASE:(20KB)This key is in the collection of George Rancourt, K1ANF.

4116a Another view of the Marble-Based Clapp-Eastham "Boston" Spark Key:(28KB)

4120 * RUSSELL & STOLL WIRELESS / SPARK KEY:(18KB) Very early all brass mechanism with brass lever mounted on a thick black wrinkle finished cast base which contains the original mica insulating strips and insulators and a condenser labeled Stromberg Carlson Quality Condenser, Code No 21. Electro Static Capacity 1MFD. Inspected.Brass label on top of base reads RUSSELL & STOLL CO.New York.

4122 * WW-I SPARK KEY RECOVERED FROM THE SUNKEN USS SAN DIEGO:(17KB)This key was recovered by diver Mark Silverstein from the radio room in the wreck of the USS San Diego which lies off the coast of Long Island, NY. He was unable to recover the entire base but plans to make another attempt shortly. It is one of the prized artifacts in his collection. The key looks somewhat similar to the "Overland" spark key number 4125.

4122a Another view of the recovered key:(16KB)

4122b Another view of the recovered key:(14KB)

4125 * "Overland" Spark Key:(14KB) The "Overland" spark key was sold by W. B. Duck Co. of Toledo, Ohio. It was probably made for them by RECo. or WSA? This key belonged to David Meirowitz who used it before the start of WW-I as station "1EG". His son Richard recalls that it was used with a spark transmitter built on a marble base. When the war began, he was forced to dismantle his equipment and, at the end of the war, he was issued the call "W1TOA". He reapplied for his original call and was issued W1EG. The key is mounted on a marble base which is inscribed "20A".

4126 * "Overland" Spark Key:(28KB) Similar to Number 4125 above. This key is in the George Rancourt, K1ANX collection.

4126a * Another view of the "Overland" Spark Key:(28KB)

4127 * McINTOSH ELECTRIC SPARK KEY WITH TWO SHORTING SWITCHES:(17KB) This small spark key has two shorting switches. The bottom of the base is marked: 2250 - L - 4. It looks as though it may have been mounted on a spark transmitter.

4130 MIGNON SYSTEM WIRELESS KEY:(17KB) This simple key is

4130a stamped: "MIGNON SYSTEM":(12KB)

4134 PILOT RADIO COMPANY RADIO KEY:(20KB) This interesting little flameproof key has

4134a both gap spacing and spring tension adjustments:(20KB)

4134b Underside view of the Pilot Radio Key:(20KB)

4140 BUNNELL SPARK KEY: Heavy all brass key with rectangular base with corners cut inwards and stamped JHBunnell & Co. New York, USA. Mica insulators and 1/8 inch silver contacts. circa 1915.

4140a BUNNELL SPARK KEY:

4140.gif Another BUNNELL SPARK KEY:(16KB)

4142 BUNNELL SPARK KEY IN ORIGINAL BOX:(22KB) All plated brass key mounted on a black bakelite base. Lever is stamped J.H.Bunnell & Co. New York, USA. 1/4 inch silver contacts which can be replaced easily by unscrewing them.

4142a Right side view of Bunnell Spark Key:(24KB)

4142b View of Bunnell Spark Key in its box:(25KB)

4144 BUNNELL SPARK KEY:(22KB) All brass key stamped JHBunnell & Co. New York, USA. This is the "Triumph" key designed for spark use. It has no shorting switch and has an all brass lever. The silver contacts measure 1/4 inch in diameter. Key is screwed to a wooden base. circa 1915.

4145 * BUNNELL SPARK KEY IN ORIGINAL BOX:(19KB) All brass key stamped JHBunnell & Co. New York, USA. This is the "Triumph" key designed for spark use. It has no shorting switch and has an all brass lever. The silver contacts measure 1/4 inch in diameter. The key is in the origianl Bunnell box.

4145a Another view of the boxed key:(16KB)

4148 "DIME KEY" SPARK-MODIFIED KEY:(13KB) Many hundreds of ham radio operators who could not afford the price of the commercial spark keys soldered dimes to the upper and lower contacts of inexpensive land-line keys. The dimes were made of silver at that time and could stand up to the high currents of spark transmitters.

4148a Close-up view of "dime" contacts:(15KB)

4160 UNKNOWN SPARK KEY:(13KB) Unusual all plated brass key with stamped lever integrated onto a black bakelite base. 1/4 inch silver contacts.

4160a Another view of the unknown spark key:(14KB)

4165 UNKNOWN SPARK KEY:(16KB) Unusual all brass key with Clapp-Eastham 'Boston' key-like long tapered spring mounted on a wooden base.

4167 SIGNAL ELECTRIC SPARK KEY:(15KB) All brass key with solid oval brass base engraved SIGNAL ELECTRIC MFG. CO. MENOMINEE, MICH: Mica insulators and 3/8 inch silver contacts. Bottom of base engraved 19 with a trade mark.

4167a A view of the bottom showing the mica insulation:(20KB)

4170 * SIGNAL ELECTRIC SPARK KEY:(15KB) All brass key with solid oval brass base engraved SIGNAL ELECTRIC MFG. CO. MENOMINEE, MICH: Mica insulators and 3/8 inch silver contacts. Bottom of base engraved 19 with a trade mark.

4170a Another view of the Signal Electric Spark key:(20KB)
4172 * Same as above mounted on a wooden base with 1/4 inch diam. contacts.
4176 * Same as 4170 above but has no name on brass base and not mounted.
Keys like this were often manufactured for Sears without mfgr name on the key.
4178 * SIGNAL ELECTRIC COMPANY SPARK KEY. All chromed base.

4220 * VERY EARLY JAPANESE SPARK KEY: (36KB) Plated mechanism with replacable contacts on a black base which is stamped with Japanese symbols. An extremely unusual key with a post sticking way up, Multiple polarity switching contacts, and binding posts with horizontal bars through them. >W2PM
4221 * Similar to above but of more recent manufacture.W/O Japanese symbols.

4230 BRITISH AIR MINISTRY WIRELESS/SPARK KEY:(33KB) Large British Air Ministry all brass key integrated with a black bakelite base with 3/8 inch square spring-loaded silver contacts. Knob engraved "ref no 10A/7790". Removable brown cover encloses entire key and is marked "KEY.MORSE. TYPE D. Ref No. 10F/7373 A M Serial Number (blank). This key is also called the 7373 key and one old-time operator who was trained to use the key suggests squeezing an English penny under the rear contact plate to suppress bounce.

4232 * BRITISH ADMIRALTY (NAVY) KEY:(20KB) This massive key was usually enclosed in a sheet metal cover through-which the high knob protruded. (This key is in the Pete Malvasi - W2PM collection.)

4240 RCAF AIRCRAFT SPARK KEY:(14KB) All brass key with straight lever and doorknob style knob integrated onto wooden base which is labeled RCAF Ref No 10A/556. 1/8 inch diameter silver contacts. circa 1917.
4242 * Same as above. -> W2PM

4243 BRITISH AIRCRAFT SPARK KEY WITH BLINKER LIGHT:(27KB) This interesting key is similar to the RCAF Aircraft Spark Key above but the lower contact is mounted on a metal strap, there is a heavy wire between the lever and the support piece and there is a socket for a signal light.

4243a Another right side view of the spark key:(33KB)

4243b A left side view of the spark key:(27KB)

4243c A closeup view of the lower contact:(14KB)

4250 UNUSUAL EDDYSTONE / MARCONI TYPE 365EZ WIRELESS KEY:(14KB) Until this key appeared, I had thought that the only key that carried the Eddystone name was their bug-shaped bug. This key appears to be patterned after the well known Marconi Model 365 series keys. It is enclosed in a metal cover and has a spark suppression inductance/capacitance network mounted alongside the key mechanism. The lever is supported by ball bearings as is the lever in the Marconi 365. It has been suggested that the box is the ONLY part of the key which was manufactured by Eddystone and that, since Marconi was and is located in Chelmsford, they made the key under the M.I.M. name which stands for: Marconi International Marine Communications Company Limited. Marconi purchased Eddystone in 1965 and the 2743P inscribed inside the box was probably the Eddystone box part number.

4250a A view of the key with cover removed:(15KB)

4250b Another view of the key with cover removed:(15KB)

4250c A view of Eddystone name inside the cover:(16KB)

4250d A view of the label:(21KB) which reads: TRANSMITTING KEY. Type No. 365EZ. Serial No. 13705. Made in England. The M. I. M. Co., Ltd., Chelmsford.

4255 ** CLASSIC MARCONI 365 WIRELESS KEY:(26KB) Collector Tim Heasman, G4LMH has given me permission to display these pictures of his classic Marconi 365 key. This smooth sending and hefty key was very popular and widely used on many ships.

4255a ** A view of the Marconi 365 key with the metal cover in place:(21KB)

4260 GERMAN WIRELESS KEY WITH TWO SPRINGS:(14KB) This is a very unusual German telegraph key which has two tension springs. The spring-mounted lower contacts identify it as being a German key but the two two tension springs are absolutely unique. It is unclear why a key would need a spring in front of the trunnion and a spring in back of the trunnion.

4260a A bottom view of the 2-spring key showing the two spring mounting screws:(19KB)

4260b A close-up view of the two tension springs:(12KB)

4262 GERMAN WIRELESS KEY WITH TWO SPRINGS:(14KB) This is a very unusual German telegraph key which has two tension springs. The spring-mounted lower contacts identify it as being a German key but the two two tension springs are absolutely unique. It is unclear why a key would need a spring in front of the trunnion and a spring in back of the trunnion. In this key the usual plastic enclosure for the end of the lever has apparently been broken or lost and the lever has been wrapped in tape instead. It is thought that the plastic enclosure was meant to protect an operator from electric shocks.

4270 EARLY GERMAN LUFTWAFFE WIRELESS KEY: (17KB) This key has a most unusual knob. It is thought that it may have been notched in this way to make it easier for the wireless operator to hold it as the aircraft bounced in turbulence. It is clearly marked on both the top and bottom with the BAL Bau Amt Luftwaffe symbol. It has the spring-mounted lower contacts which are characteristic of most of the German keys. The right side of the keys is stamped: CHARLOTTENBG, MOEGES.

