You may see sold item descriptions and photos left up below. I often do this, especially on scarce or unusual items, as reference and informational material for collectors.

All items subject to prior sale. Please include item number with your inquiry. (These are our inventory numbers, not manufacturer's number.)

Additional information on code practice oscillators can be found on Dave Meier's (N4MW) website http://www.n4mw.com/cpo.htm.

#708FLER Signal Electric wireless KOB.
This is an unused, newold stock Fleron official Boy Scout signaler, "radio blinker telegraph." It is housed in a 3 x 6-1/2 inch metal case, with the International Morse Code on it. It has a three-position switch for high-pitch buzzer (wireless), blinker light (Navy night signaling), and clicker (landline sounder effect). It is complete with lamp, lamp reflector, 16 page instruction booklet (copyright 1922), packing slip (dated Feb 1936), and original box with Boy Scout insignia. Batteries not included, untested but looks new, the box shows a little age and wear.
Another photo.
$49.00 (S&H=$9.00)

#1206JC Codekey 1000 oscillator.

This is apparently a code oscillator. It is marked "Codekey 1000, Media Mentors, Staten Island, Mfg by Circuit Deve." This is shown on on N4MW's web site here under "old, new, unusual or unknown." It is the only one I have seen in twenty years of collecting, so it seems to be scarce. Unused by me and untested; it takes a nine-volt battery. Second photo $19.00 (S&H=$6.00)

#MFJ557JC MFJ practice oscillator.

Made by MFJ Enerprises, this is the model 557 Deluxe Code Practice Oscillator with built-in key. It runs on a 9 volt battery (not included) or a 110 volt AC "wall wart" (also not included). This item is new old stock in its original packing. $29.00 (S&H=$8.00)

#1206CBD Bunnell mechanical practice key.

These mechanical practice keys were inexpensive a century ago, and most were likely thrown out once the code was learned and "real" instruments (or a job with the railroad) acquired. So they are rare today, and an interesting display collectible.
This one is by Bunnell. Press the key knob (which itself is interestingly smaller than a standard key knob) and hear the click clack of a sounder. The 3 x 5-1/2" wooden base is stamped "J. H. Bunnell & Co. NY, patented April 4, 1882." Good condition, but missing the spring. Second photo

SOLD

#1007MES mechanical practice key.

These mechanical practice keys were inexpensive a century ago, and most were likely thrown out once the code was learned and "real" instruments (or a job with the railroad) acquired. So they are rare today, and an interesting display collectible.
This rare key is unmarked; it was probably made by MESCO (Manhattan Electrical Supply Company). It consists of a metal frame supported by two wooden "sounder coils." The key lever taps against the frame, producing the sound of American Morse. This is the only one of this model I have seen (the Bunnell units are more commmon). Very good condition, complete and original (including the four brass feet on the bottom).
If you collect mechanical practice sets, this one is worth serious consideration. Another view.

SOLD

#1205CLL Bunnell Blinko-Buzzoplex.

On this rare practice "KOB" the key can be switched between the light bulb and the buzzer. The 4-1/4 x 7 inch wood base is faintly stamped with the Bunnell name and address. The lamp stand and the buzzer cover are brass.
The lamp cover is missing, the key knob is not original, and the key lever plating is peeling. While it otherwise looks good, it is untested.
Larger photo Third photo
$95.00 (S&H=$8.00)

#1006LOGAN Model 450 Speed-X set.

Les Logan was the originator of the Speed-X line of telegraph instruments in the 1930s. (The trademark was later acquired by E.F. Johnson, followed by Bill Nye.) This is a vintage (pre-WWII) KOB type practice set. It has a buzzer and key on a plastic 6" x 3-3/4" base. The legend on the base reads "model 450 practice set, Speed-X, San Francisco." The Speed-X logo also appears on the buzzer cover and key lever. The steel key lever has surface oxidation, otherwise this is in very good condition. $45.00 (S&H=$5.00)

#MACPUL603 McElroy telegraph tape puller.

This puller dates from 1942. It appears to be in good condition, although the cord is aged and cracked so it is electrically untested. The base measures about 9 x 5-1/2 inches, and it is about 6" high. The tape take-up reel (not included) would go on the upper shaft; a drive spring or cord that connects this shaft to the lower driveshaft is missing (it's the type of long thin spring found on movie projectors, so should be easy to find). The nameplate is faded and unreadable. Second photo $50.00 (S&H=$12.00 UPS ground)

#MACAUTOA603 McElroy telegraph tape reader.

The nameplate reads "radio telegraph automatic transmitter (designed for training radio operators) Photo tube Mac Auto, Manufactured by T. R. McElroy, Boston, Mass., U.S.A., model no. G-813." The serial number and date spaces are blank. This model, with its 12 x 7 inch square-cornered gray chassis, was made about 1942, and is more difficult to find than the next (rounded corner chassis) model. Usually a tape reel holder is mounted on the chassis; it may have been removed from this one. This unit includes the exciter lamp and the phototube (which is mounted under the chassis) but not the four 117N7GT tubes (fairly common and inexpensive at most hamfests). The AC cord is aged and cut, so this device is electrically untested. Second photo Third photo Fourth photo $50.00 (S&H=$12.00 UPS ground)

#BUN720 Bunnell paper tape puller.

This would have been used either with Wheatstone or inked paper tape for training Morse code telegraph operators as in the U.S. military Army Signal Corps, or to pull the paper tape from a register in a fire house recording the alarm number.
The metal nameplate reads "manufactured by / J.H. Bunnell & Co. / Valley Stream, N.Y."
This is in good mechanical condition and it works. On the front is a key to wind the mechanism, and an on/off pull knob. At the back is the spindle on which the tape reel would be put (reel and tape not included), and at the side is a wire lever that shuts off the puller when the paper tape gets tight (and turns it on when the tape is generated and is loose).
The base is heavy cast iron and measures about 2-3/4 x 5-1/4 inches ("SS1" cast into bottom). The front and back covers are heavy aluminum sheet, and the paint finish is chipped. The side cover is steel. Second photo $60.00 (UPS ground S&H = $10.)

#1005CEL War Department Technical Manual TM 11-432.

This original WWII manual dated 1942 is titled "Code Practice Equipment." It describes the equipment used for Signal Corps school training of radio operators, instructions for its installation and use, drawings and schematics of the equipment, and information on its functioning, servicing and repairing. The last 44 pages list the contents of the 15 master training code tapes.
Much of this is McElroy equipment: the G-813 keyer (Mac Auto), the tape puller, the RRD-900 recorder, the TG-10 keyer. Equipment by other makers includes switchboards, record player and ACA oscillator.
Paper cover, 6 x 9 inches, 121 pages. Well illustrated with photographs, plus schematic diagrams and parts layout drawings of the equipment.
Very good condition, text is complete and clean, black ink name ("Stewart") on cover in 1/2" letters. A rare and invaluable reference for anyone who collects or restores U.S. military code training equipment. $49.00 (S&H = $4.00)

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