"Other" Bugs, paddles, Electronic Keyers and Miscellaneous telegraph instruments
are on this page; scroll down.

Links to pages for specific type or name brand items are below.

Landline and railroad telegraph instruments. Everything telegraphic other than single keys.
This page includes sounders, relays, resonators, signs, call boxes, KOB key/sounder sets, etc. (Note, hand keys are on a separate page, keep reading...)
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Hand Keys (also called Straight Keys) and sideswipers. Landline, spark wireless and radio hand keys.
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Note, McElroy and Military hand keys will be found on their respective pages (links below).

McElroy keys and telegraph apparatus including Mac-Key bugs, McElroy hand keys, and code tape equipment (punched Wheatstone and ink slip).
Also Telegraph Apparatus Company (TAC) instruments.
For information on McElroy and all of the McElroy keys, click here.
To open our page of McElroy instruments for sale, Click here.

Vibroplex Keys and Paddles.
Click here to open this window of Vibroplex keys for sale.

Code Practice Instruments and Training Devices,
including U.S. military technical manuals on Signal Corps code practice equipment.
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U.S. Signal Corps J-38 keys.
This page includes complete information on the J-38 variations, as well as a list of the keys for sale. Click here to open this window.

Other U.S. Military Keys and communications apparatus.
Army Signal Corps hand keys and J-36 bugs, Navy and Maritime keys, field and shipboard instruments, etc.
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Foreign Keys, military and civilian.
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Paper and ephemera relating to telegraphy, wireless and radio.
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Ordering Add $2.00 for USA shipping of any quantity, any mix, of knobs, paddles or springs.

See what others have to say about using these parts.

Knobs
New-old-stock Bakelite knobs as used on the Electric Specialty bugs in the 1930s. These will fit almost all new and old hand keys, bugs and paddles -- Bunnell, McElroy, Vibroplex, railroad and Western Union keys, military Signal Corps J-38, etc. The top surface is 1-1/8 inches in diameter, and have an 8-32 threaded brass female insert. They attach to the key lever with a short screw or stud; this photo shows a screw holding the knob, but we now provide a short setscrew (grubscrew) with each knob, see one of the photos below. ... OUT OF STOCK, inquire

ES paddles
In the center of the photo are the new-old-stock die-cut phenolic paddles used on the Electric Stpcialty bugs. They have one #8 untapped hole. They can be used as is, or they can be filed or ground to your preferred shape. The material and thickness is about the same as the old style (pre-WWII) Vibroplex paddles, and this can be shaped easily on a stone grinding wheel to make an almost exact replacement for those bugs. ... $1.00 each

Lionel/Bunnell J-36 paddles
At right in the photo are original new-old-stock paddles used on the Signal Corps Lionel and Bunnell J-36 bugs in the 1940s. This is the scarce, authentic paddle for those keys. The correct paddle can double the value of your J-36.
While this paddle was not used on the Vibroplex J-36, they have one #4 untapped hole and an 8-32 tapped hole and will fit perfectly on almost all Vibroplex bugs using the original Vibroplex screws. And one restorer used one of these paddles on a Speed-X model 500 bug using #4 and #6 screws and nuts, without having to modify the paddle. However, to use these on some other bugs you may have to enlarge the small hole, and Bakelite is difficult to drill. We recommend the ES paddle (above) for such bugs. ... $5.00 each

Hand key circuit closer knobs
These black plastic knobs are shorter than the old-time circuit closer knobs. They look like (perhaps are identical to) the short knob used on the "modern" Bunnell sideswiper key offered in the 1960s. These knobs are 1/2" high and 1/2" diameter. They have a brass 8-32 thread insert, and so will attach to most vintage American hand key circuit closer (shorting) levers with an 8-32 screw or stud; a short 8-32 stud (grubscrew) is included with each knob. Supply is limited. ...
$1.50 each

Hand key springs.
Conical springs for your straight (hand) telegraph keys, made by a commercial manufacturer. The model spring was an ARH J-38 spring, since this size and style fit many other keys. The base (large end) is just over 1/4 inch diameter (0.270" spec.) and the free height is about 1/2 inch. These springs fit well and work fine on most Bunnell, Signal Electric, McElroy, Speed-X, all Signal Corps J-38 makes, and many other hand keys.
If you find the tension (pressure) is a little high when installed on your key, just clip one or two turns off with wire cutters. They are of a uniform size and consistent tension, unlike hand-wound springs. However, they may not be approprate for those hand keys that require "pigtail" springs that are supported in a small hole in the key frame (but see below).
OUT OF STOCK, inquire

Plated terminal nuts
These knurled nuts are nickel-plated brass. The thread size is 8-32, making them an excellent replacement for missing terminal nuts on a hand key (Bunnell, Signal Electric, Western Union etc.) or a bug (Vibroplex and most others). The straight-line knurling may not match the original pattern of your terminal nuts, so we sell them in matching pairs.
$3.00 for 2

The photos below show the grubscrew we are now including with each main lever or circuit closer knob; the second photo shows the improved appearance when this is used instead of a regular screw. The third and fourth photos show how I made a pigtail spring from one of our conical springs. This is shown on a Western Union 2A legless key. I bent the bottom of the spring out, up, and horizontal using two pliers (one flat-nosed and one needle-nosed pair).