4270a Another view of the Luftwaffe key: (17KB)

4270b A view showing the BAL marking on the top of the key: (22KB)

4270b A view showing the BAL marking on the bottom of the key: (19KB)

4290 RUSSIAN WIRELESS KEY: (32KB) This is a heavy duty military key designed to key a high-current transmitter. It is enclosed within a metal cover.

4480 BUNNELL SPARK RELAY:(17KB) This very unusual item consists of a classic Bunnell sounder with two 5/8 inch silver contacts attached to the armiture and anvil. Very heavy wires run from these contacts to a set of binding posts that match the sounder binding posts. This relay was used to allow land-line keys and bugs with small contacts to switch the very high currents of a spark transmitter.

4480s Close-up of the contacts:(13KB)

4490 * LEACH SPARK RELAY:(21KB) This spark relay was used to switch the high currents of a spark transmitter when keying with a small key. It is stamped: Leach Relay Co. CA. PR-9, 6 Volts, DC.

4491 Another view of the LEACH SPARK RELAY:(17KB)

4492 * LEACH SPARK RELAY:(20KB) This relay is slightly different from number 4490. This spark relay was used to switch the high currents of a spark transmitter when keying with a small key.

4494 DUAL SILVER CONTACT SPARK RELAY:(20KB) This spark relay has two separate sets of silver contacts for switching the high currents of a spark transmitter when keying with a small key.

4494a Another view of the dual contact spark relay:(17KB)

4496 SPARK RELAY:(18KB) This spark relay was used for switching the high currents of a spark transmitter when keying with a small key.

4540 * VERY SIMPLE SPEED-X RADIO KEY: This key is extremely simple in design and construction.

4550 * SPEED-X RADIO KEY:(19KB) This key is very similar to the Signal Electric Co. Spark and wireless keys (See 4170.) It is all chrome plated with "SPEED-X"stamped on lever top and H-15.681 inside the base. Silver 3/16" contacts.
4551 Same as above but no engraving on lever or inside base.

4552 * Same as above:(12KB)The Base is black wrinkle finish cast metal.
4553 Same as above but inside of black base is marked "H15-621 WM. M. NYE CO. INC. Bellevue, WA, MADE IN USA". All the rest of the key is brass.

4554 * Similar to 4550:(10KB) But oblong plastic base also stamped "SPEED-X".

4555 * TRIUMPH STYLE SPEED-X RADIO KEY: All plated copy of Bunnell Triumph key with "SPEED-X" stamped on top of lever and & H15.682 under base. Lower contact mfgd on "U" to elevate it.

4555a * TRIUMPH STYLE SPEED-X RADIO KEY:(20KB) This is a copy of the Bunnell Triumph Key. It is similar to the above number 4555 key. The lever is stamped: Speed-X and the base is painted with black wrinkle-finish paint.

4556 * SIGNAL ELECTRIC CO. STYLE KEY: All chromed key looks like the standard Signal Electric design with solid oval chromed base & 1/4"silver contacts, but the base has a black wrinkle finish in its recessed center & bearing posts. Quite unusual.

4557 * SIGNAL ELECTRIC CO. STYLE KEY: Similar to above but much less well made with smaller 3/32 inch diameter contacts. Lever held in place by metal bracket with no lateral adjustment. Similar to 1940s E.F.Johnson114-300 but.. black wrinkle finish metal base.

4558 T.R.McELROY (FIRST MODEL) STREAM KEY:(16KB) The first Stream Key had a chromed teardrop-shaped base with a label which reads: Stream Key. Mfg. by T.r.McElroy. World's Champion Telegrapher, Boston, USA.

4558a Another view of this First Model Stream Key:(16KB)

4558b A Close-up view of the label:(16KB)

4559 * T.R.McELROY (SECOND MODEL) STREAM KEY:(15KB) The second models of the Stream Keys all had much more rounded teardrop shaped bases with no labels. The levers were chrome plated and the bases were black wrinkle-finish.

4559a * T.R.McELROY "AMATEUR" MODEL 100 STREAM KEY IN ORIGINAL BOX:(20KB) This key had a chromed lever and black wrinkle-finished base.

4560 * T.R.McELROY LATER PLASTIC "AMATEUR" MODEL 100 STREAM KEY:(21KB) All plated key integrated onto a black plastic base which is engraved: Stream key. Manufactured by T.R.McElroy. Boston, Mass. USA (Traded to W2PM).

4562 * McELROY GREY BASED STREAM KEY:(16KB)

4562a Another view of the Grey Base Stream Key:(16KB)

4565 * McELROY / TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. CODE PRACTICE OSCILLATOR "INTERNAL" KEY:(14KB)This key is a McElroy Model 100 Metal-based Stream Key which has had its base cut off to allow it to fit inside a Telegraph Apparatus Co. (A McElroy Company.) "Oscillatone" code practice oscillator.

4565a Another view of the special cut-off key:16KB)

4567 * "FAKE" MCELROY KEYS:(16KB) Someone made many thousands of copies of the popular McElroy Stream Keys. These copies were made with very cheap "pot metal" base castings and cracks often develop around the upright portions of the base.
The only reliable way to tell a copy from the real keys is to see whether the base is attracted by a magnet. The real McElroy keys are attracted by a magnet.

4567a Another view of the "FAKE" McElroy:(15KB)

4567b Close-up view of the cracks in the base casting:(18KB)

4567c Extreme Close-up view of the cracks in the base casting:(25KB)

4568 * McELROY DELUXE MODEL 300 STREAM KEY:(17KB) All Chrome-plated key with 5/16inch contacts. There were several very minor variations in the bases.

4570 McELROY COMMEMORATIVE ALL CHROME STRAIGHT KEY:(17KB) Very unusual key is exactly like the Bunnell 1888 Triumph key with oval base. It has typical McElroy design shorting lever and hardware and the chromed lever is stamped "McELROY Electronics Corp". Special memorial key made to commemorate McElroy. Only 100 of these beautiful and hard to find keys were made.

4574 RARE McELROY MILITARY J-38 STRAIGHT KEY:(16KB) This is the key that McElroy Electronics Co. built for the U.S. Military. The only known example was in the McElroy collection until a small number of them showed up at the 1999 Dayton hamfest.

This is another view of the key:(16KB)

This is a close-up view of the M in the work McElroy as it appears under the hot contact strip:(23KB)

This is a close-up view of the narrow clearance between the shorting lever screw and the gap adjusting screw:(35KB)

4576 * RADIO KEY:(21KB) Very unusual design. Has cast aluminum base made of aluminum & painted green. Lever is chrome plated. The knob and terminal tightening knobs look like 1950s binding post knobs. It is an exceptionally UGLY key.

4582 TINY "SPY" RADIO KEYS:(15KB) These tiny keys were thought to have been integrated into field sets and clandestine portable radios. The keys have metal shorting levers and knobs numbered from 1 to 4. Actually, they came from a Western Electric Telegraph Line Test Set. (See 4582a below).

4582a * WESTERN ELECTRIC TEST SET & TINY KEYS:(41KB)

4582b Closeup of Western Electric Mini-Key:(8KB)

4582c * A LATER VERSION OF THE WESTERN ELECTRIC TEST SET SHOWING ALL 4 OF THE TINY KEYS:(46KB)
4583 * Same as above.

4585 * TINY "SPY" RADIO KEY:(9KB) Slightly larger than 4582, this tiny key was thought to be a spy key but actually from a military field telephone and telegraph set.

4586 * TINY "SPY" RADIO KEY:(8KB) Tiny key thought to be a spy key but actually from a military field telephone and telegraph set. (See 4586a).

4586a * MILITARY FIELD SET AND KEY:(48KB) Similar to above but slightly larger with no shorting lever.

4588 * TINY COMPLEX "SPY" RADIO KEY:(22KB) These unusual and fairly complex keys were thought to be spy keys but actually came from military field telephone/telegraph sets. (See 4588a)

4588a * MILITARY FIELD SET AND KEY:(51KB)

X4700 ** Norwegian Radio Key:(13KB)
This 1960's vintage key is owned by collector Einar Hogseth. email: [email protected].

4710 UPSIDE DOWN SPY RADIO KEY:(9KB) This tiny key with 3-1/4" metal lever and brown 2-3/4" x 1-1/2" bakelite base is constructed so that the mechanism is on the bottom of the base and the knob extends upwards and out of the radio set. It was manufactured in 1935 for the Italian Allocchio Bacchini set.

4720 TRAP-DOOR SPY RADIO KEY:(39KB) This tiny key has a 3-3/4" x 1-1/4" base that is mounted vertically on the side of the radio set. Pulling on a small knob allows a trap-door to swing down and exposes a tiny knob and key lever that operates normally open and normally closed contacts. It was manufactured in 1935 for the Italian Radio-Marelli sets.

4730 BRITISH SPY RADIO KEY:(17KB) Large British all brass key with straight lever, doorknob style knob, and 1/8 inch contacts integrated onto reddish bakelite base which has been removed from original radio transmitter and mounted on a wooden base.

4730a Another view of the British Spy Radio Key:(11KB)

4740 PRACTICE RADIO KEY:(22KB) British all brass key with straight lever, doorknob style knob, and NO electrical contacts at all. Key is integrated onto a wooden base and makes a clicking sound when it is depressed.

4850a * AWA TELEGRAPH KEY MADE BY AMALGAMATED WIRELESS of AUSTRALASIA: This wireless / radiotelegraph key is labeled ''AWA TYPE R655A MANIPULATING KEY''. It was made by Amalgamated Wireless of Australasia in the 1930s. I donated this key to the AWA (Antique Wireless Association: http://www.antiquewireless.org ) Museum where it may be seen.

4850b * Another view of the AWA Telegraph Key:

4850c * The Label on the AWA Telegraph Key:

4850d * The underside of the base of the AWA Telegraph Key:

4900 DOW PRACTICE RADIO KEY:(22KB) This key was manufactured by the Dow Key company in Canada and used for practice and as a radio key.

4901 ANOTHER DOW PRACTICE RADIO KEY (In better condition):(32KB)

5000 * AUSTRALIAN CLIPSAL KEY:(55KB) This key was manufactured during and after WW-II by Gerard Industries. Collector John Kaesehagen of Adelaide, Australia was kind enough to send me this

description of the company and some of its activities:(125KB) It is a LARGE file but interesting to read. John says that the name "Clipsal" was derived from: "Clips-all" which was a term used to describe the range of adjustable fittings for conduits that were manufactured by the company.

