Artifax Books

McElroy Telegraph Apparatus For Sale

Telegraph Apparatus Company (TAC) is commonly said to have been "one of Ted McElroy's companies." More precisely, it was a partnership ("not inc." as the nameplates read) set up in Chicago by Ted McElroy and his friends and business associates Joe Goode and Frank Bascomb. It produced civilian keys and code instruments during WWII, while McElroy's Massachusetts operation was busy making equipment for the Signal Corps.

Please note: Keys are generally original, complete and operable except as noted, and may need cleaning (usually, simply washing to remove dust). Other electrical and electronic items have not been used or tested, and are sold as found, unless otherwise noted.

Ordering and shipping:All items are subject to prior sale, so inquire first as to availability .. email to artifaxbooks (at) yahoo.com (use @ symbol). Shipping in the USA of any BUG KEY on this page is $12.00 and of any HAND KEY is $7.00 (unless otherwise stated). Elsewhere, inquire.

For general information on all of the McElroy bugs, click here.

For recent additions to this page, you can click on the small photo for a larger photo.

Equipment is listed below in this order:

#M607CGR Mac straight key.

The "Mac straight key," McElroy's first hand key, appeared in 1937. It is an open circuit key with a cast iron base measuring 2-5/8 x 5-1/8 inches. The Mac straight key has three mounting holes in the base (the larger holes), and two smaller holes at the back where an optional "hummer" (3-volt mechanical oscillator) could be mounted. Since the key has no identification on it, it is often bypassed as nothing special - but it is a rare McElroy key.
The lever plating on this key is pitted and has surface rust; the finish shows its age (this is one key where the base would benefit from a good scrubbing and oiling).
$175.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#0705EYR McElroy first Streamkey.

This is the first model "streamkey" offered by Ted McElroy, dating from 1938. Unlike later teardrop hand keys which have a bulbous pear shape, this scarce early model had a relatively flat base, and a triangular metal nameplate (the only Mac hand key with a nameplate). Good condition, nice plate, however there are areas of missing chrome on the back (see photo; not noticeable from operating position) and the head of the left pivot screw is very slightly cocked. Would benefit from disassembly and polishing. Larger photo. Photo 3. Photo 4.
$425. (S&H = $7.00)

#MAC445 McElroy first Streamkey, late.

This is probably a late "first model" Streamkey, made when McElroy ran out of the triangular nameplates and decided that decals were less expensive. This variation is scarcer than those with the metal nameplate.
I believe it is late only because that would place it closer to the time of introduction of the Number 500, 600 bugs (1940) which used the same decal as on the right side of this key. The one on the left side is unique to these Stream keys and identifies it as a "Radio Telegraph Key, Deluxe Model, Stream-Mac."
Good condition except that the left decal is quite chipped, and the knob appears to have been touched with a hot iron. Right side. Left side.
$395. (S&H = $7.00)

#MAC907DOO model BB-300 Stream key

Some collectors consider the second type deluxe Streamkey (the model 300) to be the most beautiful of McElroy's hand keys. And this one is the scarcest of the model 300s: the BB-300 with ball bearing pivots. If you want just one model 300, this might be it. The tension (spring) screw is unplated; otherwise this key is in very good condition with unusually good (for McElroy) chrome.
I leave cleaning to the buyer, but be forewarned: disassemble it over a container (those bearings will roll away), and you will need three hands to reassemble it! Photo of bearing.
$245.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#0206CEP model 200 Stream key

Model 200 Stream Key. Early production Model 200 as seen by the knurled hardware. Complete, original, and in very good condition, though the knob is slightly chipped.
SOLD

#M606CBD TAC zinc Streamkey copy.

Here's my opinion on what some have called a "fake McElroy" key: I believe it was a hurry-up job for the Signal Corps during WWII by Telegraph Apparatus Company (a McElroy partnership located in Chicago). The base is cast zinc, which tended to warp when cooled, and to lose the painted finish. The base on this wobbles slightly (can be smoothed or screwed down), otherwise it operates well. This key is original and complete and (apart from the warp) in very good condition. An interesting collectible. Larger photo.
$49.00 (S&H = $7.00) .... two available

#M491CEG TAC cut-off key

Telegraph Apparatus Company (TAC, a McElroy partnership in Chicago) "cut-off" key. This key was used in the 1940s inside the TAC code practice oscillators; the cast iron base was shortened so that the lever could protrude from the front of the panel. These models are scarce to find either in or out of an oscillator.
From the solder on the terminal lugs, this was probably removed from an oscillator. The chrome lever is freckled, and the screws have surface rust. Larger photo.
$55.00 (S&H = $7.00)

#MAC-S100A plastic hand key

This is the scarce black plastic model S-100 or "Professional" Stream Key. This has the chromed parts and circuit closer. Cast into the base at the back is "radio telegraph transmitting key," and at t he front is "Stream Key, manufactured by T.R. McElroy, Boston Mass. USA." The key offered here has all knurled hardware but for the terminal nuts. It has a burnish in the plastic and a small crack at the back (beyond the gap adjust screw), and a smaller burnish in the plastic at the front - see the photos. SOLD

#0506CPY McElroy 1936A Mac-Key.