CORD AND WEDGE

The cord-and-wedge was used by railroad and Western Union telegraphers years ago to connect their personal bug to the company hand key on the operating table. The wedge end would be slipped between the base and connector strip of the hand key. Some had no name on them, while others had a brand stamped on the brass wedge leafs.

we sometime have vintage name-stamped cord and wedges (stamped on one or both brass leafs). A Vibroplex-marked cord and wedge will be on the Vibroplex page; a Bunnell or Lionel J-36 cord and wedge will be on the "other U.S. military keys" page. A McElroy cord and wedge will be on the McELroy page. Any marked with other brands will appear immediately below.

#CWN Bug cord and Wedge. This vintage old-style item (at right) has the old style cloth covered wires with integral stay-cord to prevent strain on the wires. There is no name on the brass leafs. We have a few. Conditions range from good to excellent; all are complete and useable. We will ship you the best one we have available.
$29.00 (S/H = $3.00)

#CW907WU At right, Western Union marked on one leaf. Shows some age but in good condition. Click on the photo for another view.
$39.00 (S/h = $3.00)

On recent additions to our list below, you can click on the image for a larger view.

#H131 Hamco Trinidad iambic paddle.

The unique rocker-pin design of the FYO paddle made by Joe Hills in the early 1960s was followed by those made by HAL, Teletek, and today, Bencher. But Hamco in 1978 was the first to incorporate magnetic tensioning. Hamco was soon bought by Vibroplex which renamed the paddle Brass Racer.
The Hamco paddles have a thick triangular brass plate on a (maple?) wood base, and a 32-inch cable with a 1/4-inch stereo plug. They also have a lever retaining screw so they won't "fly apart" like the original FYO and Bencher paddles. A small allen wrench (not included) is used to adjust the magnets and contacts. The Hamco was offered in three variations: The plain Scotia, the Trinidad with its engine-turned brass plate, and the hand-polished Carson. (The Scotia is often mistaken for a Vibroplex Brass Racer; collectors should check the foil nameplate on the bottom.)
Offered here is the rare and beautiful Trinidad. It is in excellent condition. Bottom.
$645.00 (S&H=$12.00).

#H507CRG Hamco Scotia iambic paddle.

The unique rocker-pin design of the FYO paddle made by Joe Hills in the early 1960s was followed by those made by HAL, Teletek, and today, Bencher. But Hamco in 1978 was the first to incorporate magnetic tensioning. Hamco was soon bought by Vibroplex which renamed the paddle Brass Racer.
The Hamco paddles have a thick triangular brass plate on a (maple?) wood base, and a 32-inch cable with a 1/4-inch stereo plug. They also have a lever retaining screw so they won't "fly apart" like the original FYO and Bencher paddles. A small allen wrench (not included) is used to adjust the magnets and contacts. The Hamco was offered in three variations: The plain Scotia, the Trinidad with its engine-turned brass plate, and the hand-polished Carson. (The Scotia is often mistaken for a Vibroplex Brass Racer; collectors should check the foil nameplate on the bottom.)
Offered here is the scarce Scotia. It is original and complete. The levers are freckled with surface rust, the brass plate shows its age, one screw is missing from the bottom (see photo), and the felt feet are missing from the bottom. (Allen wrench not included.) Bottom.
$145.00 (S&H=$12.00).

#HAL707 HAL iambic paddle.

The unique rocker-pin design of the FYO paddle made by Joe Hills in the early 1960s was followed by the iambic incarnation made by HAL Communications. HAL called it, appropriately, the FYO. They made it for only two years, 1975 and 1976, then sold their inventory, rights and tooling to Hamco.
This is a heavy paddle; the cast steel base is almost 7/8 inch thick, and it weighs over 2-1/4 pounds. The four-foot cable terminates in a 1/4" stereo plug.

The HAL FYO is rare. The one offered here is in excellent, original condition. Another view.
$645.00 (S&H=$12.00).

#H1007BEL ... HAL keyer.

A rare HAL model 1550 keyer. This one is serial number 443. If you have a HAL paddle (hey, there's one up above!), this would be a great item to accompany it.
Excellent cosmetic condition. The NO/NC switch on the back does not work (can't flip it; cheap switches). Electrically untested. No manual. Another view.
$99.00 (S&H=$12.00).

