W2RJJ Keys Gallery 1

These are some of the morse keys in my collection. Others are shown in Gallery 2.  Most were purchased at hamfests or bought new. I was very fortunate to receive several as gifts. My wife, Ming, photographed these keys.

This is an unidentified paddle which appears to have been homebrewed by a good machinist. I use this paddle most frequently because I love the way it feels. The construction is brass parts on a marble base. Rubber feet are glued to the bottom

This is the J.H.Bunnell triumph key. With this key, Bunnell introduced the single-piece steel lever & trunnion. It is the design upon which all straight keys were made after 1881.

This military "J36" is the Lionel clone of the Vibroplex Lightning Bug. Lionel was licensed to make this bug during the WW2 years, 1941-'45. J.H.Bunnell also made J36's. Most of the original labels have deteriorated and have broken off. The label on this bug is a fake. Most Lionel J36's will be found with a fake label or without a label.

This is commonly know as the WW2 Flameproof Navy Key. It was used during the war and its manufacture was continued into the eary 1960's. The contacts and tension spring are enclosed in the metal housing which is finished in a black crinckle coating.

The Vibroplex Vibrokeyer was first introduced in 1960 with a beige finish on the base. The all chrome version (like this one) was introduced in '61. Its split lever, frame, and contacts are the same as found on the "Original." The feel is mechanical and solid, yet smooth. This key is from the Mobile, Alabama plant and was purchased new in 1998. It requires an electronic keyer.