AMERICAN TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT
MAKERS 1837-1900:
SECOND EDITION - 2004
Roger Reinke
A LIST OF MANUFACTURERS OF BUGS
Neal McEwen - K5RW -
email: k5rw@telegraph-office.com
Updated 11-20-2006
(*) Denotes manufacturers which have not been
previously researched and which are described in more detail at:
http://fohnix.metronet.com/nmcewen/ref.html
Homemade one-of-a-kind bugs are not included.
(+) Denotes manufacturers and bugs discovered
recently and/or added to the Second Edition of this list by Tom Perera-
W1TP.
Additional information has been added from Doug Seneker's
(N0WAN) Bug list, the Gil Schlehman (K9WDY) Collection, and the
Tom Perera (W1TP) collection. Many other collectors have contributed
information.
AMERICAN BUG MANUFACTURERS:
AMERICAN MANUFACTURER................LOCATION...............DATE(s)
*A-to-Z Electric Novelty Co. (ATOZ) Chicago, Ill. pre-WWI A.E.Co ("Improved Vibroplex") Chicago, Ill. pre-WWI Abernathy Hampton, Va 1916-19?? +Air Hawk ???? ???? *Bell Novelty Co. Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 1949-1950s *Boulter,R.L. Los Angeles, Cal 1913-1920 *Breedlove (Codetrol) Atlanta, Ga. 1950-1951 *Brooklyn Metal Stamping Co. Brooklyn, N.Y. 1930-1942 (Speed Bug, J-36) Brown Brothers. (CSA Combination) St.Louis, Mo. 1967-1975 *Bunnell,J.H. (Orig, Gold Bug, etc.) New York, N.Y. 1915-1960 (CJB-26009A, J-36, Bunnell-Martin Flash Key) +Bureau of Engineering 26009A by: Bunnell, New York 1940s *Cardwell, A.D. ???? ???? +Central Typewriter Exch.(Dununit) New York 1922 Clark,James (Rotoplex) Louisville,KY 1942-1945 +Conkling, D.C. Pittsfield, MA 1912?c1 +Conkling, James (George W.?) New York 1908 +Cope ???? ???? Cote,O.E. Canada? 1930s *D&K Mfg. (Dinger) Cleveland, Ohio 1909-1920 +Davis Seattle 1950s? *Delaney Telegraphic Transmitter Co. New York, N.Y. 1907-1924 (Auto-Dot) Dow-Key Minnesota & Maine 1940s-1960 *Dunn,Thomas J. (Dunnduplex) New York, N.Y. 1909-1913 Electric Specialty Co. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 1939-1955 (Cedar Rapids Bug. Speed Key) *Electro Mfg. (Electro Bug) San Francisco, Fresno 1924-1934 *Emory,A.H. (Go-Devil) Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1934-1950 +General Metalcraft Ltd. (Gem) Boston, Mass 1960s? *Go-Devil Instrument Co. (See Emory) Poughkeepsie, N.Y. 1958-?? Hulit (Hulit Key-Wound Bug) Topeka, Ks 1909-1911 Hunter, David (Apex) Tampa, Fl 1935-1965 Johnson,E.F. (SPEED-X) Waseka, Minnesota 1955-1970 Kenmore (Kenco) Boston, Ma. 1934-1941 +Kenwood (Split-lever bug) ???? 1940s *King & Co. ("Orig. Am. Vibroplex") Cincinnati pre-WWI *Leach Relay Co. (Speedoplex) Los Angeles 1920-1930s Lionel Electric Co. New York 1942-1945 Lippencott ???? pre-WWI Logan,Les (SPEED-X) San Francisco, CA 1928-1955 MacDonald,Wm. Chicago,Ill. pre-WWI Martin,Horace G. (Vibroplex) Brooklyn,N.Y. 1903-1914 (Autoplex, Rotoplex) *Martin Research & Mfg.(Flash Key) N.Y. 1933-1939 +Marvel (Marvel) Chicago, IL +Mason, Howard (Moto-Key) Seattle, WA 1939 McClintock, O.B (Keen-Kode) Minneapolis, Minn. 1931-???? McElroy, T.R. (Mac-Keys & others) Boston, Mass. 1934-1955 Mecograph Cleveland, Ohio 1906-1913 Melehan (Valiant) Anaheim/Huntgtn Bch CA.1939-1947 Mt. Auburn Specialty Co. Cincinnati, Ohio pre-WWI National Transmitter Co. New Jersey 1920-19?? +New Haven Clock Co. New Haven, CT ???? *Pat Products Roseland,N.J. ???? +Peerless Mfg. Co. Fordson, MI 1930s? +Perry, G.S. Mfg. (Tinsley Trans.) Kansas City, MO 1911 Philadelphia Thermo. Inst.