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The first hand key was a simple strap key; the second was Alfred Vail's "lever correspondent." This has been reproduced by Kent Engineers of England... but some collectors were not fond of the finish on the early keys. This page shows how they addressed the issue.

Keys are grouped below in the following order:

Civil War keys
Bunnell
Signal Electric
Speed-X (Logan, Johnson, Nye)
Western Electric (including keys made for AT&T and Western Union)
Western Union Telegraph Co. Many companies made keys for WU. All except Western Electric are together under "Western Union."
Miscellaneous makers

On many recent additions to this page you can click on the small photo for a larger view.

Our Civil War keys are on their own page. Click here.

#408BSX ... Brass Bunnell wireless key.

J.H. Bunnell spark key. This scarce and unusual wireless key (as seen by the lack of a circuit closer) has a brass lever! And note the replaceable contacts and current strap between the base and the lever. I have had two of these keys; this is the earlier one which does not have a bug wedge lip on the anvil contact strap.
Very good condition, complete and original, some spotting on the lever. Another view.
$139.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#B891BEY ... Bunnell "Beeko" key.

The inexpensive practice key offered by Bunnell... the "Beeko." The wood base is about 5-1/2 x 2-1/4 inches and is stamped "patented." The circuit closing lever is stamped "J.H. Bunnell & Co., New York USA." The frame is sheet metal, and while there is a gap adjustment, there is no tension adjustment. Truly a basic hand key.
The cheap keys often seem to be the scarcest today. One of these sold for $275 at the Ford de-accession auction in October 1995 (ref: ARC, December 1995, p. 8). Must have been the heat; our price is a bit lower.
Very good condition, two small holes added in the base. Has a surprisingly good "feel" so would make an interesting key for Straight Key Night. Larger photo. $65.00 (S&H = $6.00)

#B906BAA ... Brass Bunnell wireless key.

J.H. Bunnell "standard wireless key". An all brass early spark radio key. It has mica insulation, and an auxiliary conductor for leading heavy currents to the lever. The large contacts are fitted in removable holders. Early style steel-pinned lever. The base is about 2 x 3-5/8 inches. Length 5-1/2 inches overall. "J.H. Bunnell & Co., New York, USA" is stamped into the base. A scarce early "sparker" -- this model was used by DeForest on his motorcycle portable radio field set (see last photo), and can also be seen at this 1920 amateur radio station (see lower right corner).
Good condition; the lever is slightly loose on the steel pivot, the overall brass finish shows age, and the spring is not original. Name on base. Bottom view. $220.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#B367CBC ... Brass Bunnell wireless key.

J.H. Bunnell "standard wireless key". An all brass early spark radio key. It has an auxiliary conductor for leading heavy currents to the lever. The large contacts are fitted in removable holders. Early style steel-pinned lever. The base is about 2 x 3-5/8 inches. Length 5-1/2 inches overall (excluding the wooden base). "J.H. Bunnell & Co., New York, USA" is stamped into the base. A scarce early "sparker" -- this model was used by DeForest on his motorcycle portable radio field set (see last photo), and can also be seen at this 1920 amateur radio station (see lower right corner).
Very good original condition. On a wooden base for use or display. Second photo. $245.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#041 ... Bunnell spark key.

The heavy metal strap connecting the lever to the ground line and the replaceable contacts indicates that this is a spark (wireless) key, used for heavy current operation. Early style pinned lever. The bakelite base measures 2 x 3-1/2 inches. This key has huge Postal type terminals. On top of the lever is stamped "J.H. Bunnell & Co., New York USA." Second photo. $245.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#386 ... Bunnell spark key.

The heavy metal strap connecting the lever to the ground line and the replaceable contacts indicates that this is a spark (wireless) key, used for heavy current operation. Early style pinned lever. The bakelite base measures 2 x 3-1/2 inches. A cord and plug (which may or may not be original) is attached. On top of the lever is stamped "J.H. Bunnell & Co., New York USA." Second photo. $225.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#407BJC Bunnell spark key.

This Bunnell straight key has unusually large (1/4") removable contacts and a current strap from the lever to the frame, and a Navy type knob. It is in excellent condition. The board it is mounted on has a hanger on the back for wall display. The tag on the board reads "Navy type key / from Manila P.I. / U.S. Stores, 1920 used on / "S.S. Imlay" tanker / wireless telegraph." . On the back of the board in ink is "C.A.P. / KGME / 2 meters / 1920 Manila." This is an estate item and I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the labels. (This key is also listed on the US military keys page.) Second photo. $225.00 (S/H = $8.00)

If we have any Bunnell military keys, they will be on the "other U.S. military keys" page.

#1004EYA ... Bunnell sideswiper.

