All items are subject to prior sale, so e-mail me before paying to check that what you are interested in is still available, to confirm shipping cost, or to ask questions. In the winter we may be out west in our trailer and might not have your item with us (although we can place a hold on an item to reserve it for you). Our email address is

We accept US payment by paypal.com (made to any of our email addresses), by money order, or by personal check with your shipping address imprinted on it. Foreign payment may be made by paypal or by international postal money order. If you pay by mail, let me know and I will hold your item for you.

Shipping costs are not cumulative. If you are interested in different items, I will provide shipping cost. Some small items will ship with a bug at no added cost. But others may be best shipped separately; for example, it is cheaper to ship a few knobs (first class mail) separate from a book (media mail) since knobs cannot be included with media mail.

U. S. Shipping of a single hand key shown on this page is $8.00, and for a bug is $13.00, unless otherwise stated.

U.S. Military telegraph keys

Most of the keys that will be shown on this page are Army Signal Corps and U.S. Navy keys. Articles on military keys appeared in various issues of the Vail Correspondent (see the TVC index at another page on this site), and Larry Nutting's "J-Series Keys of the U.S. Army Signal Corps" (self-published, 1993) is a useful reference to these keys.

Most military hand keys from WWII are still relatively common and can be found at hamfests and on the internet. However, the scarce makes or models, and others in excellent condition, will command higher prices.

The list below starts with:
Parts and Accessories
Army Signal Corps J-xx keys
miscellaneous Signal Corps
Navy keys
miscellaneous (KY type keys, communications apparatus, etc.)

In recent posts, you may click on some of the small photo to bring up a larger version.

Signal Corps cable plugs and wedges for connecting your key to equipment with authentic vintage parts.

#L1007CW Lionel J-36 cord-and-wedge.

A scarce cord-and-wedge originally supplied to the Signal Corps with the Lionel J-36 bug. This attaches to the bug terminals, and the bug is connected to the radio circuit by inserting the wedge into the hand key on the operating table (between the key frame and the hot terminal connector strip).
This Lionel cord-and-wedge is in excellent condition (perhaps unused), and has the Lionel name and address impressed on both of the brass leafs.
Second photo.

SOLD

#KM8043 J-5-A WWII Brach flameproof key.

Cast on the round top cover is "Signal Corps, U.S. Army, flame proof key J-5-A" with a 1941 order number and the maker L.S. Brach of Newark, NJ. The "-A" by Brach is the most common of these keys. Very good condition; the lever arm was cut rough resulting in reflections in the photograph.
$85.00

#0505BLL J-5-A WWII Western Electric flameproof key.

Cast on the round top cover is "Signal Corps, U.S. Army, flame proof key J-5-A" with a 1942 order number and the maker Western Electric Co. Inc., Kearny, N.J. (scarce). Very good condition.
$125.00

#607CPA J-7-A by L.S. Brach.

The top cover of this scarce post-WWI hand key reads "Flame Proof Key, type J-7-A, date 1921, order no. 141082, mfg. by L.S. Brach Mfg co, Newark N.J." This is a J-5 type with the addition of a "winker light" on the 2-1/2" x 5-1/2" phenolic base. Said to have been used in aircraft, where the light provides feedback to the operator in the noisy environment. The hood is removable.

This is in very good condition though the bulb, as usual, is missing (can be replaced by an automotive type bulb), and the key needs cleaning. It also includes the cover cut from the original shipping box, quite rare and great for display.
Another view.

$295.00 (S&H= $10.00)

#406CBB J-30 key by Brach
Made by L.S. Brach, as indicated by the "B in a diamond" logo stamped on the main lever. The only keys made by Brach were made for the U.S. military during and after WWII. This is the J-30 closed circuit key for general purpose application. It is basically identical to the key used on the J-38 assembly (though I am not aware that Brach made any J-38s).
This is in excellent, like-new condition. The only marks are on the circuit closer, which shows it has been closed once or twice.
SOLD

J-36 information website: Rich Dailey, N8UX, has an interesting page on the U.S. Signal Corps J-36 key. His J-36 Bug Census Project lists the makers and the known contract numbers, and highest known serial numbers for each contract. Good information for the military key collector. And be sure to contribute if you can.