(Triplex) Philadelphia 1924-1926 *Postal Telegraph ???? Before 1943 +Precision Thermom. (Lytle Triplex) Philadelphia, PA 1920s +Radio Electronics Laboratories(REL) Long Island City,NY 1940s? +Saney Metal Products Co. Inc. Cleveland, OH ???? *Sarno, J.J ???? ???? Signal Electric (Sematic) Michigan 1928-1934 +Simplex Co. (Leiser's Simplex) Salt Lake City, UT. 1907 Specialty Shoe Mach. (Shawplex) St. Joeseph, Mo 1916 *Speed-X Radio Manufacturing San Franciso, Ca. 1933 *Standard Radio (Standard) New York 1930s ? Starkins,W.R. (Equable) Rochester, N.Y. 1940s Telegraph Apparatus Co. Chicago, Ill. 1943-1950 +Teleplex Co. (Telespeed) New York, NY 1935 *Thomas,O.M., Electric ???? pre-WWI +Tinsley Transmitter: See Perry,G.S. Ultimate Transmitter Co. ('73') Los Angeles 1925-1932 United Electric Mfg. (Vibroplex) Norcross, Ga. 1903-1910 *Vailograph International Co. Minneapolis, Minn. 1908-1912 Vibroplex New York, Maine 1914-pres. Western Electric New York, N.Y. 1916-???? *Westinghouse Air Brake Wilmerding, Pa. ???? *Wheaton Res. & Dev. (Go-Devil) Wheaton, MD. 1930s-1950s +Zip ???? ????
FOREIGN BUG MANUFACTURERS:
(Foreign Bug Section Added by Tom Perera- W1TP in 2006)
FOREIGN MANUFACTURER.................LOCATION...............DATE(s)
+Bech (Bech Bug) Switzerland. 1942-43 +BMR (Codemaster) Sydney, Australia ???? +Brown, Rolf. (Xograph) Toronto, Canada 1930s? +Buzza Products Co. (Buzza) Australia 1940s? +Charlottenburger Motoren und Geratbau (Novoplex) Berlin, Germany 1940s? +China Scientific Instrument Co. Shanghai, China ???? +Cohen, Leo G. (Simplex Auto) Melbourne, Australia 1923 +Dentsuseiki Co. (Swallow) Japan 1950s? +Dow-Key (Dow-Key) Canada 1940s +Drescher, Felix (Felix Drescher bug)JEDA, Germany 1950s-60s +Eddystone England 1948 +Frattini, Alberto. (I1QOD BUG) Italy 2000s +Fujiseikosha Japan ???? +Goerge, Georg (Bug 001) N.S.W. Australia 2000s +Hannes Bauer Germany 1965-1975 +HB9FAE Switzerland 2000s +Hi-Mound (BK-100) Japan ???? +Hirschmann Germany 1935 +Hitchcock Brothers (See Thomas). Adelaide, Australia 1918 +I1QOD Italy 2000s +Ingram, H.C. (Ingram Master Key) Perth, Australia ???? +Japan Radio Co. (JRC) Japan ???? +Jablonsky (FME-33 Mini Novoplex) Berlin, Germany 1960s-1970s +Jelectro (Same as Hi-Mound BK-100) Japan ???? +Johnsson,Sture:(SM7XY / Harlosa bug)Vaxjo, Sweden 1946 +Junker Germany ???? +Levensons Radio (Like-A-Flash) Sydney, Australia. 1950s +Llaves telegraphicas Artesanas(GMSO)Balearic Islands 2000s +MacDonald, A. (Pendograph) Australia ???? +McCarthy, A. & W. Aukland, New Zealand 1968 +Merrick, John B. Scarborough, Ont. Can. ???? +Mikasa Radio Co. Kobe, Japan ???? +Muse Japan ???? +Northampton Plating Bug: England ???? +Novoplex Germany 1940s +Parcusio, Lou A. (Parcusio) Melbourne, Australia ???? +Radio-Lune (Vibro-mors) Paris France 1953-1965 +Ragar Ltda Inds Mech Electro Bogota, Columbia ???? +Robley & Tough Perth, Australia 1920s +Scash, J. (shurdot) Mordailloc, Australia ???? +Schurr, Gerhard Germany ???? +Skillman Japan ???? +Steele, R.W. (Auto Plex) Winnipeg, Canada 1910 +Swedish Radio Co. (Bug 140) Sweden 1960s+ +Tahua Electric Works(Chinese Bug) Shanghai, China ???? +Telefunken Germany ???? +Thomas, N.P. (See Hitchcock Bros.) Adelaide, Australian 1918 (Automorse Fully automatic) +Tricity House. (Supreme) Christchurch,NewZealand1986 +Ujiie, Toshihiko: JA7GHD (GHD bug) Sendai City, Japan. 