#L906CPP Logan Speed-X 510 bug.

Speed-X model 510 by the Les Logan Company. Small 2.75 x 6 inch base. This has the original "bulls-eye" paddles and the box. This dates from the early 1940s, preceeding the acquisition of the Speed-X line by the E. F. Johnson Company in 1947. The nameplate is good, showing light oxidation; the base finish is chipped around the mounting holes and on the right side. The box (complete with the original bug hold-down shipping screws) is split across the top center, and is worn around the edges. Right side.

SOLD

#L806CLE Leach "Speedoplex" bug.

Bug made by the Leach Relay Company of San Francisco. This is a "Speedoplex No. 2" with a couple of differences from the usual model: the damper style (hinged at the back), and the transverse nameplate holes (most with plates are longitudinal). The glossy finish is in very good condition for a c. 1930 bug, with a few small chips. The knob is chipped, and the broken paddle was repaired with epoxy. No plate, one weight. Another view.
Also see the last page of this flyer.
$245.00.

#L806TRG Leach "Speedoplex" bug.

Bug made by the Leach Relay Company of San Francisco. This is a "Speedoplex No. 2" made c. 1930 with a few differences from the usual No. 2: the damper style (hinged at the back), and the transverse nameplate holes (most with plates are longitudinal), and the double paddles (yes, they are original Leach paddles). The base finish resembles the scarce "leatherette" finish found on some Vibroplex bugs from around 1920. Oddly, the weights and their screws are unplated (though apparently original items). Complete except for nameplate. Second view. Third view.
Also see the last page of this flyer.
$295.00.

#393 Left handed Wilcox bug.

This Fred Wilcox bug (Canadian) has no nameplate (none did). I could not find a name or SN stamp. The bug shows heavy use and the finish is well worn. A close look at the bottom indicates it was once a regular right handed bug, and has been "flipped" -- it looks like this was done many years ago (possibly by Fred on order?). It has one weight but is otherwise complete, and has the usual wing nuts on the wire terminals. Larger photo. Bottom photo. $695.00.

#238 Feather Touch Key.

This is an early 1970s capacity-operated paddle with built-in keyer, made by Data Engineering Inc. There were a few variations, distinguished by the button switches on top; this one has two. I have not used or tested this unit and do not have the instructions, so I don't know their purpose, or if it works. It has an AC line cord and a built-in power supply, and a rotary (on-off?) switch on the back, and a five-prong plug. Cosmetically very good; tape residue on sides and a few small scratches on the left side. Scarce; this unit is serial number A0150. Second photo. $95.00. (S&H = $9.00)

#026 Bencher iambic paddle.

Early Bencher two-lever iambic paddle. This does not have the screws holding the paddles captive (which were added later), which means that they can bounce off the pivot pins with hard use, but also seems to provide a lighter, smoother feel than later paddles. No allen wrench included (don't know if they supplied one this early). This has RCA phono connectors; I believe Radio Shack has the adapter if you need a 1/4" plug output. Nice paddle for the CW operator or Bencher collector, in excellent condition. $85.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#835 Hallicrafters TO keyer.

Here is the famous Hallicrafters HA-1 "TO Keyer," designed by Jim Ricks, W9TO (SK), founder of the high speed CW group "CFO." This 1960's tube keyer uses 12AU7 flip-flops; the mercury relay makes it ideal for keying older transmitters. Excellent cosmetic condition, complete and original, operationally untested. Includes original operating and service manual with schematic (loose, call and address stamped on cover, writing inside cover and on back of schematic).
SOLD

#904LTY Go-Devil bug.

This is the scarce 1930s Go-Devil bug, by A.H. Emery of Poughkeepsie, New York. This one is original and appears to be complete, but is sold "as shown" since I could never get one of these to work properly and I consider them to be collectible "display shelf" keys. Second photo. $495.00. (S&H = $12.00 UPS)

#443CGYY Bunnell Gold Bug.

Here is an unusual, scarce and collectible bug. This has a single lever with adjustable swivel, and a single contact for dots and dashes. It wasn't very successful when produced in the late 1920's for the simple reason that it didn't work very well. The paddle on this one is not original (although it is the correct shape), and the key would benefit from cleaning and polishing. Second photo.) $995.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#0405ERE Electric Specialty bug with case.

The only bug that was sold (in the 1930s) as a kit, and one of the few that has a cast base. The massive base measures 3 x 7-1/2 inches, and has its name cast in the bottom of the base (see this photo.) This bug is original and in excellent condition. It has one weight, but is otherwise complete (I may be able to supply another original weight). Also included is the scarce, original steel carrying case.
The case is very good but has some finish missing (and resulting surface rust) on the back. The label in the case is scratched at the bottom, probably from the bug paddle. A scarce find. A copy of the fyer on the bug will be included. The bug. Back of case. $245.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#0107CRA Electric Specialty bug with box.