#309TEO Bunnell J-36 bug.

(Click on photo for a larger view.) Army Signal Corps J-36 by Bunnell. This has a 8-4-42 contract date and serial number 2556. Signal Corps stamps are seen on the bottom.
The Bunnell J-36 is scarcer than (and quite different from) the Lionel and Vibroplex Signal Corps bugs; this is only the second one I have been able to offer. The pivot frame on the Bunnell J-36 has an interesting shape (reminds me of an old Packard grille).
The weight is unplated and may be a replacement, and there is a 1/4" chip in the finish near the back (see photos). Otherwise, this is an original, complete bug in very good condition.
Another view. ...
Nameplate (chip is at top right of plate). ...
Stamps on bottom.

$379.00 (S&H = $14.00)

The Lionel J-36 nameplate was made of celluloid plastic. Over the years, most of them shrank and pulled away from the rivets holding it to the base, and broke off. If you wish to replace your missing nameplate, Tom Perera (W1TP) has provided a copy on his website; click here and scroll down to item #7935.

#L1007BGR WWII Lionel J-36 bug.

As above; the nameplate has shrunk and separated at one end. Original ones even in this condition are scarce, so you may want to leave it.
The tops of the wire terminal nuts seem to have been polished and clear-coated. Apart from this, and the nameplate, this bug is in very good, original condition.
Another view.

SOLD

The Vibroplex J-36. The WWII semiautomatic key made by Vibroplex for the Army Signal Corps was the military version of the company's Lightning Bug. These are somewhat scarcer than the Lionel version. They have a metal nameplate which occurs in several variations: small and large pre-WWII Fulton Street plates, and two WWII small plates with either Fulton Street or 833 Broadway addresses.
Each plate includes the order number and date, as well as a stamped serial number. Many of the Vibroplex J-36s used for Signal Corps Morse school training will be found with a mounting hole drilled in the base (between the pivot frame and nameplatet) and an inventory number painted on the front edge of the base (facing the operator).

#707BHT Vibroplex J-36 bug.

This "old school" J-36 was used in classroom training: It has a Signal Corps key number 120-7 on the front edge, and the usual hole in the base (under the mainspring) for securing it to the school desk. It has a red Signal Corps stamp "SC120A" on the bottom of the base. The steel nameplate carries a June 6 1941 date and serial number 1215.

This key is complete, original and in very good condition, with an excellentnameplate. It is a nice representative example of the bug as first seen by RO trainees.
Another view. ... Nameplate.

SOLD

#M0411JCB Winslow J-37.

The ubiquitous J-37 hand key, used on various bases to create other J-xx key types. This one is stamped "Winslow Tele-Tronics Inc 66150" on the main lever. It is in excellent, unused condition.

SOLD

#J37ANGSC Signal Corps J-37 on base..

This key is a J-37 in an "I" shaped Bakelite base. This model, a J-37 on the unique Bakelite base, does not have its own military nomenclature. Ten of them were included in the lid of the AN/GSC-T1 code training set. Each key had its cord wrapped around the base (the reason for the indents on each side).

This one is new-old-stock, unused, and still has its original, unwrapped cord.

$55.00

#J37CLK As above, but lightly used (the cord has been unwrapped).

$50.00

#J37N156 Signal Corps J-37 on base..

This key is a J-37 in an "I" shaped Bakelite base. This model, a J-37 on the unique Bakelite base, does not have its own military nomenclature. Ten of them were included in the lid of the AN/GSC-T1 code training set. Each key had its cord wrapped around the base (the reason for the indents on each side). Very good condition, though the cord is missing.

$45.

AN/GSC-T1.

The code training unit mentioned above, without keys. The oscillator is mounted in a heavy military style carrying case with handles, measuring about 18 x 11 x 14 inches high. Several manufacturers made these for the Army Signal Corps, this one was made by McElroy Manufacturing Corp.(McElroy was the world champion radio telegrapher and the maker of the collectible Mac-Key bugs, prior to WWII). These units operate on several DC and AC voltages (selectable). Complete instructions are on the engraved metal plate on the front panel

It is original and in excellent cosmetic condition. Electrically tested on 115 VAC and working, in both the audio oscillator and the neon blinker modes. The photo here is a typical complete unit, not the one offered, if you are interested request actual photos.

