I have two or
three old keys worth mentioning. The first is a 1919 Vibroplex
"Japanned-base" Blue Racer
w/matching case and maybe the cord in excellent, virtually perfect
condition. This bug is my most valuable piece out of this list. It has been
estimated at a 4 digit figure-and the 1st digit is not a 1!!! It too has a
story.
I was buying an
antique clock from a California jeweler on ebay. When he found out I was
buying the old clock as a "period" piece companion for my boat anchor
station, he mentioned that he had been a ham in NY back in 1957. In fact, he
said, he thought he still had his old bug in his attic. I felt he was
hinting, and asked if he wanted to sell it, offering $100 for it,
sight-unseen, ID unknown.
Well, he took
it-plus postage, and a little extra-for $125. It came in and it looked
interesting-but I was busy, and put it on the shelf. Later, I read an email
from someone evaluating and suggesting prices for Vibroplex bugs. I
contacted him, answered a set of questions about the bug, and that's when my
jaw dropped all the way to the floor! You know what they say: if you can't be good, be lucky!
I have had the
pleasure of taking this to a hamfest where Mitch, W4OA, the owner (now) of
Vibroplex was showing his wares, and we both really enjoyed the reactions,
as collectors came by and recognized this bug.
The
KE6RIE mini-key
iis a work of art. The fit and finish is
amazing, and attractive as all get-out! Just look at it! And it feels as
good to key as it looks. I was fortunate enough to win this one via
Doug Hendricks from the
Saint Aiden's raffle held around
PACIFICON last year (OCT 2001) but it is
well worth the usual ~$50 it costs. See Doug Hauff's
website at
www.fix.net/~slmachco
for details. Click on the photo for
a higher rez picture.
This is a
photo of the new Vibroplex
Blue Racer 2000 Bug. I was
fortunate to get SN:
553.
It is one of the best bugs I have ever keyed. Wonderful 'feel'... and just
look at it!!! Check out the
Vibroplex website by
clicking on their logo, at upper left.
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