This is the scarce Bunnell "double speed key" or sideswiper as collectors call it. Offered in the early 1900s, it works by simple side-to-side movements. The object was to eliminate "telegrapher's paralysis" or "glass arm" caused by use of a regular type key. This is the Style W (with spring adjustment) and is probably of fairly recent manufacture (relatively speaking); the knurled hardware looks like that on the one shown in Bunnell's Catalog 27 (1915). This key has been buffed to a nice glow. $450.00 (S/H = $7.00)

#305EOT ... Bunnell sideswiper.

Another Style W Bunnell "double speed key" or sideswiper. The parts on this one (circuit closer, wire terminal, etc) are considered more typical of the design than the variation above. This one has been lightly touched with a brass brush, and really needs disassembly, cleaning and polishing. SOLD

Signal Electric's "standard wireless key" was similar to the Bunnell "standard wireless key". They were both solid brass construction, and both came in the same three different contact size options. Signal's key didn't have the "name" that Bunnell had, nor did it have the strap conductor bonding the lever to the frame, but it was nevertheless popular with radio amateurs.

The three Signal Electric models and their contact sizes are: R-62 (3/16"), R-63 (1/4"), and R-64 (3/8"). If we have any, they are listed immediately below.

#110503 ... Signal Electric spark key R-62.

This is the Signal Electric "standard wireless key" for spark radio operation model R-62, which has 3/16" replaceable contacts. All brass construction with a mica insulator underneath. Very good condition, complete and original, needs only a light cleaning. $135.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#029 ... Signal Electric spark key R-64.

This is the Signal Electric "standard wireless key" for spark radio operation model R-64, which has 3/8" replaceable contacts. These were the largest contacts offered. All brass construction with a mica insulator underneath. Good condition, complete and original, there is a little tarnish on the lever and a very slight bend in the gap adjusting screw.

SOLD

Signal Electric Co. wood based landline keys. Signal Electric keys with a cast iron frame and steel lever, on wood base. Base has rivetted mounting hole. This model has the circuit closer. This is a good hand key suitable for all purposes, including closed-circuit landline systems.

Left:Chromed main lever. The brass parts are bright. On the bottom is a round red decal (see this photo). SOLD

Right:Black-finished main lever. The brass parts have a dark patina. Oval green decal underneath (see this photo). #163 $65.00

#0411JCF Johnson Speed-X key

Vintage Johnson model 114-300-1 Speed-X key in original box. This dates from the brief period (1947 - 1967) during which the E.F. Johnson Company (maker of the famous Viking transmitter line, including the popular and now collectible Ranger) sold Speed-X keys to radio amateurs. This is the inexpensive plastic-base model; it is stamped Speed-X on the lever, and has Speed-X cast into the base. Second photo. $37.00

#L0411JCD Speed-X Bakelite key.

This is the Logan model 301 (later, E.F. Johnson model 114-301) radio key. The oval base is a thick Bakelite casting. It has the Speed-X name stamped into the lever and cast into the base. This one is in excellent original condition. It was an inexpensive key last made a half-century ago, and is a fairly scarce model. $39.00

#WE307CGY ... Western Electric Test Set.

A Western Electric hand key... and more!! This Western Electric telegraph test set includes three major WE items: a "1A AT&T CO" hand key, a 3C 140 ohm sounder, and a 3-3/4" diameter milliameter, in addition to associated components, cords and plugs.
A scarce find for the telegraph collector. All components are in very good (or better) condition. The sounder was tested (and works) on 6 volts DC. Second photo. Third photo.

$185.00 (S&H = $16.00)

#WE607BAR ... Western Electric leg key.

A rare and unusual hand key. The base is a relatively thin (3/16") piece of flat stock brass. The pivot posts are attached to it by screws, and held in alignment by a round rod between them. Hand-stamped on the base is "ERIE," perhaps a reference to the Erie Railroad Company.
There is no maker's name on this key. However, one other is known which has "Western Electric" stamped on the circuit closer, and the knurling on these screws is in the typical W.E. style.
This key is complete and original; however, the difference in patina on the circuit closer screw suggests it might be a replacement. Close-up. ... Bottom view.

$295.00 (S&H = $8.00)

#S603TRR ... Western Electric "Steiner" hand key.

There were two styles of the Steiner key made by Western Electric, a leg key in which connections were made to the mounting bolts under the operating table, and this legless model with the wire terminals topside. This results in an interesting cross design to the key, and it can be displayed properly on a shelf. On the right side is stamped "W.E. Co., New York, pat'd Dec. 21, 1886." Spots of surface oxidation on the lever, base and terminals, and the closing lever knob is loose (I don't want to force the screw in). Second photo.

SOLD

#S903TTR ... Western Electric "Steiner" hand key.