2000s +Vaille, J. Burwood,Vict.Australia 1950s +Vibrax (Model 02 & 03) Italy ???? +Wilcox Canada ???? +Wilson Mfg. Co. (Wilson) Toronto, Canada 1940s
BASE WIDTHS OF VIBROPLEX BUGS:
(Measure from left side to right side of base.)
( From Tom French: Vibroplex Pocket Reference. )
3.5-inch: Vibroplex Original, 2-Lever, Model "X", Lightning (No. 6), & Champion.
3.0-inch: Vibroplex Junior and Zephyr.
2.5-inch: Vibroplex Blue Racer (No. 4).
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John Elwood
has been gathering information about Vibroplex keys for many
years. As a result of his research, he has been able to reconstruct many of
the dates of manufacture of the various models of Vibroplex keys. All of this
information had initially been lost in the Vibroplex fire.
His complete list of dates is published in The Vibroplex Collector's Guide by
Tom French. and in the Vibroplex Website.
The detailed
"Date Your Vibroplex Page" from the Vibroplex Website is included in this
CD. The following information briefly summarizes these published findings:
To use this summary, first find the serial number of your Vibroplex. It will
be stamped into the label on later models and into the damper or sometimes
other parts on earlier ones. Then use the table to find the approximate date
of manufacture.
SERIAL No. - YEAR SERIAL No. - YEAR SERIAL No. - YEAR 001,000 - 1905 150,000 - 1946 Portland, ME 002,000 - 1906 160,000 - 1948 390,000 - 1979 003,000 - 1907 170,000 - 1950 006,000 - 1908 180,000 - 1953 Two Sets of 010,000 - 1911 190,000 - 1955 Numbers: 020,000 - 1912 200,000 - 1957 001,000 to 050,000 - 1913 210,000 - 1959 008,000 060,000 - 1917 220,000 - 1961 AND 070,000 - 1919 230,000 - 1962 040,000 to 080,000 - 1920 240,000 - 1964 080,000 090,000 - 1923 250,000 - 1967 in the years: 100,000 - 1927 260,000 - 1969 1980 to 1995 110,000 - 1937 270,000 - 1972 120,000 - 1942 370,000 - 1974 Mobile, AL 130,000 - 1944 380,000 - 1976 100,000 - 1995
THE BUG CHECKLIST:
(+) Second Edition additions to the 8-17-1995 first edition:
by Tom Perera - W1TP.
November 16, 2006
Additional information has been added from Neal McEwen's
(K5RW) Bug Manufacturer's Lists (NM), the Gil Schlehman (K9WDY) Collection,
and the Tom Perera (W1TP) collection. Many other collectors have contributed
information. Homemade and one-of-a-kind bugs are not included.
ABERNETHY: 1916: Very rare. Only 3 salesmen's samples
believed to have been made, and these are in collections. Two
paddles, tiny 2x4" metal base, made in Hampton, VA. Mfg
halted due to infringement of Vibroplex patent.
+ A. E. COMPANY: Chicago, IL. No Further Information but might have
been made by A-to-Z. (NM)
AIR HAWK: Has damper like a Vibroplex lightning bug. (NM)
ALBRIGHT: See VIBROPLEX LICENSED COPY.
