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.
Shipping of a single key on this page in the lower 48 U.S. states is $13.00 for a bug or $7.00 for a hand (straight) key. Elsewhere, inquire.
Items are in the following country order:
Australia
Canada
England
Germany
Other (if any)
#234 Simplex Auto bug. Right-angle bugs have the pendulum mounted transversely on the base. The typical U.S. example is the Mecograph. Here is a right-angle bug from Australia, probably made in early 1947 by Leo G. Cohen of Mebourne, Victoria. The serial number is 57xx. It is in very good condition, complete and original.
Second photo.
$745. (S&H = $9.00)
A note on the Simplex Auto: "The Simplex Auto register" is kept up to date by former PMG Telegraphist Bill Morrow. Leo Cohen never bothered to date his keys. But some of the old Telegraphists that worked with him remember the year when they bought the bug from him. Therefore there is a rough guess about the year of manufacturing. Leo Cohen manufactured his first one in 1920 and legend goes that he started numbering at #100. First one on the register is is # 0158. Roughly 3xxx series was made in 1930s. 4xxx in early 1940s and 5xxx in late 1940s.
Since Simplex Auto 5492 was made in Nov 1946 and 5859 in July 1947, I estimate that your 57xx was made early 1947.
This information courtesty of Herman, VK2IXV
#123AUT Automorse bug. Australia is known for its unusual animals and odd telegraph "jiggers." This is a scarce, vintage three-lever bug from the land down under, patented by N. P. Thomas of Adelaide and made by Hitchcox Bros. The upper levers operate similar to a Vibroplex two-lever (automatic dots and manual dashes); I think the third (lower) lever is intended to give automatic dashes but I could only adjust it for slower dots. Anyway it appears complete and original, and shows light freckling to the base plating and wear to the upper T-bar plating. This could be the most unusual addition to your collection.
Second photo. Third photo. Fourth photo.
$2,498. (S&H = $15.00)
#507EEL Wilson SA100 RAF bug.
Wilson model SA100 bug made for the Canadian RAF. This is the collectible "upside-down bug" -- remove the three feet from the bottom, place them on the frame and damper, place it upside-down on the operating table, and you have a left-handed bug. This one has the scarce original nameplate. It does have some chipping of the finish. Comes with cord and wedge.
Another view.
SOLD
#296COY British RAF identification light key.
I understand that this key was used to light (either "steady" or "Morse" using the key) the upward or downward identification lights on Canadian RAF aircraft.
The housing is cast metal, with a Bakelite back cover, and isabout 3-1/2 inches in diameter. The markings at the top read "REF No 5c/372", in the center is "Canada", and at the bottom is "switchbox identification, No. 2 Mark III."
At the upper left on the key is a knob tension adjustment. The cover of the key is hinged at the left, and it can be opened. There is a wiring diagram inside.
Excellent condition; appears to have never been put in service.
Another view.
Inside view.
$225.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#296DOY British RAF identification light key.
I understand that this key was used to light (either "steady" or "Morse" using the key) the upward or downward identification lights on Canadian RAF aircraft. The Bakelite housing is about 3-1/2 inches in diameter. Cast into it (in addition to the light instructions) is "A[crown]M TYPE B, REF No 5c/372" and "switchbox identification."
Very good condition. Some chipping of the finish on the brass key knob.
Another view.
$145.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#811CLP British WWII hand key.
Not much is known about this key. It is said to be British, dating from WWII. It appears to be part of a radio set: The NC and NO contact wires connect from the bottom (the ground or common screw is on the right side pivot stand). There are two mounting holes in the base. The letters FH appear on the bottom (see photo).
It has a cast, open-frame base measuring 3-3/8 x 1-5/8 inches, with a wood knob. This sturdy little key works well. While I can't really place it, it is only the second one I have seen in many years.
$129.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#0805CAG ... English Post Office key.
A vintage PO key made by Walters. All brass with WE8208 cast into the lever and PATT: 1056.A stamped into the front edge of the wood base. It has some solder in two places where wires were affixed (see photos), and the back contact terminal nut may not be original. A nice addition to your vintage foreign key collection.
Second photo. $225.00 (S&H = $10.00)
#310CGP British 10A/7741 "bathtub" key.
This was the standard key used in British (and Canadian) bombers such as the Lancaster, Halifax and Wellington aircraft during WWII. It is enclosed for use in explosive environments. All of the parts are brown Bakelite. The wire terminals are on top, and the adjustments are inside. The clip holds the cover closed, and can also be slipped over the skirt of the knob to hold it down and so send out a continuous signal. This allowed the radio operator to parachute out of a damaged plane while still sending a homing signal for rescue craft.
The key is complete and original. The skirt of the rear wire terminal knob is chipped. Inside, the screw mounting tubes are chipped but this will not affect mounting the key. It appears to have been painted silver at one time, and still has remnants of the paint on it. Clean it up for a historic addition to your military collection.
Another view. ... Inside view. ... Inner mounting screw tubes.
$109.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#1110CLA British 10A/7741 "bathtub" key.
WWII British and Canadian aircraft key, see description above. The flexible diaphragm under the key knob (which seals the key) is mostly gone, otherwise this is in excellent condition.
Another view.
$129.00 (S&H = $8.00)
The W.T. 8 AMP key and Key and Plug Assembly No. 9. The W.T. 8 AMP key was used with many different types of signalling equipment, and the Key and plug Assembly No. 9 was used with the Wireless Set No. 19. These keys and assemblies were made by Canadian, British, and U.S. manufacturers, but I will list them all here as their use was mainly by the British and of course in the European theater.
