Harold Kramer/WJ1B

J-37/J45 Key with Leg Clamp:

A Model J-37 U.S. Military Straight Key with a leg clamp. This key was used in tanks, planes and other vehicles by the US Military during WW II. J-37's were made for the military by at least five different manufacturers. The key was clamped to the operator's leg. The clamp folds downward on a hinge at the rear of the key. The J-37 key with the leg strap is called a J-45. Because it is stamped " KY-116/U," this is a post World War II model.

This uniquely designed, black, hand operated, scissors-like key was used with an M-227  signal lamp. It came with a long cable so that the operator could stand far away from the signal light to avoid being the target.

These keys were made in large quantities from 1918-1945. This is a black metallic key with a side arm straight lever and a black Navy knob. The enclosed mechanism has two terminals on the rear. The top plate is marked: Signal Corps U.S. Army; Flame Proof Key J5A; Order No. 2670 NY 41; Made by LS Brach Co. Newark NJ.  "The contacts are totally enclosed to allow them to be used in explosive environments without the danger of the contact sparks igniting an explosion." Tom Perera

Military Training Keys

This is another variation of the J37. This is an oval base J-37 Military Training Key  mounted on a black phenolic base with the original cord. These keys were used in a variety of applications and mounted on five different bases. The vendor that I purchased it from told me that this came from a military training installation. More Info

These keys were made in very large quantities by many different manufacturers and used mainly for military training. They are still a great straight key to use. This key was manufactured by Lionel, as indicated by the small "L" stamped on the bottom of the key.  Lionel was known for its model trains. More info

US Navy Keys

This J5 Key is was a widely used flame-proof Navy key used throughout WW-II. Its design was apparently copied from the German Luftwaffe Key. It was made by Moulded Insulator (CMI) Company. The contacts are totally enclosed allowing it to be used in explosive environments without the danger of sparks.

The original owner's son told me that "His father was trained by the US Navy in WWII to intercept secret enemy codes.  He was trained in Idaho, then sent to Hawaii and subsequently sent to occupied Japan.  This was of course some of Dad's Navy stuff and he said he was sworn to secrecy even long after the war. At least that's what he told us. He said they were under heavy guard when they intercepted Japanese code in Hawaii on the beach with plans for immediate self destruction if overrun by the enemy. Don't know if that meant brick and mortar destruction or if it included personnel. I assumed it meant the latter if the situation required it." This key was manufactured by J.H. Bunnell (CJB)