APEX HUNTER: Early prototype mfg by David Hunter.
Single, long paddle, wrinkle paint. Brass lacquered finish. Few
made.
APEX II: 1963: Mfg by David Hunter Tampa, FL. Wooden
base, brass finish. Single lever held by 2 coil springs. Very
limited production.
ATOZ, FIRST MODEL: Copy of Vibroplex Original made by
A TO Z Electric Novelty Co., Chicago. Usual U-shaped dot spring
replaced by small cylindrical contact mounted on pendulum at
right angles. Nameplate says "Improved Vibroplex". Some
also bear "Albright License" plate. Two heights of
frame encountered.
ATOZ, MODEL: 1912: Copy of Vibroplex Model X.
Nameplate in same spot but has ATOZ designation and square
corners. Screws for feet do not extend completely through base
and base has more rounded corners.
AUTO-DOT, FIRST MODEL: 1906: Made by Delany
Telegraphic Transmitter Co., NYC. Wooden base on steel sub-base.
Lever, on right side of base, connects to cross-arm which causes
full-length pendulum on left side of base to move. Weight is at
left front, near the paddle.
AUTO-DOT, SECOND MODEL: 1908: Straight-line pendulum
and lever, but with damper at left rear. Some have cloverleaf
logo embossed in top of wooden base portion bearing letters
"D T T C" on four leaflets. Both models have
conventional finger knob and thumb paddle.
AUTOMORSE: 1920's: Hitchcock Bros. (Designed by Norman Percy
Thomas) 3-lever, Mfg in Adelaide, Australia. Full or semi-automatic. 3 finger
pieces. Solid frame. Second, extra-large weight produces dashes in usual way.
+ AUTO PLEX: Ca. 1910: Winnipeg Canada. Made by R.W. Steele.
Heavy Copper plated metal base. Round vertical posts. Horizontal bar across
top of tubular frame. Long shorting bar on right side. Label reads:
The Auto Plex Mfg by R.W.Steele, Winnipeg, Man. One known
serial number is 824.
AUTOPLEX, FIRST MODEL: 1902: Horace G. Martin, NY.
Electric vibrator made dots. Wooden base similar to telegraph
relay. Nothing located above the two coils. Two knobs
back-to-back on flat spring.
AUTOPLEX, SECOND MODEL: Ca 1903-5: Mfg by Martin in NY
and by United Electrical Mfg Co, NY & GA. Metal base. Some
mechanism placed above coils.
AUTOPLEX, THIRD MODEL: Conventional finger and thumb
pieces on single lever. Long, vertical flat spring in center.
+ AUTOPLEX: 1950s: Made by J. Vaille in Burwood, Victoria,
Australia. Very modern looking bug with enclosed frame and damper and large
AUTOPLEX Label.
+ A.& W. McCARTHY: 1968: Auckland, New Zealand.
Looks very much like a Lightning Bug. Green or Red Base. Label reads:
A & W. McCarthy, Dunedin & Invercargill.
+ BECH BUG: 1942-1943: Schwartzenburg, Switzerland.
Triangular flat top frame like Vibro-Mors. Only 1 known example.
+ BELL NOVELTY Co: Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Inexpenisve right-angle
bug. (NM)
BMR: BMR Products, 69 Pacific Hwy, Waitara, NSW. Right angle bug
that Looks like an Automorse.
BOULTER: 1914: R. L. Boulter Co., L. A. Had assembled
frame and flat pendulum like Lightning Bug. Patent 1110373 bought
out by Vibroplex.
BROOKLYN METAL STAMPING CO: U.S. Army Signal Corps
J-36 similar to Vibroplex. "J-36", stamped on
underside. Also a civilian model, see SPEED BUG.
BROWN BROTHERS MODEL CSA: Early 1960's: Combination
bug & straight key on one base. Mfg by Brown Bros. Machine
Co, St. Louis. Black wrinkle finish base, red knobs. Vibrating
portion of bug extends far beyond end of straight key part over a special
screwed-on thin sheet metal black wrinkle-finish extension. It looks as
though this CSA was made using a Brown Brothers "UTL" combination straight key
/ paddle base that was modified with the bug extension.