$145.00 plus shipping of $45.00 insured Fedex ground in the lower 48 states.
Special: This unit plus one NOS J-37 on base, $179.00 plus shipping.

J-38 keys, see this page.

#J41A097 Signal Corps J-41-A..

This is a scarce model since it was used on only one device, the TG-5 (TG-5A) field signal set. It has both open and closed contacts - notice the third binding post near the tension adjustment screw. This one is in new condition in its original (plain, unmarked) box. No manufacturer indicated. The box has a pencilled spot on the top.
$75.

#J43N151 Signal Corps J-43..

This general purpose key is composed of a J-37 on an engraved Bakelite base. It has a toggle switch which connects the contact to a "relay" terminal. No manufacturer is indicated. This scarce key is in very good condition, complete and original.
$75.

#J44N155 Signal Corps J-44..

This key was used with radio sets SCR-178 and SCR-179 (BC-187). It is composed of a J-37 on an engraved Bakelite base. It has a slide switch marked "voice" and "tel" which shorts the key terminals (it is like the old landline circuit closer lever). This key was made by and is marked E.F. Johnson, well known as the manufacturer of the "Viking" line of amateur radio transmitters after the war. Very good condition, complete and original, slight defect in base at upper left.
$75.

#507COT Signal Corps J-45 type key.

(Click on photo for another view.) Army Signal Corps J-45 with the usual J-37 key, this has the later KY-116/U nomenclature stamped into one side of the leg clamp. This includes a CO5-2-22 cable terminated in a PJ055B plug. The cable and clamp shows age and wear (see photos); they key looks almost NOS and appears to be a later replacement. Another photo.
$74.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#607CLY Signal Corps J-45 type key.

Army Signal COrps J-45 type key with the usual J-37 key and the later KY-116/U nomenclature. Very clean and very good condition.
Second photo.
$74.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#U606CAT Winslow J-45 TYPE with J-47.

This is very much like the Army Signal Corps J-45 or the KY116/U leg-clamp key, but on this rare variation a J-47 slides into a holder on the leg clamp. (Will not slide out, at least not easily, perhaps after 60 years of being installed.) The Winslow logo is stamped onto the steel leg clamp. The J-47 has no maker's mark. It folds up just like the more common J-45. The only one of this style I have found in twenty years of collecting. A superb item for the US military key collector who wants a complete collection.
Second photo.
$245.00 (S&H = $12.00)

A German military version of this key is shown on this page.

#MIL907COG WWII J-46 key.

This rare hand key is a simple strap key on a 2 x 4 inch Bakelite base. It was part of the Signal Corps EE-84 portable field signal lamp set which includes the M-132 Signal Light. It is one of the very few Signal Corps keys that does not have its J-type nomenclature marked on it.
This key is new old stock in its original box "mfg. by the Winslow Company" and dated April 30, 1942. Click on the photo for a larger view.
$145.00 (S&H = $7.00)

Note: The J-47 radio key (no circuit closer) is a nice hand key for amateur radio use. Because it is mounted far back on its base, it will not tip when used.

#J47N153 Signal Corps J-47..

The J-47 was used with various radios or signal lamps. While the more common J-47 is a J-37 on a flat, engraved base, this J-47 has a cast Bakelite base, with the J-47 designation cast in. All the metal parts of this key, including the lever, are brass. No manufacturer is indicated. It is in very good condition, complete and original.
$55.00

#L407CTT Lionel J-47.

Here is a scarce Lionel J-47 key. It is the same hand key as the J-38, but without the circuit closer and on a J-47 marked base (with a red Signal Corps stamp). This may have been assembled by a third-party vendor, as the base is not the usual Lionel type (or perhaps Lionel bought the bases "out of house"). The key shows age: the main lever has lost most of its plating and is tarnished. Otherwise it is all original.
Second photo.
$65.00

#307CLA Lionel J-47.

(Click on photo for a larger view.) Army Signal Corps J-47 by the Lionel Corp, known better as the maker of model railroad trains. This uses the same Lionel key as the J-38, but without the circuit closing lever. It also uses the same basic Lionel Bakelite base ("L" variation), but drilled and etched for the J-47. This is a rare find. Very good condition, complete and original. Bottom photo.
$125.00

#0407COH Signal Corps J-48-A hand key.

