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Harold R. Kramer, Amateur Radio Station WJ1B  - Toy Keys

Telegraph Collection Home

Toy Keys and Practice Keys
Boy Scout Key Fleron Boy Scout Key and Buzzer:

This is an "Official Boy Scout Signal Set." equipped with a key, buzzer and light. It was made for the Boy Scouts by Fleron. It carries the Boy Scouts of America National Council Insignia and has the Morse code printed on top of the unit and in the instruction manual. It sold for $1.95 including batteries.
 
Rin Tin Tin Key Rin Tin Tin Cereal Box Toy Key 1 Green Lever:

This is a Rin Tin Tin toy telegraph key from the 1950s. This 1 1/4 inches long plastic toy was found free inside of specially marked boxes of Nabisco Shredded Wheat Cereal. It’s one of my favorite keys.
 
Rin Tin Tin Cereal Box Toy Key 2 Blue Lever

Another example of the Rin Tin Tin Key.  This one has a blue plastic lever.  Yo' Rinny!
Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company Model 1701-W Telegraph Set

A key and buzzer made by the Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company that was located in Meriden, Connecticut only a few miles from where I live. This key has the Morse Code engraved in the top.  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.

 
Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company Practice Key and Buzzer:

A practice key and buzzer also made by the Connecticut Telegraph and Electric Company that was located in Meriden, Connecticut This device has a metal Morse Code chart attached.  The top plate is copper and it is mounted on a wood box.  

 
Philmore Key Philmore Plastic Key:

A straight key mounted on a black plastic base. 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 so I bought this one at a ham radio flea market. These are still made by Philmore, Ameco, etc.

 
Herald Key Herald SW-134 Key with Buzzer:

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.