5000b The original Guarantee that accompanied the clipsal key:(65KB)

5001 * AUSTRALIAN CLIPSAL KEY WITH ORIGINAL BOX:(13KB) This key is the same as number 5000 above but has the original box.

5001a Another view of the Clipsal key and box:(11KB)

5010 * BRITISH "KENT" KIT KEY:(14KB) This key is sold in kit form and was mounted on a plastic base by its owner.

5020 * CURRENT JRC (JAPANESE RADIO CORP.) RADIO KEY:(15KB)This currently produced radio key is very similar to the earliest Japanese spark and wireless keys. (Same as number 9689.)

5020a Another view of the JRC radio Key:(15KB)

5045 SWEDISH RADIO KEY: This is a fairly large Swedish Radio Key with the classic long Swedish-style lever.

5050 * CURRENT SWEDISH RADIO KEY:(16KB) This currently produced Swedish radio key was patterned after the very early Swedish land-line telegraph keys with their long levers. It has no trunnion bearings but instead supports the lever on a flexible leaf spring. It is supplied in its own wooden box. (This key is the same as number 1125.)

5060 * EARLY DANISH - GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH WORKS KEY: This Danish key carries a label that reads: Great Northern Telegraph Works, Copenhagen, Denmark. No. 77773. It is not likely that 77773 of these keys were made since they do not show up very often. I think it is more likely that the manufacturer started with a high serial number. The picture was sent to me by another collector.

5060a * The Label on the Early Danish key:

5070 * LATER DANISH - GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH WORKS KEY: This appears to be a later version of the Danish key above. This Danish key carries a label that reads: Great Northern Telegraph Works, Copenhagen, Denmark. No. 13779. Since it is not likely that 13779 of these keys were made it is more likely that the manufacturer started with a high serial number. The picture was sent to me by another collector.

5070a * The Label on the Danish key:

5070b * The Underside of the Danish key:

5070c * The Removable Base of the Danish key showing the modular connectors:

5110 GERMAN "LEYBOLD" KEY:(19KB) This simple key was made in Germany. The company still exists in 2005 but manufactures mainly apparatus for the chemical industry.

5200 * HAM-KEY RADIO KEY WITH BLACK BASE:(20KB) This is a common key with nice feel. It is in current production.

5201 * HAM-KEY RADIO KEY WITH GRAY BASE:(20KB) This is a common key with nice feel. It is in current production.

5460 * EXTREMELY COMMON JAPANESE COPY OF BUNNELL TRIUMPH KEY:(17KB)This key has been in production for at least 20 years and hundreds of thousands of them have been sold. It is a convincing copy of the Bunnell Triumph Key but can be identified by the ball-bearings at the end of the trunnion shaft, the hollow brass-look base and the word Japan on the underside of the base casting. The contacts are steel and constantly become dirty making for very poor keying performance.

5460a Another view of the Japanese Copy:(18KB)

5460b A closer view of the ball-bearings:(20KB)

5480 * EXTREMELY COMMON JAPANESE COPY OF SIGNAL ELECTRIC KEY:(12KB)This key has been in production for at least 20 years and hundreds of thousands of them have been sold. It is a plastic based copy of the metal-based Signal Electric Radio Keys. The trunnion shaft is held in place by the springiness of the trunnion shaft supports. The contacts are steel and constantly become dirty making for VERY poor keying performance.

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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.

SEMI - AUTOMATIC TELEGRAPH KEYS ( BUGS )
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BUGS (Semi-automatic telegraph keys) - - - - - - - - - (6001 - 8000)

(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 

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

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SEMI - AUTOMATIC TELEGRAPH KEYS ( BUGS ) (NOT VIBROPLEX)
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BUGS (Semi-automatic telegraph keys) - - - - - - - - - (7001 - 8000)

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

BUGS (NOT VIBROPLEX) (7001 - 8000), VIBROPLEX BUGS (6001 - 7000)

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 

NON-VIBROPLEX BUGS:

7030 * GIL SCHLEHMAN'S EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CONKLING BUG:(25KB)
This exceptionally rare bug was found in Canada, mounted on a large wooden base along with a number of other early and rare keys.

7030a * Another view of the CONKLING BUG:(24KB)

7030b * Another view of the CONKLING BUG:(26KB)

7030c * A view of the board with all the keys mounted on it:(35KB)

7040 * GIL SCHLEHMAN'S EXCEPTIONALLY UNUSUAL VERTICAL SEMI-AUTOMATIC KEY:(68KB) Very Early nickel-plated mechanism with straight key mounted on a cast iron base and pivoted at the bottom of the vertical mechanism. Automatic dots are made by pressing down on the knob somewhat like a VAILOGRAPH. Shorting switch on the right side. 4''long by 5'' high. (Traded to K9WDY).

7040a Matching dash-making key shown with the above semi-automatic key:(15KB) This picture of the pair shows a very unique and unusual semi-automatic key combination.

7040b This is a second picture of the vertical dot maker and the dash maker: (13KB)

7044 EXCEPTIONALLY UNUSUAL "Little Giant" SEMI-AUTOMATIC KEY Add-On for Straight KEY: This is the only known example of this unusual key. It was designed to clip onto a standard straight key. It has on it a small Gold Sticker that Says Little Giant Manufacturing Company, Gilroy, CA and a Patent Number that is not possible to read. It was purchased by Clem, W0MEC who lives in Westminster, CA. He bought it in 1958 from a railroad telegrapher who did not like it. Clem needed a bug that was light weight and very portable. It had to work with ANY straight key, not take up much space and be capable of being quickly disconnected to allow other operators to use the straight key.

As he tells it: "I bounced around the Extra Board there on the GNRR Kalispell Division for a few years before entering the Relay Service where they needed Hot Shot telegraphers of which I was NOT. But I got my feet wet and you might say I was a Boomer as they called those Telegraphers that moved around and took on the HOT telegraph wire jobs. I learned to Telegraph, but it was not an easy step up. When I finally got it I could copy and send with any of those wishing to try and snow me under with their FIST or their Bug or their combinations.."

"I use This Bug for both American Morse and International Morse as it is really easy to move from One "Brass Pounder" to another. I will be demonstrating This Bug that I just showed you and my Vibroplex President From 1956 with what they called the Gold Plated Base with my name Engraved on it at this years Field Day here in Buena Park at the Walter Knott School where they will set up about 15 to 20 antennas and Stations for the FD event. The Orange County Amateur Radio Club W6ZE Will be sponsoring this event. Check out our Web Page at www.w6ze.org. I have several resonators (Sounders)(Clackers) and main line Relays that I will be Using to show Railroad communications as I know it from experience."

More pictures of the Little Giant bug: (Although the pictures are not very sharp, the key is so unusual that I have chosen to show them all here.)

7044b * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044c * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044d * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044e * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044f * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044g * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044h * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7044i * Another View of the Little Giant Bug:

7050 * GIL SCHLEHMAN'S NATIONAL TRANSMITTER COMPANY VERTICAL BUG:(21KB) This is an exceptionally rare National Transmitter Company Vertical Bug. It carries the DUNN Patent date of 4-27-20.

7050a * Another View of Gil Schleman's National Transmitter Co. Bug:(25KB)

7050b * Another View of Gil Schleman's National Transmitter Co. Bug:(24KB)

7050c * Another View of Gil Schleman's National Transmitter Co. Bug:(22KB)

7050d * Another View of Gil Schleman's National Transmitter Co. Bug:(25KB)

7050e * A Close view of the Name and Patent information stamped on the top of Gil Schleman's National Transmitter Co. Bug:(49KB)

7060 * XOGRAPH:(24KB) Mfg in Rolf Brown's basement factory-Toronto. Circa 1920. No label or numbers.

7060a Another view of the XOGRAPH:(12KB)

7060b Another view of the XOGRAPH:(13KB)

7075 DOUBLE-LEVER DUNDUPLEX BUG WITH RARE ORIGINAL METAL CARRYING CASE:(36KB) This is a double lever Dunduplex bug with the rare metal Dunduplex carrying case. The action is quite complex and operates on the 'release of tension on the lever' principle to circumvent the Martin-Vibroplex patent. Pressing the left lever or pushing down on the left top cylinder pulls a diagonal metal rod away from the vibrating lever allowing it to vibrate. Releasing the lever returns the diagnonal rod to its original postion thus damping the ocsillating lever. Pressing the right knob or pushing down on the right top cylinder pushes the dash contact down to make contact. The two cylinders usually have round knobs press-fit into the holes in the top. They are missing in this key. Moving the shorting lever to the left locks the dash contact in the closed position. The key is stamped: THOS. J. DUNN & CO., New York. PAT'D 1909 and it carries serial number: 1062. Since it was common to start numbering keys at 1000, this suggests that it may actually be the 62nd Dunduplex manufactured. You can see some of these details in the following pictures:

7075a Another view of the 2 lever Dunduplex:(46KB)

7075a The original metal carrying case for the Dunduplex:(38KB)

7075c Another view of the 2 lever Dunduplex:(43KB)

7075d Another view of the 2 lever Dunduplex:(25KB)

7080 * RARE SINGLE-LEVER DUNDUPLEX BUG:(23KB) This is a very hard to find version of the Dunduplex bug. It has excellent high speed ''feel''. The small knob on the right may be used as a straight key. This key is owned by Lloyd Price, N2KPC who was kind enough to allow me to photograph it.

7080a Another view of Lloyd Price's DUNDUPLEX:(19KB)

7110 SUB-MINIATURE VERSION OF THE "ULTIMATE" POCKET PORTABLE BUG in it's ORIGINAL WOODEN CARRYING BOX:(59KB) This is an unique sub-miniature version of the "Ultimate" miniature right-angle bug. It came in its own original carrying case that also has the Ultimate label on top. The bug measures only 2.3 inches wide as compared with the 3.5 inches of the classical "Ultimate" bug. It's cover is inscribed: The Ultimate Transmitter Company, Los Angeles, California and there is a star with the number '73' in the middle between the manufacturer's name and the place of manufacture. Trade Mark Registered. Patd 6-23-25.

