Amateur Radio Telegraph Keys
These telegraph keys were used primarily by Amateur Radio operators, although many were also used in commercial service as well. Until 2004, Amateur Radio operators needed to pass a Morse Code test to obtain their license. Today, Morse Code, or, in ham language, CW (Continuous Wave), is still a popular Amateur Radio operating mode. Learn more
These type of keys are called straight keys or hand keys. They use a horizontally mounted lever that the operator pushes down to generate the dits and dahs that make up the Morse Code. In a straight key, the shape of the lever and type of material that the lever is made from are critical. Most of these keys use a triumph lever. The triumph lever telegraph key was invented by Jesse Bunnell in 1881 and it uses a steel sending lever with a unique shape that provides metallic strength, excellent motion, operator comfort and the ability to send quickly. The steel lever keeps it from becoming loose or bending that was a problem in early key designs.
These type of keys are called straight keys or hand keys. They use a horizontally mounted lever that the operator pushes down to generate the dits and dahs that make up the Morse Code. In a straight key, the shape of the lever and type of material that the lever is made from are critical. Most of these keys use a triumph lever. The triumph lever telegraph key was invented by Jesse Bunnell in 1881 and it uses a steel sending lever with a unique shape that provides metallic strength, excellent motion, operator comfort and the ability to send quickly. The steel lever keeps it from becoming loose or bending that was a problem in early key designs.
Brown Brothers Mach. Co. Model ST-A Telegraph Key
This is a Brown Bros. key with a triumph lever that was made in St. Louis, Missouri. It is similar to the Ham-Key but of 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. The keys were made in his basement shop. A person who knew him told me "that Mr. Brown was a real craftsman and a true perfectionist." [045]
This is a Brown Bros. key with a triumph lever that was made in St. Louis, Missouri. It is similar to the Ham-Key but of 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. The keys were made in his basement shop. A person who knew him told me "that Mr. Brown was a real craftsman and a true perfectionist." [045]
E. F. Johnson Co. Telegraph Key
Although E.F.Johnson was known for their Amateur Radio transmitters, they also manufactured telegraph keys. This oval shaped straight key has a solid brass base and a steel triumph lever. It is marked "E. F. JOHNSON CO. WASEKA, MINN" on the rear of the base. The seller told me that he purchased it from a grandmotherly lady in Minnesota who said that it was her husband's key. [010]
Although E.F.Johnson was known for their Amateur Radio transmitters, they also manufactured telegraph keys. This oval shaped straight key has a solid brass base and a steel triumph lever. It is marked "E. F. JOHNSON CO. WASEKA, MINN" on the rear of the base. The seller told me that he purchased it from a grandmotherly lady in Minnesota who said that it was her husband's key. [010]
Nye Viking Company Model 330-001 Master Telegraph Key
This Nye telegraph key has a steel base with black crackle finish, a steel triumph type lever, a black navy knob, and gold plated contacts. It has the original gray cord and black phone plug. This key was the mainstay of the Nye line. It has a great action and it is often described as “the perfect key.” [011]
This Nye telegraph key has a steel base with black crackle finish, a steel triumph type lever, a black navy knob, and gold plated contacts. It has the original gray cord and black phone plug. This key was the mainstay of the Nye line. It has a great action and it is often described as “the perfect key.” [011]
Speed-X Model 310 Oval Base Straight Key
This is a classic oval shaped straight key with the characteristic Speedex black wrinkled finish. It has a steel triumph with a conventional black knob. This key is in perfect condition. It is a great looking and functions perfectly. Another fine Speed-X straight key. [017]
This is a classic oval shaped straight key with the characteristic Speedex black wrinkled finish. It has a steel triumph with a conventional black knob. This key is in perfect condition. It is a great looking and functions perfectly. Another fine Speed-X straight key. [017]