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.

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.

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

#296BOH Marconi Victor records.
Marconi Victor Course on Wireless Telegraphy by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Six records (twelve lessons) of wireless (Continental) code instruction "made with a hand-manipulated telegraph key" by Harry Chadwick, instructor at the Marconi Institute. This includes the often-missing Handbook of Instructions (3-1/4 x 5-1/2 inches, 27 pages) describing each of the lessons on the records and giving the content. No date in the booklet but the records bear patent dates from 1903 to 1908.

I have not played the records, they are likely 78 RPM and appear to be in very good condition. The outside of the case shows its age with stains and is somewhat dirty. The booklet has some tears on a few pages but overall is in good condition. Note that the Morse punctuation on the records and in the booklet is the old style.

Scarce item for the early radio or telegraph museum or collector.

Another photo.
Another photo.
Another photo.

$179.00 (S&H=$13.00)

#708FLER Signal Electric wireless KOB.
This is an unused, new old 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.

SOLD

There were several punched paper tape code practice machines offered to sudents in the 1920s right up through the 1950s. These included names such as Instructograph, Teleplex and Nacometer. They used tapes punched in Continental or American Morse, which were "double sided" -- flip it over to play the other "side."

The earliest machines were crank-wound and had dry cells to operate an external sounder; the tapes were on a wooden spool. The last ones, made as late as the 1970s, incorporated a transistorized oscillator for headphones and the tapes were on plastic spools.

These make interesting display items, and might even be used to learn Morse code today! We sometimes have them for sale, as well as paper tapes and other information.

#711CBC Instructograph instruction book.
This instruction book was furnished with Instructograph sets, from older hand-crank units to the last Model 500 (those with the Model 500 had a sticker informing the student to "disregard pages 4 though 10"). It is 5-1/4 x 8-1/2 inches and contains 48 pages.

This covers all aspects of the Instructograph, from adjustment, connections, and operation, to learing the code, as well as a description of the ten basic tapes in both Continental and American Morse.

We have a few original copies of this book in used condition, and will send you the best available at the time of your order.

Pages 6-7.
Pages 20-21.

$14.00 (S&H=$3.00, no shipping charge if ordered with any set.)

#011CJC Instructograph set.
This Instructograph has an AC motor. It is a three-terminal model, for use with a sounder and battery, or an external oscillator.

Good cosmetic condition, untested. The motor seems stuck, may only need lubrication, but I offer it as a display piece, as is.
The tape and box shown are NOT included, and there is no take-up spool.

Another photo.
Another.
Another photo.
Another photo.

$35.00 (S&H=$15.00)

Instructograph wiring. On a three-terminal unit, your key connects to the back and center terminals (in parallel with the unit's contacts), and the sounder to the center and front terminals. The battery connects to the back and front terminals; the wires for the battery are inside the unit.
If using a self-powered oscillator, connect it in place of the sounder, and omit the battery.

On a four-terminal unit (i.e. one with an oscillator), connect your key to the back two terminals (in parallel with the unit's contacts), and your headphones to the front two terminals.

You can omit an external key if you are only using the Instructograph tape to generate the code.

#892CCR Tube type AC Instructograph.
This AC-operated Instructograph is a four-terminal model which has the early vacuum tube oscillator built in. Very good cosmetic condition. It is untested. As usual the oscillator would likely need at least the capacitors replaced. This includes the tape and take-up spool shown.

A view inside the back with panel removed.
Exterior.

SOLD

#511BBC Transistor type AC Instructograph.
This AC-operated Instructograph is a four-terminal model which has a transistorized oscillator built in.

Good cosmetic condition, some fuzziness on the exterior edges. It is untested. As usual the oscillator would likely need at least the capacitors replaced. This includes take-up spool shown.

A view inside the back with panel removed.
Exterior.

$49.00 (S&H=$19.00)

#711BGO Model 500 Instructograph.
A late model Instructograph, this is an AC-operated, transistorized set with a built-in speaker. The 500 models date to the early 1970s. As usual the oscillator would likely need at least the power supply capacitors replaced, so this is electrically untested. The motor is free (turns by hand).

The last of the paper-tape practice sets, this rare model is in very good cosmetic (untested) condition and includes one tape, the two take-up spools, and photocopies of the four-page instructions and the two-page list of tapes available from the Company.

Close-up.
Case exterior.

$129.00 (S&H=$19.00)

#Instructograph tape set.
When you bought or rented (yes, they rented them) an Instructograph, you got a basic set of ten tapes. This is a complete set in Continental (radio, or wireless) Morse code. It is a later set, on the plastic reels.