7110a The inner mechanism of the sub-miniature "Ultimate" pocket bug:(66KB)

7110b A view of the sub-Miniature "Ultimate" pocket bug in its box:(69KB)

7110c A top view of the miniature box for the sub-miniature "Ultimate" pocket bug:(65KB)

7110d The sub-miniature "Ultimate" pocket bug with ruler to show its width:(60KB)

7110e A comparison of the sub-miniature "Ultimate" pocket bug and it's box with a classic "Ultimate" pocket bug:(57KB)

7120 THE "ULTIMATE" POCKET PORTABLE BUG:(70KB) All chromed miniature right-angle bug with cover label inscribed: The Ultimate Transmitter Company, Los Angeles, California and there is a star with the number '73' in the middle between the manufacturer's name and the place of manufacture. Trade Mark Registered. Patd 6-23-25. Number 15943.

7125 DOUBLE-LEVER 'ULTIMATE' POCKET PORTABLE BUG:(10KB) This is an unusual version of the ULTIMATE all-chromed miniature right-angle bug. Its cover label is inscribed: The Ultimate Transmitter Company, Los Angeles, California and there is a star with the number '73' in the middle between the manufacturer's name and the place of manufacture.
Pressing the left lever to the right makes automatic dots. Pressing it to the left makes manual dashes. Pressing the right lever to the left also makes manual dashes and pressing it to the right does nothing. It is unclear why the right lever was designed into this key since it does the same thing as the left lever with respect to dashes.

7125a View of the inside mechanism of the key with the cover opened:(19KB)

7125b View of the patent date: June 23, 1925 and the serial number: 12927:(15KB)

7130 UNUSUAL STRAIGHT 'ULTIMATE' MINIATURE POCKET PORTABLE BUG:(30KB) This is an unusual version of the ULTIMATE all-chromed miniature bug. Most Ultimate bugs are of right-angle design and have a cover. This key is simply a straight-line bug with a few unusual design features. The damper consists of two washers, the lever travel is limited by an unusual vertical shaft with an offset screw holding it up. The bug carries serial number 141 or 144. Slight damage to the plating makes the last digit uncertain. Its label is inscribed: The Ultimate Transmitter Company, Los Angeles, California., and there is a star with the number '73' in the middle between the manufacturer's name and the place of manufacture.

7130a Another view of the unusual straight 'ultimate' miniature pocket portable bug:(30kb)

7130b A view of the label and the serial number on the unusual straight 'ultimate' miniature pocket portable bug:(30kb)

7140 * MECOGRAPH BUG:(19KB) Unusual old, formerly all plated straight action bug with base engraved:The Mecograph Co.Cleveland, O.This key was made in1913 after Vibroplex bought Mecograph so it does not infringe on Martin's patents.>WA5Y.

7141 MECOGRAPH MODEL 3 RIGHT-ANGLE BUG:(22KB) The Mecograph model 3 with the so-called ''tiger striped'' etched patterned base and the "release of tension" action that circumvented Martin's patents.

7141a * MECOGRAPH MODEL 3 RIGHT-ANGLE BUG:(30KB) Similar to 7141 but with plain base.

7142 * MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE, 1908 BUG: (41KB) Rare right-angle bug with round shaft and square weights. Vibrating pendulum like Vibroplex. Circuit closer marked MECOGRAPH,Cleveland O.With original box, wedge, and hold down clamp screw. (traded).

7143 ORIGINAL MECOGRAPH PADDLE: (11KB)
This is an original Mecograph Paddle. Many of the paddles which are found on Mecographs have been broken off and replaced with paddles from other keys. This is the way the original paddle looks.

7144 * MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE MODEL 3 BUG:(14KB) This is another version of the Mecograph right-angle bug that circumvented Martin's patents.

7144a Another view of the Mecograph Model 3:(18KB)

7145 * MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE MODEL 3 BUG: (14KB) This is another version of the Mecograph right-angle bug that circumvented Martin's patents. -> WA5Y.

7145a Back view of the Mecograph Model 3: (16KB)

7145b View of the bottom of the Meocgraph Model 3 showing the large number "3": (20KB)

7150 PEERLESS BUG:(40KB) This is a particularly hard to find bug made by the Peerless Manufacturing Company in Fordson, Michigan. Some models had a small permanent magnet instead of a damper.

7150a Right side view of the Peerless Bug:(37KB)

7151 PEERLESS BUG:(45KB) This is another Peerless Bug similar to the one described above.

7151a Right side view of the PEERLESS BUG:(53KB)

7160 * BUNNELL-MARTIN FLASH KEY Model 5-46:(18KB) Unusual vertical post pivot design thought by Bill Holly to be the possible precursor to the Rotoplex design. Circa 1940. (Traded to K5VT).

7166 GRAY-BASED BUNNELL FLASH KEY MODEL 5-45:(29KB) In 1939, Bunnell bought the patents for the Bunnell-Martin Flash Keys and apparently dropped the -Martin name from the labels. This is an unusual gray-based model of the Bunnell Flash Key. The label reads: BUNNELL FLASH KEY. TYPE NO. 5-45. Manufactured by J. H. Bunnell & Co., New York. Made in U.S.A. New York.

7166a Another view of the Bunnell Flash Key:(30KB)

7166b A close-up of the label of the Bunnell Flash Key:(20KB)

7170 D & K DINGER RIGHT-ANGLE BUG:(24KB) This bug has an amazing action designed to circumvent Martin's patent by producing dots through 'releasing' tension on a spring rather than creating it. The release of tension allows the weight to ding back and forth on the spring and string and it makes a contact every time it moves toward the lever. The mechanism and operation of this bug is quite interesting and unique. The shorting lever is stamped: D & K Manufacturing Co. Cleveland, O, and Pat Apr 27, 06. The D & K Company was owned by Paul Dinger and August Krastin which explains the unusual name of this bug. The frame post is stamped pat appl for. It carries serial number 2482 stamped into a metal plate cast into the underside of the base. This bug is quite similar to the Mecograph right-angle bugs also made in Cleveland, Ohio.

7170a Back view of the Dinger Bug:(33KB)

7170b Right side view of the Dinger Bug:(33KB)

7170c View of shorting lever showing the manufacturer's name and patent and the patent applied for stamp on the frame:(23KB)

7170d View of underside of the key showing rust from a damp basement storage area:(48KB)The rusty serial number plate is on the left.

7180 RARE O. E. COTE BUG:(28KB) This is a very hard-to-find bug made by O. E. COTE. The name is stamped into the top of the lever as shown below.

7180a Another view of the COTE bug:(29KB)

7180b A close-up of the name on top of the lever:(64KB)

7181 Another RARE O. E. COTE BUG:(19KB) Similar to above:

7181a A Right Side view of the Cote Bug:(20KB)

7181b A Top view of the Cote Bug:(23KB)

7181c A Bottom view of the Cote Bug:(14KB)

7181d A Closeup view of the name on the Cote Bug:(15KB)

7185 * VERY RARE COPE BUG:(53KB) This is a very unusual bug that most collectors have not even heard about. It is owned by Matt Kurzdorfer who allowed me to display it here.

7185a A Right Side view of the Cope Bug:(58KB)

7185b A Bottom view of the Cope Bug:(67KB)

7185c A close view of the manufacturer's name on the Cope bug:(60KB)

7188a BUNNELL '' ORIGINAL BUG '' number "I": This is the 'father' of the Bunnell Gold Bug and the rarest of the Bunnell Bugs. It carries the number "I" scratched into the bottom of the brass base.
This key was designed to avoid conflict with the Martin patent that covered semi-automatic keys that TENSIONED a main spring to produce a string of dots. Several manufacturers including Mecograph and D & K designed keys that RELEASED tension on a spring to produce a string of dots. This Bunnell bug is very complex. It also RELEASES the tension on its main spring to produce dots. The main spring is held against the damper by a long tension releasing lever that dips down to pass under the dash contact, curls around under the main spring, and ends in a screw pressing on a coil spring. When the knob is pressed to the Right, the tension releasing lever moves to the left and releases the tension in the main spring allowing it to swing to the left and make a string of dots by bouncing against the dot contact on the left.
When the knob is pressed to the Left, the tension releasing lever moves to the right and pushes harder against the main spring, bending it just enough to make contact with the dash contact on the right.
The key has a rather mushy 'feel' due to the 'bending' of the main spring to make dashes and Bunnell may have abandoned this design after making this first key. However, since this key was used on a mine railroad in New Hampshire, at least this one 'Original' model Bunnell key was sold commercially. The base is stamped J. H. Bunnell & Co. New York, USA and ''patent pending''.
Bunnell appears to have used some features of this 'original' bug in his 'Gold Bug'. The 'Gold Bug' also has a mushy 'feel'. It was not very popular. The Bunnell 'Gold Bug' was made after the Martin Patent had expired so it did not need to RELEASE tension on the main spring. Historian John Casale, W2NI, discovered that the original patent for this key was issued to John Gehegan. The patent in the Gil Schlehman, K9WDY Telegraph Patent Collection may be viewed in a link below:

7188blss A top view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug showing the tension releasing lever and other parts.
(The important parts have been labeled to help explain their function):

7188c A Right side view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug showing the tension releasing lever as it passes under the dash contact:

7188d Another Right side view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug:

7188e A close view of the dot contact with the bug in the uncleaned, as-found condition:

7188f The mechanism of the Bunnell 'Original' bug has been unscrewed from the heavy cast iron base:

7188g A close view of the base of the Bunnell 'Original' bug showing the number ' I ' scratched into the brass:

7188i A Left side view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug in uncleaned, as-found condition:

7188j A top view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug in uncleaned, as-found condition:

7188k A closer top view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug in uncleaned, as-found condition showing the mechanism:

7188n A Right side view of the Bunnell 'Original' bug in uncleaned, as-found condition:

7188p The original John Gehegan patent for the design of this key:

7190 * BUNNELL "GOLD BUG": Like 7200 but earlier straight paddle. S/N 252. (Traded).

7192 BUNNELL '' GOLD BUG '':(20KB) Similar to 7190 with serial number 313. The base is stamped ''patented'' and ''patent pending''.

7192a Another view of the Gold Bug:(19KB)

7192b A close view of the label:(21KB)

7192c A close view of the patent label:(15KB)

7195 * BUNNELL "GOLD BUG": Similar to 7190. S/N 473.(Traded to K5VT).