This is the key that clips inside the cover of the BC-654 receiver-transmitter (part of SCR-284). The base is stamped J-48-A (under the knob). It is comprised of an insulated hand key with skirted knob, on an aluminum base with an aluminum cover. Usually found with a short cord terminated in a PL-55 plug, this one has a non-orignal cord and 1/4" plug, ready for ham use.
Under the cover is a Bakelite-based J-37 key. A few capacitors have been added to eliminate key clicks.
This is in good condition. There are the usual small chips in the finish, and a couple of large chips in the finish of the cover.
Second photo.
$97.00

#1107KY605U modern Signal Corps mobile key.

This is a KY-605/U key; it has velcro straps, and is made to be strapped on the thigh for mobile use. This particular key was made for the Signal Corps in 1977 by Electro-Voice, Inc. The key is similar to the J-37 degign, using a leaf spring under the lever. Most of the parts are high-impact plastic. It has gap and tension adjustments. The straps may be removed if you would like to use it on your operating desk. Overall a very modern military straight key. Condition is new-old-stock, unused, in the original packing.
Another view

$89.00

#408BEH Signal Corps KY-5033 key.

This key was used with the PRC-515 radio. It is a small key (the base is only 4" long), and has a leg strap, and gap and tension edjustments. The cable terminates in a U-229 five-pin connector. Very good condition.
Another view ... Bottom view

SOLD

#508CTT PRC-74 key cable.

This five-foot cable is terminated in a U-229 five-pin Signal Corps audio connector. The cable is marked 755002A1001, and is identical to the CX-11468/U cable used to connect a key (KY-562/U) to the PRC-74 radio. The spade terminals are wired to connector pins "A" and "E". This cable was likely used with other equipment also.
The KY-562/U key, by the way, is a leg-clamp key like the J-45 or KY-116/U, with a CX-11468/U cable attached. Put this cable on a J-45 and you will have a KY-562/U.
This cable is new-old stock surplus, unused.
Another view

$24.00 (S&H = $6.00) We have a few available, inquire if you want more than one.

Signal Corps WWI trench transmitter

This is a Signal Corps portable spark transmitter marked SCR-74-A, made by American Radio and Research Corporation (AMRAD), New York NY and Medford Mass. (Reference BC-18A.) It has the instructions and schematic in the lid, and an original paper tag attached (not filled out) with AMRAD's Medford Hillside address. This consists of an induction coil, spark gap, battery meter and telegraph key. The large terminals on the left marked ANT and GND and are for attaching the antenna and ground to the set. The compartment on the right is for the 10 volt battery. There is a rubber cover so that the telegraph key can be operated with the lid closed, and two mica windows in the lid for observing the spark gap and the amp meter. Additional information is on this PDF page.

This military wireless set was designed for reporting from the trenches as described by Capt. A.P. Corcoran, "Wireless in the Trenches," in Popular Science, May 1917, pages 795-799: "The wireless, as I have said, is now an essential part in all trench warfare. When the infantry adavances to an attack, the operator is always slightly to the rear. Where formerly a detachment of men had to reel out hundreds upon hundreds of yards of cable to establish telephone communication between a trench newly taken from the enemy and the first line reserve behind, now the operator simply picks up his box, his ground mat and his aerial singlehanded and advances simultaneously with the attackers. Arriving at his new position, he props up his aerial, lays his ground mat and communications are established almost at once. It would be hard to overestimate the importance of his duties. When an enemy trench is being taken, it is he who reports the progress of the encounter-- the number of the enemy, the nature of their defence, the amount of the casualties on either side, the condition of the trench when it is finally taken-- whether it has been badly damaged by artillery fire, or whether it is practically intact. If a gas attack is coming, it is he who sends the warning to the men behind to put their gas helmets on."

This particular set was probably made after the end of the war, around 1920 or so. It appears original and complete and in good condition, with the exceptions that there is no battery and the web carry strap is broken. The case is about 11-1/2 x 12 x 6 inches. It weighs 20 pounds. A scarce addition to your early wireless or military radio collection.
Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5
$5,495.00 includes US shipping lower 48 states.

