Artifax Books

Foreign Telegraph Keys For Sale

Ordering and shipping:All keys are subject to prior sale, so inquire first as to availability. Shipping of a single key on this page in the lower 48 U.S. states is $12.00 for a bug or $7.00 for a hand (straight) key. Elsewhere, inquire.

#F707CGR German Junker leg-clip key.
Junker DGBM key on a slide-in leg clip. This classic Junker ("yoonker") key has three binding posts for the front and rear contacts. The spring tension adjustment is the knob on the left pivot frame. The rear gap screw is a precision spring-loaded adjustment. Perhaps because this was intended for mobile use (in a moving vehicle over bouncing terrain?) the gap is quite large. This is in very good condition, and a scarce find for the military telegraph instrument collector. Another view.
$245.00 (S&H = $12.00)

The leg clip is very similar (but not identical) to the U.S. Winslow leg clip shown on this page. I do not know who may have copied the other.

#507EEL Wilson SA100 RAF bug.
Wilson model SA100 bug made for the Canadian RAF. This is the collectible "upside-down bug" -- remove the three feet from the bottom, place them on the frame and damper, place it upside-down on the operating table, and you have a left-handed bug. This one has the scarce original nameplate. It does have some chipping of the finish. Comes with cord and wedge. Another view.
$345.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#296DOY British RAF identification light key.
I understand that this key was used to light (either "steady" or "Morse" using the key) the upward or downward identification lights on Canadian RAF aircraft. The Bakelite housing is about 3-1/2 inches in diameter. Cast into it (in addition to the light instructions) is "A[crown]M TYPE B, REF No 5c/372" and "switchbox identification."
Very good condition. Some chipping of the finish on the brass key knob. Another view.
$145.00 (S&H = $8.00)

#296COY British RAF identification light key.
I understand that this key was used to light (either "steady" or "Morse" using the key) the upward or downward identification lights on Canadian RAF aircraft.
The housing is cast metal, with a Bakelite back cover, and isabout 3-1/2 inches in diameter. The markings at the top read "REF No 5c/372", in the center is "Canada", and at the bottom is "switchbox identification, No. 2 Mark III."
At the upper left on the key is a knob tension adjustment. The cover of the key is hinged at the left, and it can be opened. There is a wiring diagram inside.
Excellent condition; appears to have never been put in service. Another view. Inside view.
$225.00 (S&H = $8.00)

#1206EJC tiny British military key.
This tiny key is commonly called a "spy key" due to its size (the base measures just 1-5/8 x 2-1/8 inches). It actually was part of the British Telephone Set D Mk V. The lever is Bakelite, with conductor strips on either side for the two contacts; it operates as a DPST switch. This key is complete and in very good condition, with slight age patina. Larger photo.
$69.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#308CGL British military B2 spy set key.
Some of these keys are unmarked; this one is marked ZA34835. You will find a key like this as part of the B2 spy set at Potters Bar, at the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) headquarters. The Telegraph Office (scroll down to Radiotelegraph keys / Miniature keys) describes it as "early W.W.II. Used with [B2] 'Type 3 Mk 2' suitcase radio. Made by Muirhead." The base measures 1-1/4 x 2-1/8 inches. It has upper and lower contacts (SPDT).

SOLD

#1206KJC 1940 British military WT 8 AMP key. This is the No. 2 MK II version of this ubiquitous British key (Meulstee design 2 variation A, AWA Review vol. 8). Cast into the bottom is the maker and year "P.T. & E.W., 1940." Excellent condition. Larger photo.

SOLD

#234 Simplex Auto bug. Right-angle bugs have the pendulum mounted transversely on the base. The typical U.S. example is the Mecograph. Here is a right-angle bug from Australia, made in the 1930s by Leo G. Cohen of Mebourne, Victoria. The serial number is 57xx. It is in very good condition, complete and original. Second photo.
$745. (S&H = $9.00)

#123AUT Automorse bug. Australia is known for its unusual animals and odd telegraph "jiggers." This is a scarce, vintage three-lever bug from the land down under, made by Hitchcox Bros. for M.P. Thomas of Adelaide. The upper levers operate similar to a Vibroplex two-lever (automatic dots and manual dashes); I think the third (lower) lever is intended to give automatic dashes but I could only adjust it for slower dots. Anyway it appears complete and original, and shows light freckling to the base plating and wear to the upper T-bar plating. This could be the most unusual addition to your collection. Second photo. Third photo. Fourth photo.
$3,750. (S&H = $15.00)

#232COG Westclox Key & Plug Assembly #9. This WWII military "Key and Plug Assembly No. 9 CDN" was made by Westclox of Canada, and that information is stamped on the metal base below the knob. It straps to the operator's leg and was used with the US Wireless Set No. 19 Mk II radio set.
This key has a PL-55 plug, a simple mushroom-style knob, a bakelite guard over the exposed lever, and a form of the WT-8 AMP key. Overall the base is 5-5/8 long x 2 inches wide. This is in as-new condition with the original box. Photo 2
$95.00

Note: For further information on the variations of the Key & Plug Assembly No. 9, see the articles by Chris Bisaillion in Morsum Magnificat no. 45, and by Louis Meulstee in the AWA Review Volume 8.

#199 Nazi German Baumuster hand key. WWII hand key with Nazi inspection stamp (eagle over swastika over inspector's number) on the original metal sub-base (stamp is unclear, cannot make out the swastika). This is a nice key for display, and a quality key to use on the air. Complete and original. Cover legends are very clear and include "Ta. P." in circle, and "vor dem offnen stecker herausziehen". Needs cleaning, cord spring has surface rust, cord ends show wear. Second photo.
$225. (S&H = $7.00)

#1105CAO Nazi German Baumuster hand key. This is a commercial German key made for the Reich Wehrmacht during WWII as authenticated by the Waffenampt (weapons office) inspection symbol (eagle over swastika over inspector's number WaA576) branded into the plastic key base under the cover. The key is mounted on the original fiberboard sub-base. The hinged cover has a lightning bolt (meaning danger, voltage) and gives instructions on opening the cover: "vor dem offnen stecker herausziehen". Excellent condition, appears unused, and the inspection stamp, although small, is clear. Second photo. Third photo.
$345. (S&H = $7.00)