7196 * BUNNELL "GOLD BUG": Similar to 7190. S/N 619.

7200 BUNNELL "GOLD BUG": (21KB) The famous Jesse Bunnell "Gold Bug" manufactured around 1920. This unusual example has a pivoted paddle which can be swiveled up and down. Its a rare transition model between straight paddle & paddle with thumb knob.#797.

7220 FIRST MODEL ''GO-DEVIL'' BUG:(25KB) The key which was manufactured in the basement of A. H. Emery. Label on cast black wrinkle finished base reads:The Transmitting GO-DEVIL, Pat. applied for. Mfg by A.H.Emery. 263 Mill St. Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

7220a Another view of the ''GO-DEVIL'':(18KB)

7220b Another view of the ''GO-DEVIL'':(17KB)

7225 NEW MODEL ''GO-DEVIL'' BUG:(25KB) The key which was manufactured in the basement of A. H. Emery. in Poughkeepsie, New York. The label on the black base reads: GO-DEVIL, Box 1364, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

7240 ELECTRO BUG: (35KB) This unusual key has a large magnetic coil which was powered by electricity from the transmitter keying circuit. Label reads "ELECTRO-BUG. Patents pending. Manufactured by ELECTRO MFG. CO. San Francisco, Calif." Due to the "T" design this key can be turned on its side and used as a straight key.

7244 * ELECTRO BUG-DELUXE MODEL:(19KB) As above. All Nickel plated. Number 10205 under base. > K5VT.

7245 ELECTRO BUG-DELUXE MODEL:(26KB) Nickel plated and very similar to the above but much more heavily used.

7245a Right Side View of the ELECTRO BUG-DELUXE MODEL:(36KB)

7265 ** SEMATIC BUG:(15KB) The Sematic bug could be used as a sideswiper by appropriately setting the dual shorting levers. (This key is in the Pete Malvasi - W2PM collection.

7270 REL RADIO ELECTRONICS LABORATORIES BUG:(65KB) This is a bug that I have never seen or heard of before. It is a fairly small bug with the base measuring 6 x 3 inches but the multi-tapered paddle adds to the overall length. It has an unusually large and heavy damper wheel and an unusual holdback bar/damper for the dot contact spring. The maker, Radio Electronics Laboratories, was established in Long Island, New York in the 1930s. They made and sold a wide variety of radio transmitting and receiving parts. The company continued well into the 1960s. The bug was probably made in the 1940s. Here are some additional photographs of this bug:

7270a A right side view of the REL Bug:(62KB)

7270b A closer view of the label and the mechanism:(97KB)

7270c The underside of the base of the REL Bug:(58KB)

7280 POSTAL TELEGRAPH BUG:(17KB) These heavy-based Postal bugs are very hard to find since most of them were destroyed by the company.

7280a Another view of the POSTAL TELEGRAPH BUG:(17KB)

7280b A view of the very heavy base of the POSTAL TELEGRAPH BUG:(25KB) (to Tony Rogozinski, June 2000)

7310 EARLY SPEED-X:(34KB) This all plated key with nicely cast 2-1/2"wide base is just a bit larger than "Blue Racer". It was early version of the Speed-X bug.

7312 * EARLY SPEED-X: Same as above. (Traded to W9AC).

7314 * EARLY SPEED-X BUG:(18KB) Similar to above but with 3-1/2'' wide base.

7314a Another view of the EARLY SPEED-X:(19KB)

7318 * EARLY SPEED-X WITH UNUSUAL NARROW BLACK BASE:(13KB) This was the precursor of the narrow base Speed-X model 510. These early Speed-X keys did not have any labels.

7318a Another view of the early black Speed-X:(14KB)

7320 * EARLY BROWN SPEED-X BUG: Similar to 7310 but ALL BROWN wrinkle finish. Traded to ->K9WDY.

7325 * SPEED-X MODEL 501 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG: Like 7330 but all chrome plated.

7330 SPEED-X MODEL 500 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG:(40KB) Black wrinkle finished base and frame with chrome plated parts. Labeled "SPEED-X" Model 500. Mfd by Les Logan Co. San Francisco, Calif, USA.

7335 * SPEED-X MODEL 500 BUG:(17KB) Similar to above with chrome-plated "T" and label reads: "SPEED-X" Model 500.Mfd by Les Logan Co.San Francisco,Calif,USA. MODEL 500, SERIAL(Blank).

7335a Another view of the SPEED-X MODEL 500 BUG:(14KB)

7337 * SPEED-X MODEL 501 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG:(35KB) All chrome plated bug similar in design to the model 500.

7340 SPEED-X MODEL 510 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG: (36KB) This unusual very small bug is chrome plated on a black wrinkle finished base and has a label which reads: SPEED-X Model 510, Mfg by Les Logan Co. San Francisco, Calif. U.S.A.

7343 UNUSUAL SPEED-X MODEL 510 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG: This is an unusual early version of the Model 510 pocket-size bug. It carries an ''x'' serial number. The base is gray but the frame is black. Both of these factors suggest that it is an early experimental pre-production model.

7343a Another view of the Model 510:(22KB)

7343b A view of the writing under the base of the model 510 key:(27KB) The call letters scratched into the base of the key identify the stations where it was used in the 1940's.

7350 SPEED-X MODEL 515 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG: This nice bug is chrome plated on a black wrinkle finished base and has a label which reads: SPEED-X Model 515, Mfg by Les Logan Co. San Francisco, Calif. U.S.A.

7350a Another view of the SPEED-X MODEL 515 ''LES LOGAN'' BUG:

7370 * E.F. JOHNSON SPEED-X BUG: This is a Speed-X bug like those shown above but carrying the E.F. Johnson label.

7370a * Another view of the Johnson/Speed-X bug:

7420 * UNKNOWN ALL BRASS BUG. Similar to the Xograph and the Vibroplex Original. This key was used in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Office from 1915-1951. (Traded out)

7440 * ''SPEED BUG'':(15KB) Mfgd by Brooklyn Metal Stamping Corp, Brooklyn, New York. Similar to Vibroplex Original but vertical dot spring & unusual ball damper. ->K5VT.

7460 KENCO BUG:(19KB) This unusual bug was made by the Kenmore Co. of Boston and sold by Radio Shack in the 1930's. It has a nifty split lever mechanism. The lower half of the lever swings to left for dashes while the upper half remains in position. It is mounted in/on an unusual cast base.

7462 * KENCO BUG:(19KB) A collector was kind enough to allow me to photograph this key at the 2000 Dayton hamfest. Unfortunately, in the confusion of the hamfest, I did not make note of the collector's name and hopefully he will remind me so I can credit him as the owner of this key. It is a variation on the number 7460 Kenco bug shown above. Instead of a split-lever, it has two levers.

7462a * another view of the KENCO BUG:(19KB)

7463 KENCO 2-LEVER BUG IN ORIGINAL BOX:(32KB) It is unusual to be able to find one of these relatively rare Kenco bugs in the original box. This is the same model as that shown above.

7463a A Right Side View of the KENCO BUG & Box:(26KB)

7463b A Right Side View of the KENCO BUG in the Box:(28KB)

7463c A Left Side View of the KENCO BUG in the box:(31KB)

7463d A View of the Label on the Kenco Bug Box:(44KB)

7480 ELECTRIC SPECIALTY CO. 'KIT' BUG ('THE CEDAR RAPIDS BUG'):(30KB) This is the only bug which was manufactured in kit form. Its base is stamped on the bottom: Electric Specialty Manufacturing Co. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It is sometimes also referred-to as the "Cedar Rapids Bug". The company has been sold several times and still exists in 1998.

7500 RARE "RADIO-AID" BUG: This is an exceptionally rare bug that was found in England in 2007. The label reads: TELEGRAPH KEY / RADIO-AID / PATENTED. The hardware and wiring suggest that it was made somewhere between 1940 and 1960.

7500a Bottom View of the RADIO-AID Bug:

7500b Close view of the label on the RADIO-AID Bug:

7511 RARE "RADIO-AID" BUG: This is another exceptionally rare bug. The original drawing of the bug is shown and it appears to indicate that the bug was made in 1946.

7511b Bottom View of the RADIO-AID Bug:

7511c The original engineering drawing of the Radio Aid Bug:

7600 * RARE McELROY ''JUNIOR'' BUG:(27KB) The '' McElroy Junior '' is a simple key made of stamped metal parts but it is an exceptionally rare key since so few were made. ->Traded.

7600a This is a right-side view:(19KB)

7605 GENERIC McELROY LABEL SUITABLE FOR REPRODUCTION:(41KB)
This label is the one used on the later McElroy bugs. I am providing it in three formats. All are suitable for downloading, printing, and mounting on the bug. Since the labels were originally made by printing in black on an aluminum rectangle, you may want to print them on transparent plastic and then lay that over a piece of aluminum. The exact outside dimensions of the label are: 1-inch high by 1.75-inches wide.

7605.gif This is a 300 dpi .GIF format image:(79KB)

7605.pcx This is a 300 dpi .PCX format image:(194KB)

7610 McELROY MODEL 1936B BUG: This chrome plated key mechanism with black wrinkle-finished cast base was manufactured by Ted McElroy around 1936. Base engraved with usual Worlds' Greatest Telegrapher logo. No label.

7610a Right side view of the McELROY BUG:

7610b The damper mechanism on the McELROY BUG:

7610c The writing on the base of the McELROY BUG:

7610d Another view of the writing on the base of the McELROY BUG:

7610e The McELROY BUG in its original box:

7620 * McELROY MODEL 1936B BUG:(16KB) This chrome plated key mechanism with black wrinkle-finished cast base was manufactured by Ted McElroy around 1936. Base engraved with usual Worlds' Greatest Telegrapher logo. No label.(Traded).

7624 * McELROY MODEL 1936 BUG: Similar to 7620 but with a

7624 Brass name plate. Number 5931.(26KB)

7625 * McELROY MODEL 1936B BUG: Like 7624. S/N 6534.

7627 * McELROY MODEL 1938 DELUXE MARBELITE FINISH BUG:(23KB) This is the lovely 1938 Deluxe buy manufactured by Ted McElroy. It has the Marbelite finish and is considered to be one of the nicest looking bugs ever made. The serial number is 2124.