#1206KJC 1940 British military WT 8 AMP key.
This is the No. 2 MK II version of this ubiquitous British key (Meulstee design 2 variation A, AWA Review vol. 8). Cast into the bottom is the maker and year "P.T. & E.W., 1940." Excellent condition.
Larger photo.
SOLD
#111BCP Key and Plug Assembly No. 9.
This one is U.S. made, by Bunnell. It is a rather unique design, lacing a space contact, and with a knob style different from the others. It may have never had a cover, since a cover was only required on those used in the field. But it is missing the cord and plug. Some surface rust has removed some of the painted finish on the base.
Another view.
Bunnell name.
Bottom view.
$75.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#F707CGR German Junker leg-clip key.
Junker DGBM key on a slide-in leg clip. This classic Junker ("yoonker") key has three binding posts for the front and rear contacts. The spring tension adjustment is the knob on the left pivot frame. The rear gap screw is a precision spring-loaded adjustment. Perhaps because this was intended for mobile use (in a moving vehicle over bouncing terrain?) the contact gap is quite large. This is in very good condition, and a scarce find for the military telegraph instrument collector.
Another view.
Gap adjustment and contacts.
Gap adjustment screw.
$245.00 (S&H = $12.00)
The leg clip is very similar (but not identical) to the U.S. Winslow leg clip shown on this page. I do not know who may have copied the other.
The German Taste P. This is an enclosed key; the hinge cover and base are Bakelite. Often referred to as a Baumuster key (the manufacturer), this was the standard hand key used in WWII by Nazi German ground troops, the Reich Wehrmacht. It is a commercial key and those acquired by the military received an inspection stamp from the Army Weapons Agency (Waffenamt, or WaA) consisting of an eagle over a swastika over the inspector's number, for example WaA576. On some keys the stamp is branded into the base, on others it is an ink stamp.
The cover bears a lightning bolt which warns of voltage, and the legend vor dem offnen stecker herausziehen ("unplug before opening"). Early war keys will have Ta.P. (Taste P, or model P Key) in a circle; later keys had a blank circle. This key will be found on different sub-bases depending on the particular radio application.
Those we have are shown below, whether commercial (no inspection stamp) or military.
#199 Nazi German Taste P.
WWII hand key with Nazi inspection stamp on the original metal sub-base (stamp is unclear, cannot make out the swastika). This is a nice key for display, and a quality key to use on the air. Complete and original. An early key with the "Ta.P." on the cover. Needs cleaning, cord spring has surface rust, cord ends show wear.
Second photo.
$175.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#1105CAO Nazi German Taste P.
This later key (blank circle on cover) has the Waffenamt inspection symbol branded into the base. The key is mounted on the original fiberboard sub-base, and it has a black cloth-covered cord. Excellent condition, appears unused, and the inspection stamp, although small, is clear.
Second photo.
Third photo.
$225. (S&H = $8.00)
#211BBC Nai GermanTaste P.
This late war key (blank circle on cover) is in excellent condition, possibly unused. It has a nice cloth-covered cord, fiberboard sub-base, and a branded inspection stamp.
Closer view.
Inside.
Inspection stamp.
$245.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#606DOP Nazi GermanTaste P.
This early key with the Ta.P. marking on the cover is on a metal sub-base. The cord is hard rubber; there is no plug on it. The inspection mark is an ink stamp (the swastika is not very legible).
Closer view.
Inside.
Inspection stamp.
$150.00 (S&H = $8.00)
#GERMANCROSS German Mother's Cross WWII.
Cross of Honor to the German Mother. This bronze cross was given by the Nazi regime to mothers who had four or five children (there was also a silver and a gold cross, for having more children). It measures about 1-1/4" wide x 1-3/4" high. The reverse includes a facsimile of Hitler's signature. An interesting addition to your display of Nazi-era keys.
This lacks the original ribbon, and there is some chipping of the cloisonne enamel. Click on the photo at right for a larger view.
Close view.
Reverse.
$85.00 (S&H = $5.00)
#D4NXR pre-WWII amateur radio QSL card with swastika.
Ebay cancelled my auction for this card because it shows a swastika (or maybe because this ham says he is a philatelist !), so I am listing it here. This card was sent by D4NXR, a German radio amateur, to confirm radio contact with W9IBC in the United States. It is dated 1937 and measures about 6 x 3-1/2 inches. The back is blank. This card is from the scrapbook of Dayton L. Warner, W9IBC (SK) of Harvey, Illinois. "DL" was the head of Allied Radio's Amateur Division. Click on the photo for a larger view. The other photo shows DL (center) with two fellow amateurs in a photo from a 1940 Allied catalog.
CONDITION: Very good; old glue stains on the left and right edges of the back where it was pasted into the scrapbook. W9IBC photo.
$29.00 includes USA mailing
#D4GAD pre-WWII amateur radio QSL card.
The point of interest for this card is the QTH of the German station: on Adolph Hitler Street. This card was sent by D4GAD, a German radio amateur, to confirm radio contact with W9IBC in the United States. It is dated 1937 and measures about 6 x 3-1/2 inches. The back is blank. This card is from the scrapbook of Dayton L. Warner, W9IBC (SK) of Harvey, Illinois. "DL" was the head of Allied Radio's Amateur Division. Click on the photo for a larger view. The other photo shows DL (center) with two fellow amateurs in a photo from a 1940 Allied catalog.
CONDITION: Very good; upper right corner folded, old glue stains on the left and right edges of the back where it was pasted into the scrapbook.
Close-up photo.
W9IBC photo.
$29.00 includes USA mailing