Same model as above, but with different and unusual gap and tension adjustors. Appears completely original. The knob has some distortion damage, and the lever has rust toward the knob end. Second photo. Third photo.

$275. (S&H = $7.00)

#S1004TYY ... Western Electric "Steiner" hand key.

There were two styles of the Steiner key made by Western Electric, a legless "cross" model with wire terminals on the top, and this leg key in which connections were made to the mounting bolts under the operating table. On the right side is stamped "Western Electric Company, pat'd Dec. 21, 188?." It is unusual that the complete name is spelled out; the year, worn off and unreadable, is of course 1886.
The left side of the base scratched, as if with a wire brush. The forward brass screw stud is stripped, the rear one is missing. Otherwise this is an interesting and early Steiner worthy of a bit of work. Second photo. Bottom.

$195. (S&H = $7.00)

#320WEX ... Western Electric 2A key for Western Union.

Probably the best-made hand keys were those made by Western Electric, which made them for AT&T and Western Union. This one is marked on the frame (under the gap screw) "legless key, 2A, W U TEL CO." Another view.

$95.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#502CEG ... Western Electric 1A key for AT&T.

Probably the best-made hand keys were those made by Western Electric, which made them for AT&T and Western Union. This one is marked on the frame (under the gap screw) "telegraph key, 1A, AT&T CO."

$85.00 (S&H = $7.00)

6B ... Western Electric key.

This miniature telegraph key was made by J.H. Bunnell for the Western Electric Company. It is sometimes called a "spy key" due to its size - the base measures just 1/2" x 2". This is a "leg" type key; it mounts by the bolts extending under the base. It is fully adjustable for contact gap and tension, and has a circuit closing lever and a bakelite knob. With its small size and light weight it would make an excellent companion to a QRP ham transmitter or portable amateur radio station. Second photo.

$39.00 (S&H = $6.00)

For other items relating to Western Union, please see the bottom of the Landline and Railroad Telegraph Instruments page (meters, signs and miscellaneous).

#WU1004BLY ... Western Union - Chas. Cory hand key.

Straight from Western Union's New York Repair Shop, a marked "legless key, 2-A, W.U. Tel. Co." made by (and marked on the circuit closing lever) Chas. Cory & Son Inc. NY. In the bottom view you can see the NYRS stamp on the circuit closer, and the number 31 stamped into the main lever.
The key has never been used (after coming out of the Repair Shop), and includes the labeled box. A rare find.
Bottom of key.

$145.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#G706BTG ... Western Union - Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co. hand key.

On the frame is stamped "legless key 2A, W.U. Tel. Co." and on the closing lever is (was) "Gamewell F.A. Tel. Co." Years of use have worn the closing lever and obliterated most of "Gamewell." Under the closing lever is stamped "N.Y.R.S." (Western Union's New York Repair Shop).
This is a stamped brass hollow frame key. The spring and closing lever knob are vintage NOS replacements. The key would benefit from cleaning and light polishing. Gamewell WUTCO keys are not often found; a nice collectible. Second photo. Third photo.

$85.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#C904CEY ... Western Union 2A Key.

At the back end, under the gap adjusting screw, the frame is stamped "legless key, 2A. WU TEL CO." The circuit closing lever is stamped with CHAS. CORY & SON, INC., NY.". The frame of the key is solid brass.
Used, complete, original, could stand a good cleaning.

$75.00 (S/H = $7.00)

#1004BGY ... Western Union polechanger Key.

This key has front and back contacts, and a switch. The thick Bakelite base is marked "polechanger key, 1-B, W.U. Tel. Co." and is also marked "mfd by Spies Electric Works, Chicago." With the switch thrown left (toward the key lever), the outer connections are connected and the key is out of circuit. With the switch thrown to the right, the key contact connections are in circuit. Very good condition, small chip at back right corner of base.

$135.00 (S/H = $7.00)

#KH1204CBX ... Western Union type 2A key.

Marked on the circuit closer as made by "Menominee Electric Mfg. Co." and on the frame "legless key #2A W.U. Tel. Co." This has a solid brass frame and a steel main lever and is made to WU standards. Here is a nice original find for the Western Union telegraph collector. The brass is heavily patinated, a good candidate for polishing. Jam nuts need loosening (I recommend Kroil penetrating oil).

$65.00

#406BHA Partrick & Carter key.

(Click on photo for a larger picture.) This leg key is marked on the bottom of the wooden stand "used by Penny Railroad." The contact is at the back, normally closed. Stamped on the frame "Partrick & Carter," it may be some sort of railroad fire alarm or signalling key. The solid brass frame has been heavily buffed. An odd item from an early maker. Name on frame.
$185.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#0507CLO McIntosh spark key.