The prototypical Mac-Key with the cast brass lever pivot, the famous cast legend on the bottom of the base, and the pendulum clip so it can be turned on its side and used as a straight key. They are all here in this original example. Aluminum nameplate, serial no. 68xx on aluminum plate. Very good base finish; one weight. Needs only cleaning.
SOLD

#MAC356 1936A Mac Key

An excellent and unusual model -- a 1936A with McElroy base wire terminals. These terminals are sometimes found on the late '36 (1936B) Mac-Key. The ones here may be factory items, or owner-installed (McElroy did sell them separately). This bug (serial number 72xx) has the desirable cast wording underneath (see this sample) and the early cast brass pivot assembly. Includes pendulum clip so it can be used on its side as a straight key. One of the two weights may not be McElroy (chromed, and screw doesn't match), and the paddle is not McElroy. The nameplate was installed slightly askew and, although its finish is excellent, there are several tiny dents in it. Nice base finish, with minor chipping on left side. This is tested and ready to put on the air. A scarce find.
$395. (S&H = $12.00)

#M607TAA 1937 Mac Key.

This is the civilian version of the Navy CMK-26009 bug made by McElroy. It uses the small aluminum nameplate. "US Navy" (following "property of") was ground off by McElroy; a previous owner's name is written in the space. This 1937 bug is unusual in that it has a circuit closer like the Navy model.
It has one weight; the damper clip at the back (so that it can be tipped on its side and used as a straight key) is a homebrew replacement; and it has a 1/4" hole in the base that nicks the nameplate. The price is adjusted accordingly. Left side, and nameplate. ... Back, showing damper.
$375.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#MAC325 1938B Mac Key

This is a model 1938B Standard bug. The large nameplate seen here was first used on the 1938 models, and the '38B is the first use of the common-pivot levers. It is complete, original, and in excellent condition. There are a couple of small chips in the black wrinkle finish on the left side, and barely noticable ones at the ends of the T-bar. Otherwise it is one of the finest of this model you will come across.
$395.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#MAC216 1938B Deluxe "freedom" Mac Key.

A very nice 1938B Mac Key with the Marbleite finish. This is complete and original, with two weights and the thin-style dot stabilizer retaining the dot spring. The nameplate is excellent, with serial number 1776 (I call this my "let freedom ring" bug). The left stop screw head has lost a bit of chrome plating; the Marbleite finish has a small chip at the top left on the T-bar, and a 3/8" scratch near the circuit closer, otherwise it's as nice as you will find on a 1938. Clean the base and it will look even better! Another view.
$545.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#MAC301 1939 Deluxe Mac Key.

The most beautiful bug ever made ... the 1939 McElroy Deluxe, with its improved T-bar, Marbleite base and chromed parts. The unique finish on this key was first used on the 1938 Deluxe model; by 1939 McElroy got it right.
This bug has two large weights with the knurled screws (fillister head screws were also used in 1938 - 39), and ground pigtails on both the dash and main levers.
Condition: Other than a small chip at the back right corner, the finish is flawless (see photo below; I actually did not notice this little defect on the key until I examined the photo); the nameplate is perfect; the paddle is not original. I doubt you will ever find a prettier bug for your operating desk.
Another view. Nameplate and back corner view. Front view.
$845.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#0407CHY McElroy No. 500.

This is the No. 500, the last of the large T-bar bugs, with the standard black wrinkle finish and no circuit closer (although they had the screw-hole for the lever). This one does not have the decals - they were either not applied (perhaps an end-of-the-line bug) or an early owner washed the key, destroying the decals. One of the paddle screws is incorrect, the knob is a replacement, and it has but one weight. Thus a low price for this impressive Mac Key. (Click on the photo for a larger view.) Another view.
$245.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#137 McElroy S-600 Streamspeed.

