Amateur Radio Straight Keys:  

  Here are some of my favorite amateur radio straight keys from my collection. While some of these keys were also used for commercial telegraphy, they were manufactured primarily for amateur radio operators.  Learn More about Amateur Radio at the ARRL.

Brown Brothers Machine Company (BBMC). Key:

    This is a Brown Bros. key made in St. Louis, Missouri.  It is similar to the Ham-Key, but higher quality.  These keys were hand-made from 1964 to 1979 by Bill Brown who made the die-cast machine and all the parts himself. He also designed, painted and labeled each key ever made by the BBMC. Bill made the keys in his basement shop. He was a real craftsman and a true perfectionist.  

      E.F. Johnson was better known for their amateur radio transmitters, but they also manufactured keys.  This is an oval base straight key made of solid brass base with steel triumph lever. It is marked E.F. JOHNSON CO. WASEKA, MINN on the rear of the base.  It was purchased on E-Bay.  The seller said that he purchased it from a grandmotherly lady in Minnesota who said that it was her husband's key. 

  The Ham-Key was a common Amateur Radio Key during the 60s, 70s and 80s. It is very distinctive with its red lever and knob.  It also has rubber feet and binding post connections on the rear. The chrome label with red letters reads: HAM-KEY, HAM RADIO CENTER LOUIS, MO.

  Another amateur radio product from Ham-Key ins St. Louis, MO.  This unit combines both a paddle and a straight key that are mounted on a metal black crackle metallic base.  Like the Ham-Key above, it has distinctive red plastic parts.  The key action is still very good, even by today's standards.  

   This Nye key has a steel base with black crackle finish and a steel triumph type lever with a black navy knob with gold plated contacts. It has the original gray cord and black phone plug. The mainstay of the Nye line, this key has a great action and it is often described as “the perfect key.”  I purchased this key on E-Bay from a seller in Texas.

     Another nice handling Speed-X straight key. It was manufactured in the 60s and 70s. When this key was made, Speed-X was owned by Les Logan.  This key is in perfect condition and was purchased on E-Bay. 

     Another nice handling Speed-X straight key. It was manufactured in the 60s and 70s. This key has a black crackle base and a Navy knob. When this key was made, Speed-X was owned by Les Logan.