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A Brief History of Telegraphy

A Brief History of Telegraphy

A Short History of the Galvanometer

A Short History of the Galvanometer


Image of EARLY MORSE KEY, 1910

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EARLY MORSE KEY, 1910

Early Morse key, not dated but marked Marconi.

By its shape and size similar to keys fitted to large ships after 1910.

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A0236

Image of WW1 MORSE KEY AND SOUNDER, 1916

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WW1 MORSE KEY AND SOUNDER, 1916

Morse sending and receiving station. On the side of the unit (out of view) is a standard P.O jack No8 for Telephone plug No406, possibly for a headset, or even a telephone line.
May have been used by the Military although not marked as such.

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A0231

Image of WWII BUG OR PADDLE MORSE KEY, 1942

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WWII BUG OR PADDLE MORSE KEY, 1942

Known as a 'Bugs' key and originally developed as the 'Vibroplex' or semi automatic key.
The word Bug comes from a telegraphers insult to those who were poor at the craft.
A common problem with telegraphers was an affliction known as 'Glass arm' or 'Telegraphers paralysis' caused by repetitive strain, this type of key was to help sufferers but originally was too slow (pre Vibroplex), however with future designs this problem was overcome and eventually keys of this type were being sold as 'Speed keys'.

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A0250

Image of WWII WAR DEPARTMENT PRACTICE MORSE KEY

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WWII WAR DEPARTMENT PRACTICE MORSE KEY

Training key for the Air Ministry

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A0248

Image of WWII BAUMUSTER (GERMAN) MORSE KEY

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WWII BAUMUSTER (GERMAN) MORSE KEY

Morse key for equipment unknown

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A0249

Image of GAMAGES MORSE KIT AND BUZZER, 1940's

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GAMAGES MORSE KIT AND BUZZER, 1940's

Bought as a toy for youngsters and adults to learn or practice Morse.
With two units connected it was possible to send and receive simultaneously,
also provided was a lamp for sending signals without any wires.

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A0251

Image of WWII AIR MINISTRY ENCLOSED MORSE KEY TYPE D

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WWII AIR MINISTRY ENCLOSED MORSE KEY TYPE D

Used on the high voltage portion of circuitry in a transmitter, therefore the unit is fully enclosed to protect the operator.

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A0245

Image of MUSONIC OR TOY MORSE TRAINING KEY, 1940's

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MUSONIC OR TOY MORSE TRAINING KEY, 1940's

Either a toy for learning Morse or simply a training aid, it could be used as a simple local sounder, or connected to a line with another remote unit.

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A0780

Image of SPEED MORSE  KEY, 1950's

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SPEED MORSE KEY, 1950's

Key known as a 'speed' key, the familiar shape had nothing to do with increasing the operator speed, just a selling point.

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A0724

Image of LARKSPUR MORSE  KEY K   MK 3, 1950's

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LARKSPUR MORSE KEY K MK 3, 1950's

Morse key for use with the Larkspur range of Transceivers made by Pye after WW2.

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A0244

Image of MORSE KEY WITH LAMP, 1950's

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MORSE KEY WITH LAMP, 1950's

The bulb with this key can be used for training by sending without the need for wires.


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A0960

Image of GAMAGE TRAINING KEY or MORSE STATION, 1930's

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GAMAGE TRAINING KEY or MORSE STATION, 1930's

Made for training amateur radio enthusiasts. Not to be considered as a toy more a training aid.
A small Galvanometer in the centre was used for indicating the direction of the message. More than one station like this can be connected, all the units receiving the same message, the needle will indicate where the message originated, Up line or Down line (Rail terminology). See the history of telegraphy.

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A0889

Image of 'SPEED' TYPE MORSE KEY JAPANESE, 1960's

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'SPEED' TYPE MORSE KEY JAPANESE, 1960's

The name 'speed' is loosely used and in fact this style of key is not a 'speed' Key . It was common for manufacturers to abuse the name which refers to a totally different type of key. This item made in Japan.
See item A0250. and A0724.

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A0723


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