(Click on photo for a larger picture.) Here is small spark key much like the McIntosh usually found on a marble base -- but this one is on a 3-1/4 x 5 inch phenolic base and has a cast or machined frame and lever, rather than the "bent-metal" style seen here.
It is supposed that this type was part of larger equipment; see description at the Spark Key Project. In fact, the one offered here was found as part of a Navy ship yard-arm light operating assembly. (Typically, commercial or military keys were used in Navy signal lamp systems; see the two near the bottom of this page which use the 26003A key.)
Good condition, original and complete; a scarce addition to your collection. Another view.
$245.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#0407TTE ... Brown Bros. model ST.

(Click on the photo for another view.) The first of Bill Brown's hand keys, the one with lever pivot screws. This was offered from 1964 to 1974, when it was superceded by the ST-A which had a leaf spring suspension instead of pivots (see article in the Vail Correspondent no. 2). The nameplate serial number space is simply stamped "ST." Very good condition, a few tiny finish chips on the edges. $197. (S&H = $9.00)

#M706CCB ... MESCO practice key.

(Click on the photo for a larger view.) Similar to the Bunnell BEEKO key, but there are small differences and I believe this was made by Manhattan Electrical Supply Company. It is scarcer than the Bunnell. It has old-style wire terminals; the lever is plated steel. It is in very good condition.

SOLD

#B706EAG ... Bowman "Meteor" spark key.

Vintage marble-base wireless key made by A.W. Bowman -- unmarked, probably made for sale by Sears, Roebuck and Montgomery Ward (two of their known secondary outlets). This is a beautiful key. The light marble base has a neatly beveled top edge; there are no noticable chips or cracks in the marble. The plating of the brass parts is bright, and the key is complete with all original parts. Second photo. $1,295.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#1004TAT ... Clapp - Eastham Co. spark key.

Vintage marble-base wireless key marked "Clapp-Eastham Co." on the top of the lever. This is their "Boston" key, and dates from about 1915. The base measures 3-1/2 x 6 inches, x 1 inch thick. The original small knob may have been replaced many years ago with the large, skirted knob now on the key to better protect the operator from the high voltage of spark equipment. Very good condition, a few tiny chips on some edges of the base, heavy patina on all metal parts. The spring is missing (I will add a modern replacement to this soon). Second photo. $975.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#0306CBA ... Nye Viking Master Key.

Once available from the W. M. Nye Company, this is the model 330-001 Master Key. Production of this great desk key has been discontinued, but we found a used one. You may or may not like its "feel" -- some say "Mushy feel due to the lower contact being mounted on the thin stamped metal bottom cover," others rave about the heavy, no-tip base and its quietness while being operated. The previous owner put a bit of tape under the back gap adjusting screw, perhaps to quiet it even further. The one offered here lacks feet, you may want to add pads on the bottom. There are a few small chips in the black finish (see photos). Larger photo. $65.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#0805CAG ... English Post Office key.

A vintage PO key made by Walters. All brass with WE8208 cast into the lever and PATT: 1056.A stamped into the front edge of the wood base. It has some solder in two places where wires were affixed (see photos), and the back contact terminal nut may not be original. A nice addition to your vintage foreign key collection. Second photo. $225.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#1004DTY ... Ham-Key model HK-3M.

Ham-Key of St. Louis, Missouri made keys between 1975 and 1985. The model HK-3 turned out to be "tippy" in use, so they added the anti-tip sub-base and called it the HK-3M. This is a heavy, solid key. The one offered is in very good original condition with no damage to the finish. The sticker stating "silver contacts, do not file" is worn and faded. $65.00 (S/H = $7.00)

E.F. Johnson brass keys. The Johnson name and address - maker of the famed Viking Ranger transmitter and other ham apparatus in the 1950s - is stamped on the frame under the gap adjustment screw. These have a solid brass frame and a steel lever. Johnson-marked hand keys are scarce, and a nice addition to a Johnson ham radio station.

On the left: Radio key (no circuit closer). In near-new, bright brass condition. #395. $85.00

On the right: Landline telegraph type (with circuit closer). Lightly tarnished. #311. $75.00

#603CAL ... camelback fire alarm key.

This scarce key was used to signal an alarm code. It was mounted on a vertical wall, which explains the strange angle of the lever. It is a "leg" key (connecting by the mounting bolts underneath) with the contact at the back; it is "normally closed." The knob is engraved A3.

This is a heavy, solid key: The frame is over 1/2 inch thick, and the base is about 2-1/2 x 4 inches. All brass, no maker's name; some of the red lacquer is worn form the base, and the upper parts have an unusual patina. Mechanically it is in excellent condition. A wonderfully unusual display item. Second photo.

$375.00 (S&H = $12.00)