#M907TEO Signal Corps EE1-A buzzerphone telegraph Set.

This is a WWI wire telegraph set for field use. It was made by Western Electric and is dated 1919. It is a compact and fairly small unit; the wooden case measures about 9-1/2" x 6" x 6-1/2" high.
The EE1-A buzzerphone was developed for secrecy in field communications, and avoids message interception by ordinary induction methods or methods using leakage current to ground. It is a wire transmitter / receiver (one side of the line may use ground) using very low direct current, about 60 microamps. The telegraph key is marked "4A" but it is not a "J" type key.
At the receiving unit, a "howler" (two microphone buttons and a headphone earpiece) modulates the signal so it can be heard in the receiving operator's earpiece. The howler in the sending operator's unit provides feedback (sidetone) to him.
This rare unit shows age but is complete except for the earphone, batteries and carrying strap. The outer nameplate is good, and the metal corners, latches, and strap brackets are present and good. The operating instructions and schematic inside the cover are very good. The metal ID plates (send/receive, potentiometer, and manufacturer) have lost some of their finish. The earpiece clip is still present, as are its wires. The key has all its parts and works well. The unit does need some cleaning and its electrical operating condition is unknown.
Add a vintage headphone earpiece and this would make a great item for WWI re-enactments.
Interior ... Interior close up ... Underside of chassis.

$345.00 (S&H = $20.00)

#M1107BGA Signal Corps EE1-A key.

This is the 4B key from a WWI buzzerphone telegraph set (see above). It is mounted on a Bakelite base with a wood sub-base. It is so well done that it looks like it came this way.
The key has its front and back contacts brought out to wire terminals; the center terminal is common (key frame). It works well and can be used on the air.
Another view ... and another.

$145.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#M907CDB Signal Corps WWI telephone handset.

This is a WWI field telephone handset. I do not know its nomenclature or what system it goes with. It is stamped in red "SC 1285P" (?) and "19-C."
It is complete with its cord and clips. There is some corrosion on the back plates, and it needs cleaning. The receiver and transmitter caps unscrew easily.
Another view ... and another.

$45.00 (S&H = $10.00)

#0930CLG Signal Corps TG-5-B Telegraph Set.

This is a WWII telegraph set made by the Winslow Company (code CAKU) in 1944, serial no. 6581. This set contains the only application of the J-41 3-terminal key. It is missing the headphone. The battery compartment at the back is empty, and clean. The front panel hinge stop (at left corner) is broken, and the exterior of the case shows age with some areas of rust especially on the right side. The interior is in good condition.
Interior. Inner lid schematic. Exterior.

SOLD

#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.
Second photo.

$225.00 (S/H = $8.00)

#165 TG-30 hand key.

This key, with its Bakelite base, was removed from a TG-30 telegraph / teletypewriter repeater set. This steel lever key has a solid brass frame and hardware. The black-finished frame has "P0582B" cast into it. It is one of the rare military keys with a back contact (another is the J-41). Solder connectors are on the bottom. With its large radio type contacts, it would make an excellent ham radio key.

$75.00

I think it's appropriate to list the best book, and finest reference, ever written on Navy communications (including apparatus) here:

Howeth, L.S. History of Communications-Electronics in the United States Navy. Washington, GPO, 1963. Hardcover, 7 X 10 inches, 657 pages, illustrated. No dj (as issued). A complete history of Naval Communications from ancient and medieval types to modern radio and radar. Includes the birth of radio, negotiations with the Marconi company, early installations and problems, regulations, early radio industry, aircraft radio, underwater and sound detection, chronological information. Wireless, spark, telegraphy, etc. Photos of early equipment such as the receiver at Belmar NJ, SE-143 receiver, 1924 NRL transmitter etc. This book contains information available nowhere else. Very good condition. photo-1 ... photo-2 ...

#2H101 $149.00 (S&H = $5.00)

I am indebted to Rob Flory, K2WI, for information on some of these Navy keys. You can see his website on WWII Navy Radio here.

#901CTY Navy hand key.

U.S. Navy radio hand key made by Signal Electric Mfg. Co. Steel main lever, brass base. It has a SEMCo no. 1852-A cast inthe bottom of the base, and the Navy nomenclature CSE-26001 stamped into the top of the base. Shows use and age but in overall good condition.
Another view.