Another photo.

SOLD

#Instructograph single tape. If you want a tape to complete a display, or to fill out a set, we sometimes have them. This is our inventory at present:

Continental, early (wood reel), no. 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 - $6.00 each

Continental, late (plastic reel), no. 10 - $4.00 each:

Rare no. 13 on late plastic reel ("sentences and misc similar to that given in the Government Amateur license examinations, 13 wpm") $12.00

Shipping of one tape is $3.00; add $0.50 for each additional tape

#210TTL Audible transmitter.
Used for learning Morse code and practice, this is a rare Learners AA Transmitter by the Audible Alphabet Co. of Boston, Mass. It is like a small, hand-crank Instructograph. Offered here is the early model with a cast iron frame; it has two 1901 patent dates. The unit is about 4 inches high.

The operation was described by the company as follows: "The Audible consists of a means for feeding a suitably perforated record [paper tape] between electrical terminals in the same circuit with the key and sounder. The record is placed between the rollers and when the crank is turned, the record passes between the electrical terminals, and the perorations make and break the circuit, just as an operator makes and breaks the circuit with the key." Twelve double-sided "records" or paper tapes were provided with the unit. They were, of course, in American Morse (not wireless Continental) code.

This unit is in excellent original condition. I include with the unit three feet of original tape for your display or demonstration.

Another view.
Name.
Patents.
Gear side.
Top view, contacts.
Crank side.

$249.00 (S&H=$8.00)

#1005CBT key and buzzer.

A vintage key and buzzer offered to the student for practicing wireless (Continental) telegraphy. There is no maker's name on it; the key is similar to those offered by Manhattan and others in the 1920s but the buzzer is unsual (most high frequency buzzers were round).

This set has been rewired to bring the key only to the terminals. It can be re-wired as original; see the last photo. Note that the knured screw on one wire terminal has been replaced with a common screw. The buzzer has been tested and works on 3 volts DC.

Another photo.
Bottom wiring.
Buzzer connections.

$59.00 (S&H=$8.00)

#1096 Official Boy Scout Signal Set.

In the original box, with the original four page instruction and Morse Code lesson folder, both bearing the Boy Scout logo. The box indicates this is from "Boy Scouts of America - National Supply Service Division." The signal set has a high-pitched buzzer, a light, and a clicker to imitate a sounder, selectable with a switch. It takes 2 D size flashlight batteries.

This is used and untested. There is a stain in the sets bottom cardboard, and some rust where a battery was left in. The Scout sticker has come off, but is included. The instruction folder has a couple small spots on it. The box is unusually nice. Overall a nice collectible for your BSA display.
Another photo. ... One more photo.

$45.00 (S&H=$7.00)

#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

#1007RONB Bunnell mechanical practice set .

This is the "in-line" mechanical set, the scarcest of the Bunnell mechanical practice sets and the most desireable. The "sounder" upper stop is bent (undoubtedly from being dropped), but otherwise it is in unusually good condition.
It is complete, fully original, and operates. The impressed logo is evenly stamped and clear.
Another view.
Stamped logo.

$295.00 (S&H=$9.00)

#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)

Note regarding the buzzer practice sets beow. The Speed-X and Signal Electric wireless practice sets (that is, with the high frequency buzzer) may be operated on 3 to 6 volts DC. A lower voltage is preferred. The buzzer is adjustable for tone, although the setting is rather delicate and critical. The sets offered here have been tested, and the buzzer adjusted if neccessary.
When using one set alone, the battery connects to the outside terminals. When connecting two sets together, wire the center terminal of one set directly to the center terminal of the other, and wire the outer terminal of each set through a battery to the inner terminal of the other set. (When using two sets, the key of one set will operate the buzzer of the other set.)

#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. Tested and working.

$45.00 (S&H=$6.00)

#1108CTO Logan model 450 practice set.
Another pre-WWII Speed-X practice set. It appears nearly new-old stock, and is in the original box. Wiring diagrams are printed on the top of the box, and an instruction and code paper is included.
The box shows its age, and some wear. The set has been tested on 6 volts DC and works.
Another photo.

$52.00 (S&H=$7.00)

#1108CEY Signal Electric model R-68 practice set.
A pre-WWII practice set by Signal Electric Manufacturing Company. This model R-68 set is new old stock and in the original box. The wiring diagram is pasted to the bottom of the base. This is a quality practice set on a solid wood base.
The box is in very good condition. The set has been tested and works. It would also make a nice display piece for your wireless or science instrument shelf.
Another photo. ... Bottom.

SOLD

#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

SOLD

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