Harold Kramer/WJ1B

This is an "Official Boy Scout Signal Set" that includes a strap key, buzzer and light. It was made for the Boy Scouts by Fleron. It has the Boy Scouts of America National Council insignia and the words "Morse Code" printed on the top. It originally sold for $1.95 including the batteries.

This is a Rin Tin Tin toy telegraph key from the 1950s. This 1 1/4 inches long plastic toy key was found inside of specially marked boxes of Nabisco Shredded Wheat Cereal. It is not operational since it has no electrical conductors. To make it work, you had to place aluminum foil on the end contacts. Even though it is not functional, it is one of my favorite keys.

Here is another example of the Rin Tin Tin Key. This one has a blue plastic lever.Yo' Rinny! Click here to see the cereal box

This is a large toy key with a buzzer that was made by the Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company in Meriden, Connecticut. Like many toy keys, it has the Morse Code engraved in the top and is made from some type of heavy plastic. The key itself is a basic strap key. The company was "A Division of Great American Industries. "From my research, it appears that they mainly manufactured electrical auto parts and went out of business in the late 1950s.

Another practice key and buzzer made by the Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company in Meriden, Connecticut. This toy has a metal Morse Code chart attached to a box along with a simple strap key. The top plate is copper and it is mounted on a wood box. It is not in great condition, but it is an interesting piece nevertheless.

This metal key was part of the Gilbert Tele-Set that included two keys, a case, buzzer and replica Western Union telegraph blanks. It measures 3" x 6 3/4" and it is in very good condition except for a a little rust on the key arm. The key has a chart with the International Morse Code riveted to the top of the case. This key has local origins. It was made by A. C. Gilbert Co, of Erector Set fame, in nearby New Haven, CT.

This Herald, not Harold, key is a toy black plastic key with buzzer that is used for code practice. It is packaged in the original box. The DC buzzer on the back is powered by a "D" cell battery. There is a Morse code card inside of box. Herald Electronics imported electronic items from China and Japan. They were sold under many different brand names.

This is a training key made in Milano Italy by Terreaneo. It may have been a toy key or practice key. It is a Bakelite key with a straight lever and a type of navy knob. It has a buzzer on the back but it is chipped and missing some of the cover. It looks like there might have been a battery underneath because there is some type of spring connector on the bottom.

This is a toy or practice Key , It has metal painted base with a buzzer and battery clips on the top. Complete with Box labeled SOS. It is labelled "Marine Telephone and Telegraph Companies Report Shortage of Operators for Ships." I would guess that this is a 1940s vintage practice key. It appears to be quite unique. 

A code practice key made by ESL company.  It has straight steel key lever with a Navy (or British) type knob and two binding posts on the rear of the base. The key has "MADE IN ENGLAND" is pressed intro the black plastic base. The Morse Code in also pressed into the plastic base. I left the original, cloth covered, wires attached.

This is a straight key mounted on a black plastic base. It has a triumph lever and a black plastic knob.This is a very inexpensive training type key. It cannot be used for serious CW. I had one of these when I was a kid. These are still made by Philmore, Ameco, etc.