7627a Another view of the McElroy 1938 Deluxe Bug:(20KB)

7628 McELROY MODEL 1938 DELUXE MARBELITE FINISH BUG:(29KB) This key is similar to number 7627 but it carries serial number 731.

7628a Another view of the McElroy 1938 Deluxe Bug:(38KB)

7628b Another view of the McElroy 1938 Deluxe Bug:(33KB)

7628c Another view of the McElroy 1938 Deluxe Bug:(41KB)

7629 ** McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1938B:(17KB) Black wrinkle finish base with no writing on bottom. Label reads: Radio Telegraph Transmitting Key (Standard Model Mac Key) Theodore R. McElroy. World's Champion Radio Telegrapher. Boston, Mass, USA. Speed Key. (Photo used with the permission of the owner.)

7629a ** Right Side View of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1938B:(17KB)

7629b ** Top View of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1938B:(17KB)

7629c ** Bottom view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1938B:(17KB)

7630 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1938B:(26KB) Black wrinkle finish base with no writing on bottom. Label reads: Radio Telegraph Transmitting Key (Standard Model Mac Key) Theodore R. McElroy. World's Champion Radio Telegrapher. Boston, Mass, USA. Speed key serial number 6045. (Traded to John Casale - W2NI.)

7631 McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1939:(18KB) Black wrinkle finish base with no writing on bottom. Label reads: Radio Telegraph Transmitting Key (Standard Model Mac Key) Theodore R. McElroy. World's Champion Radio Telegrapher. Boston, Mass, USA. Speed key serial number 6538.

7631a McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1939:(27KB)

7632 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL 1939: As above. Serial number 6618.

7638 * McELROY DELUXE MODEL 1939 BUG: This is the deluxe model with the marbelite painted casting.

7640 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG WITH ORIGINAL BOX:(18KB) This chrome plated key mechanism with black wrinkle finished cast base was manufactured by Ted McElroy around 1940. The key can be turned on its side and used as a straight key.

7640a Another view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG:(17KB)

7640a A view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG in its original box:(18KB)

7640a A view of the label on the end of the Model 500 box:(23KB)

7642 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG:(17KB) Similar to number 7640 above.

7642a Another view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG:(16KB)

7644 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG:(24KB) Similar to number 7640 above.

7644a Another view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL 500 BUG:(23KB)

7650 * McELROY DELUXE MARBELITE FINISH MODEL 600 BUG IN ORIGINAL BOX:(17KB) The Marbelite finish defines this as the Deluxe version of the model 500 bug. It was manufactured in 1940 and has the original box.

7650a Another view of the Deluxe Model 600 in its box:(17KB)

7680 McELROY MODEL S600 SUPER STREAM-SPEED BUG:(18KB) This is the beautiful S600 Super Stream-Speed Bug. It is a completely chrome plated key with the famous tear drop base.

7680a Another view of the Model 600 bug:(19KB)

7681 McELROY MODEL S600 SUPER STREAM-SPEED BUG:(13KB) This is the beautiful S600 Super Stream-Speed Bug. It is a completely chrome plated key with the famous tear drop base. The label on this example shows a lot of wear from too much polishing.

7681a Another view of the Model 600 bug:(14KB)

7682 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL S600 SUPER STREAM SPEED KEY:(18KB) Unusual BLACK WRINKLE FINISH base version. The only one known to exist. (Traded to K5VT).

7683 McELROY MODEL S600 SUPER STREAM-SPEED BUG:(45KB) This is another example of the beautiful S600 Super Stream-Speed Bug. It is a completely chrome plated key with the famous tear drop base.

7720 * McELROY MODEL P-500 BUG:(21KB) Chrome plated key mechanism with an unusual grey wrinkle finished base. Label missing. Circa 1941.

7722 * McELROY STANDARD MODEL P-500 BUG IN ORIGINAL BOX:(19KB) As above with black wrinkle-finished base and original box.

7722a Another view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL P-500 BUG:(19KB)

7722b Another view of the McELROY STANDARD MODEL P-500 BUG in its box:(12KB)

7740 * McELROY MODEL CP-500 BUG:(28KB) Chrome plated key mechanism that is an EXACT copy of Vibroplex original. Frame & damper mechanism & base are all grey wrinkle finish. Bottom of base stamped CP-500. The label reads:Telegraph Apparatus Co. Not Inc. Chicago, Ill. (This was one of Ted McElroy's companies)

7750 * TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG:(27KB) This key was manufactured by one of Ted McElroy's companies. It is a chrome plated key with chrome plated, square cornered rectangular base. There is an unique round hole in frame for the lever. Label reads: TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. NOT INC. CHICAGO,ILL.USA.

7750a CLOSE-UP VIEW OF THE HOLE IN THE FRAME:(22KB)

7751 TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG:(38KB)
7752 * TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG: Same as above.

7754 GRAY BASED TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG:(27KB) This is an unusual variation on the classic McElroy manufactured Telegraph Apparatus Company 'Hole in the wall' Bug. The nickname comes from the round hole in the frame. It is unusual to find this key with a gray base.

7754a Right Side view of the GRAY BASED TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG:(27KB)

7760 * TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. BUG:(25KB) Same as above with black wrinkle-finish base.

7795 * HAND-MADE MODEL OF McElroy MODEL 500 KEY:(30KB) All brass hardware on a black base. May have been a prototype for the final design.

7805a EXTREMELY RARE BRIDGEPORT BUG: This is a very nicely made bug that carries the name: BRIDGEPORT BUG stamped on the vibrating lever. The bug is exceptionally heavy, nicely made, and most of the original plating is intact. It shows some similarities to bug 7808 which is known to have come from England. We are looking for more information about this bug.

7805b A Right Side view of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805c Another Left Side view of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805d Another Right Side view of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805e A closer Left Side view of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805f A closer Right Side view of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805g A view of the label on the Bridgeport Bug:

7805h Another view of the label on the Bridgeport Bug:

7805i A view of the bottom of the base of the Bridgeport Bug:

7805j A close view of the feed-through insulation of the Bridgeport Bug:

7808a UNUSUAL BRITISH BUG: Very little is known about this unlabeled bug other that it came from England and it has some similarities to the preceding bug number 7805. Some parts are missing and there is no manufacturer's name or label.

7808b Another view of the British Bug:

7810 ** EXTREMELY RARE BRITISH NORTHAMPTON PLATING COMPANY BUG:(21KB)This is an unusual bug made by the Northampton Plating Company in England. They also made a straight key which was mounted on the same base.

7810a Another view of the Northampton Plating Co. Bug:(25KB)

7810b Another view of the Northampton Plating Co. Bug:(20KB)

7810c Another view of the Northampton Plating Co. Bug:(19KB)

7810d Another view of the Northampton Plating Co. Bug:(19KB)

7810e Another view of the Northampton Plating Co. Bug:(23KB)

7820 BRITISH EDDYSTONE BUG:(50KB) Nice bug enclosed in Beetle or turtle-like rounded cover. Nicely moulded paddle. Less than 500 were reportedly made however, they show up quite frequently. Perhaps it is because their unique shape is attractive and people do not discard them as they do with some of the other bugs.

7821 * BRITISH EDDYSTONE BUG:(15KB) Nice bug enclosed in Beetle or turtle-like rounded cover. Nicely moulded paddle. Less than 500 were reportedly made.

7821a Another view of the BRITISH EDDYSTONE BUG:(11KB)

7830 * AUSTRALIAN SIMPLEX AUTO BUG:(13KB) This is a right-angle bug which is quite hard to find in the United States.

7830a Another view of the Australian Simplex Auto Bug:(17KB)

7831 * AUSTRALIAN BMR "CODEMASTER" BUG Owned by Collector Jan Skoldin, SM5LNE: This is a right-angle bug that is quite similar to the Simplex Auto Bug. The label on the top is missing and reads: "CODEMASTER". The label on the bottom reads: BMR Products, 69 Pacific Hwy, Waitara, NSW. It carries serial number 484. Collector Jan Skoldin, SM5LNE has been kind enough to allow me to display his photographs of his key.

7831a A close view of the label on the bottom of the bug:

7833 * AUSTRALIAN AUTOMORSE AUTOMATIC BUG:(33KB) This fascinating and intricate bug has three levers which allow it to be used as a full-automatic, semi-automatic, and sideswiper key. It is exhibited with the permission of its owner, Gil Schlehman, K9WDY.

7833a * Another Right Side View of the Automorse Bug:(44KB)

7833b * A Left Side View of the Australian Automorse Bug:(40KB)

7833c * Another Left Side View of the Australian Automorse Bug:(30KB)

7835 * AUSTRALIAN PENDOGRAPH BUG: This is a very interesting dual-lever upright bug made in Australia. Picture compliments of Dr. Ben Wellings of the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, Australia.

7838 FRENCH VIBRO-MORS BUG: This is the well-known and popular French Vibro-Mors bug.

7838a The other side of the French Vibro Mors Bug:

7840 MINIATURE GERMAN BUG:(10KB) Unusual and tiny 4-1/2" X 2-3/8" based aluminum bug.

7850 * EXTREMELY RARE GERMAN JUNKER BUG:(25KB) This is a very hard to find bug made in Germany by JUNKER. The bug was made in very very limited quantities for use with a special radio transmitter used by the West German police. The few existing bugs were thrown into the trash. Collector Matin Odenbach, DK4XL was kind enough to provide me with this picture and to allow me to use it in my museum.

7860 EXTREMELY RARE GERMAN HANNES BAUER BUG:(15KB) This is a very hard to find bug made in Germany by Hannes Bauer. The construction is very similar to that of the Hannes Bauer paddles and uses stacked brass blocks separated by races of ball-bearings. Take a look at the paddles in the keyers and paddles section of the museum. This rare bug is the property of collector Martin Odenbach, DK4XL who has kindly provided the picture and allowed me to include it in my museum. The bug was originally obtained from a retired police officer who was involved with operating police radio stations in the most northern part of Germany in the 60's and 70's. These bugs were produced only for the german police. That's why the bug has no label or anything which could be helpful to identify it. Only a handful were made, roundabout 15, not more, in the 1950's.
When switching the German police from CW to the modern communications they stored these bugs somewhere. Within a general scrapping period they were found in the year 2001 and, as usual in Germany, they were scrapped without asking a collector ... Only two of these bugs survived this disaster. The one on the picture is in really perfect shape. It is very similar in general design to the

Museum number 5920 Hannes Bauer paddle:(20KB)

7860a Another view of the GERMAN HANNES BAUER BUG:(26KB)

7860b Another view of the GERMAN HANNES BAUER BUG:(27KB)

7865 A SECOND MODEL OF THE EXTREMELY RARE GERMAN HANNES BAUER BUG:(25KB) This is a very different key from the one shown above. It is a very hard to find bug made in Bamberg Germany by Hannes Bauer. It was purchased in Germany in 2001.

