Monday, July 4, 2016, 1 a.m. — I want to welcome the newest addition to my key collection, this rather dirty but complete 1923 Vibroplex Original, SN 89,879.
I have always enjoyed closely examining the keys that I get and looking for tell-tale clues about their previous owner(s). For starters, this key has a properly connected (and secured) Western Union fabric-covered wedge cord; judging from the wear on the circuit closer, this key definitely worked for a living.
The plating is in pretty good shape for a working key; the owner apparently had quite a bit of pride in his key, judging from the very old paint chips on the corners that were repaired. The base shows no major scratches, just a good deal of dust and dirt. It makes me wonder if this key was protected at some point by a carrying case. I have a number of early 1920s keys that show much more wear than this key. Did this key get some use? Judging from the nearly worn away contact on the dot contact post, I would say “yes!”
At some point I think this key took a dive from a busy desktop; the main pivot frame leans several degrees to the rear of the key, though the frame does not show scratches of such an impact. The “lean” isn’t substantial; if it were, it would interfere with the damper’s proper function.
I have yet to get this key in the shack; right now the operating position is overrun with Lionel J-36s. I was doing some cleaning and ran across two more, one of which was a “freebie” that arrived with another key. I spent some time looking for the envelope of J-36 repro labels I had made but can’t find them yet. Two of the three would look mighty minty with a new label; the third, well, its in need of a good cleaning first.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY. I decided splurge a little and with plans to sell some stuff on eBay, I decided to quietly pursue a less-common key I wanted to add to my collection — if the price was right. I’m not sure how it happened, but I successfully sniped a complete and in good, as-found condition Bunnell Gold Bug. I have two already — one is complete, the other lacks the label, weight and (I think) the circuit closer. The new one is likely going to be the best of the three. Anyway, I’m looking forward to its safe arrival in the next week or so.
I’m listing more “stuff” on eBay this weekend in order to build up my radio fund. I’m probably going to sell my Hallicrafters SX-130, and reluctantly, my BC-348. I’ve owned the BC-348 for some years, and the novelty has worn off. I’m also less interested in tweaking knobs, and would rather just set a modern rig on a frequency and not have to retune every so often. I hate to think about shipping the BC-348, and hate the idea of having to pack the thing. Ugh!
73 es CUL de KY4Z SK CL … dit dit …