The only bug that was sold (in the 1930s) as a kit, and one of the few that has a cast base. The massive base measures 3 x 7-1/2 inches, and has its name cast in the bottom of the base; this is a typical base (photo is not of this key). This bug is complete, original, and in excellent condition. It comes in the original box (which is in poor condition) and has the original "foot tag" on the bottom.
The box. Bottom, with tag. $145.00 (S&H=$12.00)

#0606BHP Ham Key combination key.

The Hamco keys are said to be a poor man's version, or copy, of the Brown Bros. keys; they were made and sold by Ham Radio Center in the mid-1970's. Shown here is the model HK-4 combination key, an iambic paddle and a straight key on a common base. The base measures 6 x 4 inches. This is in excellent condition; I used a magnifying glass to find one tiny chip at the back left and front right corners. Complete and original. $159. (S&H = $12.00)

#457 Ham Key combination key.

The Hamco keys are said to be a poor man's version, or copy, of the Brown Bros. keys; they were made and sold by Ham Radio Center in the mid-1970's. Shown here is the model HK-4 combination key, an iambic paddle and a straight key on a common base. The base measures 6 x 4 inches. This is used, complete and original. There are a few tiny chips on the front edge and corners. $145. (S&H = $12.00)

#242 Dow-Key universal model bug..

This is the so-called "rotatable" Dow, also called the Universal model. The pivot assembly can be rotated in the frame for a comfortable position. First made in Winnipeg and later (as this one) in Warren, Minn. It is complete and original. The frame and many parts are rusted and should be re-plated (see second photo for a better representation of the rust.) The nameplate (SN 13xx) is in very good condition. A scarce collectible bug worthy of restoration. Second photo. $595.00 (S&H = 12.00)

#228 ... El-Key paddle.

Here's an important paddle in the history of amateur radio telegraphy. The >El-Key single lever paddle was the First commercial paddle offered to ham radio operators. They were made by R.E. Poucel W2AYJ and Sid Shore K2FC doing business as Poucel Electronics, a division of Shore Mfg. Co., of Long Island NY, starting in 1959. Today they are very difficult to find. This one is all original, including the El-Key nameplate. There are some chips in the finish around the edges, and a few scratches on the top surface of the base. Second photo $195.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#236 Duomatic model AKS-7 keyer.

This rare old keyer incorporates vacuum tubes, relays and a paddle. It is one of the earliest commercial keyers, dating from around 1950. Interestingly, the paddle uses a Speed-X bug frame (it has the Speed-X bulls-eye paddles on the lever). This is offered as-found: Dirty, it appears to have some electrical modification, and small parts may be missing or added. Second photo $195. (S&H = $15.00)

#508BGY Mon-Key electronic keyer.

The Mon-Key vacuum tube keyer with built-in paddle was manufactured by the Electric Eye Equipment Company of Illinois. It was initially advertised in 1948, thereby becoming the first electronic keyer offered to hams. It is built on a thick Bakelite base, and has a cast aluminum cover. Overall it measures 11" long and 4-1/2" deep.
This particular unit is complete including the tubes, but untested (I believe the AC cord is a resistance cord, and there is no transformer in the power supply, and that the key terminals under the plastic cover are hot with AC, so be careful when testing and using.) The clear plastic key cover is in very good condition (most have cracks around the screw, this one does not) and it has the original knob and paddle. It even has remnants of the rare decal on the side (see photo). Display a piece of history on your shelf!
Another view. ... Decal. ... Inside.
$245.00 (S&H = $15.)

#187 Autronic keyer paddle.

This paddle was produced by Electrophysics Corp from 1960 to 1970. See July 1960 QST, page 47, and U.S. patent 3,098,896. It is a single-lever paddle (non-iambic) with a heavy cast base and an unusual bent lever design. The paddle shown here is a late (1965 - 70) model, with conical jam nuts and the Costa Mesa address cast into the base. The finish has a few small discolored spots, and some chipping in the finish under the base along the front edge (see second photo). NOTE, the finish is gray - it seems to appear tan in the photos. Second photo. $175. (S&H = $10.)

Wanted by Tom French, McElroy telegraph apparatus. Will purchase for cash or trade.
1934 McElroy bug (first model)
An early (1934 - 36) left-handed McElroy bug (cast as left handed).
McElroy Junior model (sheet metal bug).
McElroy code oscillator with two tubes and a light bulb ballast.
McElroy code oscillator, single tube, square plastic base, AC cord. Must have nameplate.
First model paper tape inker.
To upgrade my collection, any instrument in excellent to mint condition, especially in the original box and with papers.
Email me at artifaxbooks (at) yahoo.com (use @ symbol)

Artifax Books carries technical and reference books on keys, telegraphy, wireless radio and more.

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