7865a Another view of the second model of the extremely rare German Hannes Bauer BUG:(24KB)

7867 A THIRD MODEL OF THE EXTREMELY RARE GERMAN HANNES BAUER BUG:(10) This bug has many of the same features as the two bugs shown above and the Hannes Bauer Paddle. These include the heavy cast base and the unique red triangular paddle. Nevertheless, this key is quite different in overall design from the others. It is probably an earlier version of the keys shown above. It was made in Bamberg Germany by Hannes Bauer. It was found in Germany in 2001.

7867a Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(9KB)

7867b Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(9KB)

7867c Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(14KB)

7867d Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(16KB)

7867e Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(16KB)

7867f Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(21KB)

7867g Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(23KB)

7867h Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(18KB)

7867i Another view of third Hannes Bauer Bug:(21KB)

7870 * GERMAN NOVOPLEX BUG:(23KB)This is the more common full size version of this bug. Notice the distinctive finger piece.

7875 * A MINIATURE GERMAN NOVOPLEX BUG:(23KB)This is a miniature model of the German Novoplex Bug. It was located in Germany in 2001.

7875a Another view of the Miniature Novoplex Bug:(26KB)

7875b Another view of the Miniature Novoplex Bug:(26KB)

7875c Another view of the Miniature Novoplex Bug:(23KB)

7878a * EXCEPTIONALLY RARE SWISS BECH BUG Owned by collector Jan Skoldin SM5LNE:(57KB)This is the only known example of the Swiss Bech Bug. Only 10 of these bugs were made during the period 1942-1943 in the workshop in the small Swiss villiage of Schwarzenburg. This bug was purchased by a Swiss Amateur Radio Operator who did his military service on board the ship: "Chasseral". The bug was in his radio room when, on April 22, 1944, the ship was heavily damaged by aircraft. The German Navy saved the people on board and towed the ship into the nearest harbor. The owner took his key with him when he left the ship. Collector Jan Skoldin, SM5LNE was kind enough to allow me to tell the story of this key and show his photos of it.

7878b * Right side view of the Swiss Bech Bug:(49KB)

7887 TELFUNKEN MODEL 401 BUG:(25KB)This is a German bug that was manufactured by Telfunken. It is their model number 401. It was purchased in Germany in 2001.

7887a Another view of the Telfunken 401 bug:(28KB)

7887b Another view of the Telfunken 401 bug:(27B)

7887c Another view of the Telfunken 401 bug:(25B)

7887d A view of the underside of the base of the Telfunken 401 bug:(20KB)

7896 RAGAR LTDA. BUG: This bug is labeled: RARAR LTDA. INDS MECHANO ELECTRICAS. Serie A No. (blank) BOGOTA, DE. Industria Columbiana. It was apparently made in Bogota Columbia.

7896a Another view of the RAGAR Bug:

7896b A Close view of the RAGAR Label:

7896c A well-known collector salivating over the RAGAR Bug:

7900 VIBROPLEX J-36 BUG:(18KB) This is the WWII Military version of the Lightning bug.

7900a Brass Label:(28KB) reads: Signal Corps, U.S.Army. Key Type J-36.Order # 21984-Phila-42. Date 6-27-42. Serial No. 1996. The Vibroplex Co.Inc. 833 Broadway. New York, N.Y.
7906: (Please see number 7930 for an interesting and unusual Lionel-Vibroplex Hybrid J-36 Bug.)

7910 BUNNELL J-36: (20KB) This is the J-36 bug which Bunnell manufactured during WWII. The label reads: Signal Corps, U. S. Army, Key, J-36, Order No 6001, Phila, 43. Date 8-4-42. Serial Number 1657. Made by J. H. Bunnell & Co.

7915 * BUNNELL/BUREAU OF STEAM ENGINEERING NAVY J-36 BUG: (23KB) This bug was made in very limited (<300) quantities during WWII. It looks similar to a Bunnell J-36 but has a Vibroplex-style pendulum damper and 2-56 holes drilled and tapped into the top of the frame and lever to accept screws that connected the lever to both sides of the frame with silver plated copper braid wires. The pendulum is drilled and tapped at the far end to accept an extension arm to slow the speed. Neal McEwen (K5RW) tells me that the key carried a CJBxxxx Navy number.- >TR

7915a The words "PROPERTY OF THE U.S. NAVY" are cast into the bottom of the key: (22KB)

7920 LIONEL CORPORATION J-36 MILITARY BUG:(29KB) This is the Vibroplex ''Lightning Bug'' design but it was manufactured by the Lionel Corp during WWII since Vibroplex was unable to produce enough Lightning Bugs to meet the demands of the war effort. It is Labeled: Signal Corps, U.S.Army, Key type J-36, Order No 7861-Phila-43,1942, Made by The Lionel Corp, NewYork, Serial No. 13424. (NOTE: The black plastic labels tend to curl up in the sun and even warm temperatures and few of these labels have survived. This label shows the typical shrinking and curling which takes place.)

7920a A Right side view of the Lionel J-36 Bug:(29KB)

7920b A Close-up view of the curled up label on the Lionel J-36 Bug:(67KB)

7921 ORIGINAL LIONEL CORPORATION SHIPPING BOX AND LABELS FOR LIONEL J-36 MILITARY BUG:(31KB)This is a hard-to-find original box for the Lionel J-36 military bug. The label reads: SIGNAL CORPS, U.S.ARMY KEY, TYPE J-36. Order Number 7861-PHILA-43. Order Date Aug 19, 1942. Made by THE LIONEL CORPORATION, NEW YORK, N.Y. U.S.A.

7921a A Close-up of the label:(48KB)
The box is stamped: MADE IN U. S. OF AMERICA. R-127.

7921b A Close-up of the box markings:(27KB)

7923 LIONEL CORPORATION J-36 MILITARY BUG:(51KB) Same as above but entire LIONEL label is reproduction.

7926 LIONEL CORPORATION J-36 MILITARY BUG:(26KB) Same as above but entire LIONEL label is reproduction.

7926a Another view of the LIONEL J-36 BUG:(30KB)

7927 Another LIONEL J-36 BUG (As above):(26KB)

7928 Another LIONEL J-36 BUG (As above):(44KB)

7930 UNUSUAL SPECIAL LIONEL - VIBROPLEX HYBRID J-36 BUG:(33KB) This is a very unusual J-36 bug which has a partly Lionel J-36 mechanism and a partly Vibroplex J-36 mechanism mounted on an unlabeled Vibroplex J-36 base. Instead of a Vibroplex label, the Base carries the stamped words: SIGNAL CORPS KEY J-36. The only other unusual markings are the red letters MFP stamped on the end of the key. MFP stands for ''Moisture and Fungus Proofed'' and indicates that the key had received a special coating to reduce corrosion and deterioration. The Lionel J-36 bug was a licensed copy of the Vibroplex Lightning bug which was made during WW-II by Lionel because Vibroplex could not produce them in adequate quantities to fill the needs of the military. This bug was probably one of the very early Lionel J-36 models which was produced before Lionel developed its own Label and some of its own parts. Vibroplex most likely supplied the base without the label and some parts and Lionel added the other parts of the mechanism. This key clearly never had the vibroplex label and one of the two holes designed to mount the label is still filled with the wrinkle-finish paint. At least one other similar Lionel-Vibroplex hybrid J-36 is known to exist.

7930a A view of the Right side of the unusual Lionel-Vibroplex J-36 bug:(38KB)

7930b A close-up view of the markings on the bug and the empty hole for mounting the usual Vibroplex label:(44KB)

GENUINE PADDLES For LIONEL J-36s ARE AVAILABLE from http://Artifaxbooks.com
Please enquire via email.

REPRODUCTION LABELS like this:

...may be made easily by downloading and printing the following files that contain copies of a good clean label.
Once you have one of these files in your computer, you can resize it to exactly 4-1/4 inches long by 5/8-inch high. Then, print it out, seal it in plastic, and attach it to your key...
7935.gif GIF file of Lionel J-36 Label: (42KB)
7935.pcx PCX file of Lionel J-36 Label: (82KB)
mj36lbl.htm - Suggestions for printing/making the label: (4KB)

7937 EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND INTERESTING "JOHN PINELLI ""J-36"" BUG:
This is the only known example of the fascinating John Pinelli Bug. It is owned by his family and shows an exceptional degree of innovation in it's reversed vibrating lever. It was designed as a bug for the military to use in WW-II and was submitted by it's inventor for Signal Corps Approval as a J-36. I am awaiting further information about whether it was accepted or even given a trial by the military and for more information about John Pinelli's life and work as an inventor.
For now, I can only display the key and the original patent drawing as I hope to receive more information.

7937a Another view of the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7937b Another view of the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7937c Another view of the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7937d Another view of the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7937e Another view of the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7937f The original patent drawing for the John Pinelli ""J-36"" Bug:

7940 RARE MELEHAN VALIANT FULL-AUTOMATIC KEY (ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA MODEL):(20KB)
A very few of these rare keys were made by Mel Hanson from 1939 to 1959. It uses two vibrating levers to allow it to make both dots and dashes automatically. These keys are very hard to find. There is a nice article on the Melehan in the March, 1942 Issue of QST Magazine.

7940a Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7940b Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7940c Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7940d Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7940e Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7940f The Label on the Melehan Valiant:

7940g The bottom of the base of the Melehan Valiant:

7941 ORIGINAL PATENT DRAWING FOR THE MELEHAN VALIANT FULL-AUTOMATIC KEY:(20KB)
A very few of these keys were made by Mel Hanson from 1939 to 1959. This is his original patent drawing.

