Harold Kramer/WJ1B

This tiny key was used on many post WW-II British and Australian radios. It was manufactured by McMurdo Industries in England and it has a canvas strap that can be attached to the operator's leg. It is completely sealed and waterproofed and was used on life rafts. The same style of key was used by the British Military in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with the A13 and A14 man packs. The Australian army used a similar key, made by AWA, from 1970 to 1995.

A small straight key from Australia. “P. M. G. 1942 E. W. T”. is stamped on the base. “PMG” means Post Master General. This key is similar to the British WT-8A keys that were used by the British armed forces throughout WW-II.  This key has a conventional steel lever. I purchased this key from a seller in New South Wales, Australia.

This heavy duty Australian Clipsal Model 610 key was manufactured during and after WW-II by Gerard Industries. Clipsal is still in business today. This key was used for both land line telegraphy and Amateur Radio.  It has a Bakelite base approximately 4 1/2 inches by 2 3/4 inches. The key has brass fittings and straight, wide and flat lever with a British knurled type bakelite knob. The Model 610 has two brass terminals that extend from the side of the base. It says "Clipsal" under the knob.

This British engineered key has a mushroom knob and black phenolic base. These keys were made in over 100 versions in six countries starting in the 1920s. They were used extensively by British Troops in WW II. The 8A means 8 amp capacity. These keys work in reverse polarity compared to other keys since the lever is not conductive. It has a classic British knob and uses slot screws with lock nuts rather than the conventional knurled-top screws for the electrical connections.

Another variation on the WT-8A Key.  This one is a bit unusual since the lever is metal, not Bakelite. The date on the lever reads 1942.

This unusual looking Bathtub key was used in WWII British Lancaster bombers. The contacts are completely enclosed to prevent sparks. The top of the key is hinged and opens to show the "upside down" key that is inside. The metal clip on the right keeps the cover closed but it can be slipped over the knob to hold it down. This allowed a radio operator to parachute from a plane while still sending out homing signals.

This heavy duty metal key was used by the British Army for both mobile and fixed station use. It is used with Clansman back-pack radios. For more info on these radios: www.armyradio.com/arsc This key was manufactured by R.O.F, Blackburn Royal Ordnance Factories. ROF was the collective name of the UK government's munitions factories during and after World War II