Unique, Unusual, and "Home-made" Keys
Here are some one of a kind, custom made, home made, and other unusual keys from my collection.
You can click on any of these images to enlarge them.
You can click on any of these images to enlarge them.
"Lever Correspondent" Telegraph Key
Vail Key Reproduction (The First Morse Code Key):
This fully functional replica key Serial Number #0039 is identical to the first hand key that Alfred Vail made for Samuel F. B. Morse for use in Morse's 1844 demonstration of telegraphy. This KENT Engineers replica key is based on the example in the Smithsonian Institution. This key called the, "Lever Correspondent," became the standard for telegraph key designs. Here's a video from The History Channel about the first demonstration of the telegraph.
[050]
Vail Key Reproduction (The First Morse Code Key):
This fully functional replica key Serial Number #0039 is identical to the first hand key that Alfred Vail made for Samuel F. B. Morse for use in Morse's 1844 demonstration of telegraphy. This KENT Engineers replica key is based on the example in the Smithsonian Institution. This key called the, "Lever Correspondent," became the standard for telegraph key designs. Here's a video from The History Channel about the first demonstration of the telegraph.
[050]
K4TWJ Wild Woody WARC Telegraph Key:
This is a handmade, custom built, clothespin based, Wild Woody WARC Key. It was made by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, SK, who wrote great books and articles on key collecting. He wrote me that these "Wild Woody Wacky Wabblers" have become world famous and they are in prestigious collections everywhere. They are modeled after my first key - when I built my station from scratch and scraps." This key is number #53 and it was a gift to the collection from Dave. [075]
This is a handmade, custom built, clothespin based, Wild Woody WARC Key. It was made by Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, SK, who wrote great books and articles on key collecting. He wrote me that these "Wild Woody Wacky Wabblers" have become world famous and they are in prestigious collections everywhere. They are modeled after my first key - when I built my station from scratch and scraps." This key is number #53 and it was a gift to the collection from Dave. [075]
KD5JHE Homebrew Wooden Strap Key:
This wooden strap key with a wooden knob was hand made by Jerry McGregor, KD5JHE, of Oxford, Mississippi. Jerry's students make these keys in their Amateur Radio licensing class. It is a gift to the collection from Jerry. [165]
This wooden strap key with a wooden knob was hand made by Jerry McGregor, KD5JHE, of Oxford, Mississippi. Jerry's students make these keys in their Amateur Radio licensing class. It is a gift to the collection from Jerry. [165]
U.S. Army "Scissors Key " Signal Lamp Key Model J51:
This uniquely configured scissors-like key was used with an M-227 signal lamp. The electrical connections are the two push terminals on the right. It came with a long cable so that the operator could stand far away from the signal light to avoid being the target. A good idea! Also listed under US Military. [018]
This uniquely configured scissors-like key was used with an M-227 signal lamp. The electrical connections are the two push terminals on the right. It came with a long cable so that the operator could stand far away from the signal light to avoid being the target. A good idea! Also listed under US Military. [018]
QRP J38 Half Scale Telegraph Key:
A QRP J-38, half scale telegraph key. It is handmade by Lee Hutchins, KA6IRL. Lee's card is included with the key. It also has a custom wooden box. Constructed of over 30 parts, it comes complete with an adjustable tension spring, key travel and bearing tension and a hand finished black Bakelite style base.[057]
A QRP J-38, half scale telegraph key. It is handmade by Lee Hutchins, KA6IRL. Lee's card is included with the key. It also has a custom wooden box. Constructed of over 30 parts, it comes complete with an adjustable tension spring, key travel and bearing tension and a hand finished black Bakelite style base.[057]