NOTE: For views of two exceptional homemade sub-miniature 1/2-scale Melehan Valiant bugs, please go to the homemade keys section of this museum and look for number 9841.

7942 RARE MELEHAN VALIANT FULL-AUTOMATIC KEY (HUNTINGTON BEACH CALIFORNIA MODEL):(20KB)
A very few of these rare keys were made by Mel Hanson from 1939 to 1959. It uses two vibrating levers to allow it to make both dots and dashes automatically. These keys are very hard to find. There is a nice article on the Melehan in the March, 1942 Issue of QST Magazine.

7942a Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7942b Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7942c Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7942d Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7942e Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7942f The Label on the Melehan Valiant:

7942g The bottom of the base of the Melehan Valiant:

7943 SIDE-BY-SIDE VIEWS OF THE TWO MELEHANS DESCRIBED ABOVE:

7943a Another Side-by-side Melehan Photo:

7943b Another Side-by-side Melehan Photo:

7944 ANOTHER RARE MELEHAN VALIANT FULL-AUTOMATIC KEY (HUNTINGTON BEACH CALIFORNIA MODEL):(20KB)
A very few of these rare keys were made by Mel Hanson from 1939 to 1959. It uses two vibrating levers to allow it to make both dots and dashes automatically. These keys are very hard to find. There is a nice article on the Melehan in the March, 1942 Issue of QST Magazine.

7944a Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944b Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944c Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944d Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944e Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944f Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

7944g Another view of the Melehan Valiant:

NOTE: For views of two exceptional homemade sub-miniature 1/2-scale Melehan Valiant bugs, please go to the homemade keys section of this museum and look for number 9841.

7947 * W1IMQ's EXCEPTIONALLY RARE BROWN BROTHERS COMBINATION BUG AND STRAIGHT KEY: This is one of the rarest of the relatively modern bugs. It is not known how many were made but they are so rare that most collectors have never seen one.

7947a * Another View of the Brown Brothers bug:

7950 K8DV's CODETROL STANDARD BUG:(12KB)
This very hard to find bug was designed and manufactured by Bearnard H. Breedlove in Atlanta, Georgia. David Vest, K8DV has allowed me to include several photographs of his Codetrol bug in my museum.

7950a K8DV's CODETROL BUG:(13KB)

7950b K8DV's CODETROL BUG:(24KB)

7955 * EXCEPTIONALLY RARE CODETROL DELUXE BUG:(23KB) This is an exceptionally rare deluxe version of the Codetrol bug.

7955a * Another view of the CODETROL DELUXE BUG:(22KB)

7960 DOW KEY ''UNIVERSAL'' MODEL ROTATABLE BUG:(31KB) This Grey wrinkle-finish bug with bright red plastic knob and rotating mechanism can be rotated for right or left handed operation or for use as a straight key. It is called the ''universal model and it was manufactured in Warren, MN. This one carries serial number 1904.

7960a Another view:(32KB)

7961 * EARLY FIRST VERSION OF THE DOW KEY ''UNIVERSAL'' MODEL ROTATABLE BUG: This extremely rare version of the Dow 'Universal' was found by collector Martin Odenbach who kindly allowed me to display it in this museum. This Grey wrinkle-finish bug with bright red plastic knob and rotating mechanism can be rotated for right or left handed operation or for use as a straight key or angled bug. It was manufactured in Winnepeg, Canada. This one carries serial number 2059.

7961a * Another view:

7962 DOW KEY "BENT" BUG:(20KB) This all brass bug has the frame, lever, pendulum, and posts all inclined to the right by about 30 degrees. It was manufactured in Winnipeg, Canada and carries serial number 6022.

7964 * EARLY VERSION OF THE DOW KEY STANDARD BUG:(20KB) This is an early version of the Dow Key straight key. It was found by collector Roger Buttignol at the Rochester, NH hamfest and he was kind enough to allow me to photograph it.

7964a * Another view of the EARLY DOW KEY BUG:(21KB)

7964b * Another view of the EARLY DOW KEY BUG:(21KB)

7965 * DOW KEY STANDARD BUG:(38KB) This Grey wrinkle-finished bug appears to be very similar to a Vibroplex Original. ->K9WDY.

7967a EARLY AND UNUSUAL CANADIAN WILCOX TEARDROP-SHAPED BUG: This is a very beautiful, well made and unusual bug with a very heavy teardrop shaped base and very well machined hardware. It is labeled "WILCOX" on part of the main lever and carries serial number 1223 on both the damper and one of the contact strips below the base. Since very few of these bugs have shown up it is virtually certain that they started their serial numbering at 1200.

7967b Another perspective of the Wilcox Bug:

7967c Another perspective of the Wilcox Bug:

7967d Another perspective of the Wilcox Bug:

7967e Overhead perspective of the Wilcox Bug:

7967f A view of the Wilcox Bug showing the serial number on the damper and the Wilcox name on the lever:

7967g A view of the bottom of the base of the Wilcox Bug showing the serial number on a contact strip:

7968 CANADIAN WILSON REVERSIBLE BUG MADE FOR THE RCAF: This is a very interesting bug made by Wilson in Canada. When thick rubber feet are mounted over the three holes on top of the frame and damper, the key may be turned upside down and used as a left-handed bug. The label indicates that this bug was made for the RCAF and that its RCAF Reference Number is 10/7390.

7968a Another Perspective view of the Wilson Reversible Bug:

7970 * EARLY AND LATE MODEL JAPANESE SKILLMAN BUGS:(20KB) See 7980 for description.

7970a EARLY AND LATE MODEL JAPANESE SKILLMAN BUGS WITH COVER IN PLACE OVER MORE RECENT BUG:(17KB)

7980 * JAPANESE SKILLMAN BUG:(32KB) This bug was marketed widely by Lafayette Radio and Radio Shack in the 1960s. It was manufactured from 1953 to 1968 by Dentsuseiki which then became Hi-Mound. The word ''Japan'' is usually found moulded into the bottom. The clear plastic cover is often missing or broken. It has an excellent ''crisp'' feel when properly adjusted.

7980a Another view in the original box:(32KB)

7985 * COMBINATION JAPANESE SKILLMAN BUG AND AMERICAN NAVY KEY:(20KB) This set consists of a World War Two Navy straight key mounted on the same base with a Japanese Skillman Bug and a small spark suppression resistor/capacitor network. The straight key is the standard Navy key used throughout WW-2 and the Skillman bug was marketed widely by Lafayette Radio and Radio Shack in the 1960s. The word ''Japan'' is usually found moulded into the bottom. The clear plastic cover is often missing or broken. It has an excellent ''crisp'' feel when properly adjusted.

7987 * MODERN AND MAGNIFICENT SCHURR BUG:(18KB) This magnificent bug is made by Schurr in Germany. The first ones were introduced in 2000 and the production run is very limited.

7987a * Special TESTING MACHINE for the Schurr Paddles and Bugs:(24KB) This machine was designed to allow testing of the Schurr bug and paddles. It is an electric motor-driven robot telegraph operator which cycles the key through dots and dashes continually.

7988 * MODERN AND MAGNIFICENT SCHURR BUG:(27KB) This is serial number 18 purchased in 2001 at Friedrichshafen, Germany.
It has an amazingly light touch and the main spring allows it to be adjusted for very low speeds.

7988a * Another view of Schurr Bug number 18:(19KB)

7988b * Another view of Schurr Bug number 18:(25KB)

7988c * A view of Schurr Bug number 18 in its original packing:(34KB)

7988d * Tom Perera buying the Schurr bug directly from its designer/maker, Mr. Schurr at the 2001 Friedrichshafen hamfest in Germany:(42KB)

7989 THE MAGNIFICENT 2005 SCHURR BUG:(27KB) This is a Schurr Bug made in 2005. Like his other bugs, it has an amazingly light touch and the main spring allows it to be adjusted for very low speeds.

7989a Another View of the Left Side of the 2005 Schurr Bug:

7989f Right Side view of the 2005 Schurr Bug:

7989h Closer view of the mechanism of the 2005 Schurr Bug:

7989j The underside of the base of the 2005 Schurr Bug:

7990 * UNKNOWN BUG:(27KB) A simple mechanism mounted on a thin bakelite base.

7991 * UNKNOWN BUG:(36KB) This key looks similar to a chromed Vibroplex Lightning bug. It is quite similar to the earliest unlabeled Speed-X bugs which appear to be patterned after Vibroplex bugs. You may see the similarity of design if you look at this

7310 Early Speed-X bug:(23KB)

7992 * VERY UNUSUAL UNKNOWN BUG:(38KB) This extremely unusual bug was found by collector Roger Buttignol who was kind enough to allow me to photograph it. It has a very unusual and large damper mechanism.

7992a * Another view of the UNKNOWN BUG:(36KB)

7992b * Another view of the UNKNOWN BUG:(41KB)

7992c * Another view of the UNKNOWN BUG:(41KB)

7992d * A view of the Base of the UNKNOWN BUG:(22KB)

7993 AUSTRALIAN BUZZA BK-100 BUG REBASED ON WHITE BASE:(27KB) This is the well known Australian Buzza Model BK-100 bug that has been mounted on a marble base.

7993a Another view of the Rebased Buzza bug:(28KB)

7994 UNKNOWN BUG WITH VERY UNUSUAL KNOB:(28KB) This unknown bug looks very much like a Vibroplex Original from the 1920's. The hardware, however, is very different from Vibroplex hardware and, the most unusual aspect of the bug is the round knob which carries a symbol of a clenched fist with lightning radiating from its fingers. The cuff of the fist carries the letters: J. H. I. You can see this symbol in the following pictures:

7994a Right-Side View of the Unknown Bug:(27KB)

7994b A Closeup view of the unusual knob:(34KB)

7994c Another view of the unusual knob:(33KB)

7998 HILLS "VARI-SPEED" SPEED ADJUSTER:(14KB)
These hard to find accessories were manufactured by A. Hills of Dayton, Ohio. They allowed the speed of a Vibroplex to be changed instantly without the need to loosen, move, and re-tighten the weights.

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AMERICAN MILITARY TELEGRAPH KEYS
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Internet ENIGMA Museum:
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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.

BRITISH, NATO, AND AUSTRALIAN MILITARY TELEGRAPH KEYS
W1TP TELEGRAPH AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MUSEUMS: http://w1tp.com