Back in 1996 I received a very generous donation of Wireless Set No. 19 equipment, all of U.S. manufacture and mostly in the original factory wrap.
The Case Spare Parts No. 5C contains a Key and Plug Assembly No. 9 and here is one in the factory wrap! I was reluctant to tear open the packaging, but almost three years later I decided to take the plunge and document the unwrapping process.
I reasoned that the Key and Plug Assembly No. 9 was either the type made by J. H. Bunnell and Co. or the type made by Alden Products Co. (please see article �Keys for the Wireless Set No. 19� on this web site).
I proceeded with a stout heart.
Figure 1. Case Spare Parts No. 5C in original factory wrap
Figure 2. Close-up of label, note the 1945 stamp
Figure 3. Outside paper wrap removed to reveal wax sealed second layer of wrapping
Figure 4. Close-up of label sealed in wax
Figure 5. Wax paper layer removed
Figure 6. Lid opened. Desiccant bag on top
Figure 7. Contents revealed. Now it is clear that it is an Alden Products Co. type Key and Plug Assembly No. 9
Figure 8. Key and Plug Assembly No. 9, made by Alden Products Co.
Figure 9. Cover removed to reveal a modified J-37 with the knurled lever set nuts moved internally to the frame.
It was quite exciting to realize that I was the next human being to see the contents of the package after 54 years had elapsed since someone at the factory (presumable Zenith) had packed and sealed the contents.
The Key and Plug Assembly No. 9 was carefully placed back into the Case Spare Parts No. 5C and the case placed on top of my U.S. built Wireless Set No. 19 Mark II.
What will I get to unwrap next Christmas?