SOLD

#M408DTY Navy hand key.

U.S. Navy radio hand key made by Lundquist Tool & Mfg. Co. Steel main lever, base seems to be zinc plated brass. From the wear pattern it looks like it had a circuit closer at one time but no longer... good for radio use.
Obviously used but a heavy, solid hand key made to US Navy specs.
Another view.

$34.00

#407BAG Navy KOB set.

This is a scarce Navy combination se (KOB set). I am told these were used for ship-to-shore landline communucations when in dock. This is only the second one I have seen in years of collecting. Made by Bunnell, both the key and sounder are marked, and there is a nameplate on the Bakelite base. It is 20 ohms and operates on 6 VDC. A nice looking unit; both the key and the sounder are plated. Good condition, tested and working. Another view.

SOLD

#M0411JCA Navy model CLT26012A hand key.

This key was made by Lundquist Tool co. It is unusual in that it is completely insulated. The base and terminal caps are bakelite; the lever is insulated from its contact. The left pivot support is marked GND and has a screw for directly wiring the supports and lever to system ground. At the left side of the base is a slot for a bug wedge. All of the metal parts are brass. Very good condition.

SOLD

#M1206KJC Navy button key

This little (1-3/4" square) key has no model identification on it, but others have the Navy nomenclature CAY-26013 stamped on it (the maker "CAY" is Westinghouse Electric). It was for the Navy TBY transmitter-receiver. This key has mounting screw tabs, and also a clip on the bottom. Originally this key would have a thin rubber cover, but most of them have been lost due to age and wear. The cord has been cut off; otherwise it is very good with no chips or dents. Scarce.

SOLD

Note, the TBX and TBY radios were used by both the Navy and Marine Corps.

waterproof Brelco leg clamp key.

This sealed key was made by Brelco, and bears the Navy nomenclature CAQZ-26026 which indicates manufacturer (CAQZ) and key type (26026). It is for a Navy TBX-8 transmitter-receiver. The key can be worn on the operator's leg with the clamp, or removed from the leg clamp and mounted on top of the radio. This one comes with the scarce leg clamp; it is in excellent condition, with the original cable and PL-55 plug.
Second photo.

Sold, shown for reference.

#M607CTY Brelco leg clamp key.

As above, but without the leg clamp. This has its original 5-foot cord with plug. Clip it on top of your TBX radio, or it makes a nice weatherproof Amateur Radio key for field day. Click on the image for another view. Tested and working.
$85.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#906CBC Navy leg clamp key.

This is a Navy type 26001 hand key on a clip-type base; it is for a TBX through TBX-6 transmitter-receiver, and mounts on top of the radio as shown on this page. It may or may not have been used with a leg clamp. This key is supposed to have a rubber boot on top of it. (K2WI says the boot makes it really hard to adjust; when it was new it was probably not too hard to remove the boot to adjust it, but for an old key he wouldn't dare.) This makes a nice and unusual ham radio key, with the base screwed to the operating desk.
$75.00

#408CAY Waterproof key.

It is rare to find one of these with the rubber waterproofing boot intact. I believe the key under the boot is a 26001 type hand key. Although the boot feels fresh and supple, I don't want to try to remove it and chance damaging it.
This was used with a TBX through TBX-6 transmitter-receiver, and mounts on top of the radio as shown on this page. It may or may not have been used with a leg clamp.
The stamp on the bottom (a T inside a diamond) is a Navy stamp, and is found almost exclusively on equipment used by the Marine Corps. Here is a great addition to your U.S. military key collection.
Another view ... Key and cord ... Symbol on bottom
$149.00

#409BLY Waterproof key.

Navy TBX key, same as above.
$149.00

Navy signal lamp key.

This rare waterproof key-and-capacitor assembly was used on a ship for yardarm light signalling. It is a 26003 key (unusual in that it is not marked) mounted on a sealed capacitor. While the nameplate says "General Electric Signal Key," the nomenclature (CMI-26003A) on the nameplate indicates this device was made by Molded Isulation Company. The key disc is marked "do not close over 2 min" and a plate on the capacitor reads "warning, do not hold key closed for illumination purposes, U.S. Navy."
Another view.
$169.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#RM-28 key cover, with key.