T.R. McElroy's famed "teardrop" bug, one of the last made by McElroy (1941). This variation is the one with three mounting holes in the base. This one is complete and original, it has both weights, and an excellent nameplate. There are two small freckles in the chrome (see second photo, they are on the base next to the reflection of the weights); the rest of the chrome will polish up nicely. Overall a scarce and beautiful model in unusually good condition. Second photo.
SOLD

#MAC465A model P-500 Mac Key

This is a model P-500 from 1941. It is the first Mac Key to use the small, no-number nameplate (the photo is of this plate). It is complete, original, and is in excellent condition -- so good it may in fact be unused. The circuit closing lever looks like it has never been closed! You will not find a better P-500. A bit dusty, needs cleaning. Second photo
SOLD

#161 McElroy model A-400.

This bug is the "missing link" between the T-bar frame bugs and the P-500 model. Note the lack of protruding T-bar tabs on the frame, and the fixed contact posts. This scarce model was produced briefly in 1941 and is the first to carry the small, non-serialized nameplate. The black wrinkle finish on this one is in excellent condition with no chips. The lever stop screws are of the knurled type (on some A400 bugs slotted-head screws are used). This is original and complete, with both weights, except one weight screw is incorrect. Second photo
$750.

TAC was a WWII Chicago partnership that included Ted McElroy and a couple of his friends. The company made two models of bugs, which were advertised from 1944 through 1946. One was the "hole in the wall" type that came as the model 510 (standard, painted base) and the model 810 (deluxe, with chrome base).

The other bug was similar to the Vibroplex Original style, and used a cast base like that on the McElroy P-500. This was offered as the model CP500 (standard, with painted base) and CP800 (deluxe, with chrome base).

#907TAC042 TAC model CP500 bug

This was TACs first key; it was advertised in early 1944. Cast into the underside of the base is CP500. The base shape is similar to the previous McElroy P-500.
The design of the pivot frame and damper is a direct copy of the Vibroplex Original. The damper wheel, however, includes a rubber O-ring or bumper (missing on this key, but available at your local hardware store). This is a scarce model; the TAC 510 and 810 (hole-in-the-wall) bugs are more commonly found.
Complete with both weights and in good operating condition. The paddle is chipped (as usual) on the small end, and the main lever stop screw is broken (see photos). The gray wrinkle base finish shows some rubbing. The nameplate is nicely readable but shows some light rust areas.
Another view. Damper.
$195.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#208TYY McElroy code oscillator.

Model 700 McELroy code practice oscillator. The housing is a cast iron box about 4-3/4" square by 2" deep. Cast into it is "Mac oscillator, model 700, 115V AC/DC, 117L7GT tube inside" and the terminals are marked PHO and KEY. The back panel, which was nothing more than thin, black stiff Bristol board, is missing.
This is rare; it was never advertised and few are known. My guess is that this dates to about 1940, but was quickly discontinued because there is no audio frequency selection and the cast iron housing was much more expensive to make and ship than the following plastic oscillators.
This appears complete but is untested. There is a separated connection in the wiring.
Back view

$395.00 (S&H = $12.00)

McElroy Chart of Codes and Signals.

Ted McElroy, world champion telegrapher during the 1920s and 30s, created his famous Chart of Codes in 1943. It contains codes in five languages, Continental and Morse, Q and Z signals, etc. When first presented at the February 1943 VWOA meet, the Secretary declared it to be "the most complete and authoritative work of its kind that has ever been published."
It is cloth backed and measures about 25 x 38 inches. A fine collectible, suitable for framing, and a great display for your ham shack or telegraph collection room.

Sold, shown for reference.

#MACAUTO McElroy tape reader.

McElroy's famous photoelectric code tape reader. The paper tape, punched Wheatstone fashion with Morse code training messages, would be run through this reader in a Signal Corps radioman's school for teaching the code.
This unit is very clean but lacks the tubes, and does not have the tape reel holder on top where you would normally expect one. Nevertheless, a nice McElroy display item, see all the photos. Second photo. Third photo. Fourth photo.
$50. (S&H = $15.00)

#MACPULLER McElroy tape puller.

One of several machines developed by McElroy for use in the Signal corps radioman's schools during WWII for teaching Morse code. This basic device pulled the code-punched paper tape through a reader.
Lacks the long spring connecting the pulleys (similar to one found on a home film projector), and the nameplate is unreadable. Second photo.
$50. (S&H = $15.00)

Spartan Perforator Tape.

We have a limited quantity of perforator tape for Wheatstone Morse code perforators. These are unused rolls of "new old stock" tape for Kleinschmidt, Creed, Teletype, McElroy and similar perforators. It is oiled paper, 15/32 inch wide; the roll is 8" in diameter with a 2" center hole (I believe each roll is 400 feet). Here is the tape shown on a McElroy head.
Please note, this is oiled paper tape and not the plain paper tape designed for RTTY or ink recorders (though it might be OK for display on those machines).

Out of stock ... inquire