I found this key in an antique shop in Bisbee, Arizona, in March 2008. Behind the glass of the display case, it confused me. At first I though it was a Vibroplex Model X, with missing parts. Then the pivot half-frame suggested it was an early Double Lever (again, with missing parts). Then I saw the Mecograph name on the pivot frame, and concluded it was a scarce "in-line" model, the Premier.
But there were too many differences from the Mecograph Premier, and many similarities to the various Vibroplex models of the era. After some research, and input from other collectors, there was no doubt it was made by Vibroplex -- but it wasn't a model I had seen, nor had it ever been advertised.
Since it was a copy of the Mecograph bug, I call it a Vibroplex Premier, and I date it to about 1914.
Since this key was never advertised, and nothing has been found in the historic records of the Vibroplex Company concerning it, my conclusions are based on the history of the Mecograph Company, collector's keys, and a likely scenario.
In 1911, Mecograph (then owned by Benjamin Bellows) announced a new model, the Premier. It was the first Mecograph "in-line" bug (previous ones were right angle, and the very first was William Coffe's 1904 vertical).
In 1913, Vibroplex (Horace Martin and J.E. Albright) bought the Mecograph company from Bellows' widow. The sale undoubtedly included not only the name, trademarks and patent rights, but a supply of unfinished keys and parts. Although the purpose of the acquisition was to put a competitor out of business, there was no reason not to recoup the cost of acquiring Mecograph by completing the keys and selling them.
Toward the end of using up the Mecograph parts, some liberties were taken. An odd mixture of parts and unusual serial numbers appeared on the last Mecographs; for example, one collector has a right-angle Mecograph on a Bellows-type Premier base, with a serial number 4,000 higher than the highest numbered "correct" model.
Once the Mecograph parts bins ran out, Vibroplex made a few Premiers using various Vibroplex parts. But they soon decided there was no real advantage in continuing to produce a bug which would compete with other Vibroplex keys, especially since the Premier was somewhat similar to (but lacked the single contact design) of the recently introduced Model X (1911).
Why do I credit this key to Vibroplex? It is of the same style design as the Mecograph Premier. But based on the parts used and the differences listed here, it is apparent that Vibroplex made this Premier.
- The base (3-1/8 x 6 inches) is cast iron, like that on Vibroplexes (the Mecograph base was machined steel).
- The binding posts are common for what Martin/Albright had, and unlike the Mecograph terminals.
- The pendulum is thicker, and like that on the contemporaneous Model X. (When found, it had no weight; a weight from a 1913 Model X, seen in the photos, fits perfectly.)
- The upper pivot screws are similar to what Vibroplex used, and not the fancier Mecograph types.
- The circuit closer is on the right side (Mecograph was on the left), and is a typical Vibroplex design.
- The center piece that holds the main lever stop screws is one piece, similar to that on a Double Lever (Mecograph used separate posts).
- The feet screws protrude to the top of the base, where nuts attach, like the contemporaneous Vibroplex Model X (Mecograph used blind screw holes).
- The blue over black japan finish is like that used on the Blue Racer, which came out in 1914.
- Remnants of an Albright decal are on the base, as used on the first Blue Racers.
Although the Albright decal was used, the side of the pivot frame on this key is stamped with the following:
MECOGRAPH / PATENTED / FEB 13 06 / MAY 28 07 / MAY 5 08 / NOV 9 09
(This is another difference: Mecograph Premiers had the maker's information stamped into the base, and patent information stamped into the pendulum weight. This is the only Premier known to have information stamped on the pivot frame.)
Undoubtedly Vibroplex would want to preserve the patent rights it had acquired, and so marked them on the key.
The serial number, located on the center stop screw holder, is C564. (This is more Vibroplex evidence. A letter preceding the serial number was a common Vibroplex practice on early versions of some keys. The 1914 Vibroplex Blue Racer serial numbers began with B; those for the early Double Lever began with D.)
While a few Vibroplex Premier bugs were likely made, this key is the only known example.
Tom French, W1IMQ
artifaxbooks.com