This rarely seen Bakelite cover measures 3-1/2" in diameter and 1-1/4 inches high. The decal on the top reads "key cover, type RM-28, Radiomarine Corporation of America." These keys were used used on the RCA 4U through 6U shipboard consoles (found on many Victory ships in WWII) to protect the RO from the high voltage present on the key contacts; see, for example, this 4U console. This item includes an original Signal Corps J-37 key. The cover is in fine condition; the decal is worn.
Second photo. ... Third photo.

SOLD

#0704BEP Navy control panel and key.

This is an incomplete SB-315(X)/U control panel with key "for general electronics use" made for Buships by Tabet Manufacturing Co. of Norfolk, Virginia. The Bakelite plate is about 5-1/2 x 6-3/4 inches. The aluminum data plate is in very good condition. The key is a rare model of the J-37 with an insulated contact on the lever, see the second photo.

SOLD

#804KM1 Navy Signal Key.

This is a Navy ship's "signal key with capacitor" made by Westinghouse. It is used, I am told, to activate yardarm signal lights. It incorporates a CMI-26003A key (made by Molded Insulation Co.) and a 2 Mfd capacitor in a weatherproof cast aluminum housing. Tha nameplate is dated 10/52. The plate is a bit faded, but otherwise this is in excellent condition and appears never to have been placed in service. Second photo.
$175. (S&H = $12.00 UPS)

#1106CTY NAN sytem key

This plate was apparently mounted on a box or panel. The circular brass part is marked "Manual key for X-3A NAN system;" the steel plate is stamped "PNY" and "S6700-696055." The plate has a lamp adjustment knob for bright and dim. The Key arm is soldered to a flexible brass plate which is sealed from the bottom apparatus. Underneath are the large, heavy current contacts. My guess is that is was a yard-arm lamp key. Second photo. Third photo.

SOLD

#0204BOL yardarm light key

This unusual and scarce Navy ship key was mounted on a sealed enclosure and so was of the "flameproof" type. It is said to be part of a ship's infrared yardarm light signalling system for signaling at night under darkened ship conditions. Stamped next to the indicator lamp is "AN/SAT-2 monitor." The key incorporates a locking or circuit closing lever. The brass plate is about 6-3/4" in diameter. Since it is from a ship, this is one key that could appropriately be polished up and be a sharp addition to any collection.
Second photo. ... Third photo.
$89.00 (S&H = $12.00)

#082 Navy CQ-1213.

This is a rare, early WWI CQ-1213, the Navy version of the J-7. The metal plate on the lamp cover reads "flame proof key and winker, type CQ-1213, serial no. 4518Q, International Radio Telegraph Co." The cover of the key is engraved "airplane flame-proof radio key, type CAG-1159, made for Navy Department, Bu. of S.E., General Radio Co., Cambridge, Mass." (The Bureau of Steam Engineering had jurisdiction over telegraph keys for the Navy.) This is complete and original (except for the lamp, missing as usual); the lamp base finish is chipped; the key cover plate has some oxidation - freckling; and the key lever is slightly bent.
Larger photo. ... Other side. ... Plates.
$495.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#U306TPP Navy CQ-1140 .

This is a rare, early WWI CQ-1140, the Navy version of the J-7. The metal plate on the left side of the base reads "flame proof key and winker, type CQ-1140, serial no. [blank], International Radio Telegraph Co." This is complete and original (except for the lamp, missing as usual). The key cover is scuffed, there is some scufrfing on the lamp cover, and the knob seems to have a bit of heat damage.
Right side. ... Nameplate.
$495.00 (S&H = $9.00)

#BC507CLY Navy flameproof key..

This is a CTE-26003A flameproof key, made by Telephonics Corp for the U.S. Navy in the WWII era. Although it is said to have been intended for lamp signalling, many Navy operators considered the 26003A to be the best hand key for sending Morse. This rugged key includes a "Navy type" knob, and a cable clamp. It is completely sealed, with external adjustments for contact gap and tension. The protective plastic cap over the terminals is, as usual, missing; otherwise this is original, clean and in good used condition.
Another view

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