+ BUG 001: Made by Georg Goerge, N.S.W. Australia. Looks like a
Lightning bug with heavier hardware and extended pendulum. Optional
solid brass base.
BUG 140: Swedish Radio Co. Has base similar to T-frame
Mac Key. Silver-gray painted finish.
+ BUNNELL "ORIGINAL": Patented in 1915 by Bunnell President
John Gehegan. Unique release-of-tension bug design with lever that curls
around under the main spring. It led to the design of the Gold Bug.
Only one known example.
BUNNELL GOLD BUG: 1927-8: Gold-plated name plate. One
style has single round paddle; another has swivel paddle; another
with knob & rounded paddle and split lever. Single contact
for both dots and dashes. Brass construction.
BUNNELL SPEED KEY: J. H. Bunnell & Co. WWII Navy
MODEL CJB 26009A contract. Resembles Vibroplex Lightning Bug.
Nickel parts on black wrinkle base. 3 feet. "Property of U.
S. Navy" cast in bottom. Issued with black case bearing ID
plate similar to that on key. Also Army J-36 version made.
BUNNELL-MARTIN FLASH KEY: See FLASH KEY.
+ BUREAU OF ENGINEERING: 1940s: 26009A Stamped "Property of
US Navy". (Made by Bunnell).
BUZZA BUG: Australia, mfg by Buzza Products,
no model no. on ID plate. Resembles Lightning Bug but has unique
stepped base, wider in rear. Post damper on right with arm
extending out to left.
BUZZA MODEL 100: Australia, mfg by Buzza Products.
Assembled triangular frame. Has round weight on flat pendulum.
Rubber damper attached to rear binding post. Main arm mounts
between two posts. A double lever model with Post damper on right with arm
extending out to left was also made.
+ CARDWELL, A. D: Dual lever bug. (NM)
+ CHINESE BUG: Made by Tahua Electronics in Shanghai, China.
Label in English. Medium size bug with heavy and thick chrome-plated base and
plated Speed-X style movement and hardware. Thick paddle with slight indent
for finger and thumb knob to right.
+ CHINESE BUG: Made by China Scientific Instrument Co. in Shanghai.
Looks just like the above Tahua Bug. Medium size bug with
heavy and thick base wrinkle-finish black painted base and black Speed-X style
movement and hardware.
+ CODEMASTER: Made by BMR Products in Sydney, Australia. Flat
bridge like a Simplex Auto located over the right angle mechanism.
CODETROL: 1950: B. H. Breedlove, Atlanta, GA.
Right-angle bug, enclosed. 175 bel’d sold overseas; perhaps
only 25 in US. Black wrinkle finish, two paddles at right.
COFFE VERTICAL: 1906: Wm. 0. Coffe, patent assigned to
Benjamin Bellows, dba MECOGRAPH Only one known specimen exists.
CONKLING KEY: 1908: Used mainline telegraph battery
and large, cylindrical coil to form dots electromechanically. Two
paddles & arms, paddles connected by long bolt. Lever on left
rear selects various resistances. Mfg by George Conkling, NY.
Another Conkling bug was made by D.C. Conkling of Pittsfield, MA as mentioned
in the July, 1912 Railroad Telegrapher. (NM)
+ COPE BUG: Narrow Bug with cast uprights for contacts and
adjusting screws. Unplated brass hardware. "The Cope" Cast into
base.
+ COTE BUG: O. E. Cote. Probably made in Canada.
Small bug with cast uprights for damper and
all frame and adjusting points. O.E. Cote stamped into top of
lever.
CR (CEDAR RAPIDS) SPEED (KEY FIRST MODEL): Electric
Specialty Mfg. Co, Cedar Rapids, IA. Original bugs had cast base,
cast damper support, straight circuit closer on right side.
CR TELEGRAPH SPEED KEY (SECOND MODEL): Stamped damper
support, right-angle circuit closer under paddles, extension arm
for pendulum. Also a similar "Radio Bug" made without a
circuit closer and available in kit form or assembled.
CEDAR RAPIDS SPECIALTY BUG: (New Old Stock): Electric
Specialty ceased production of keys & paddles in 1957.
Inventory sold to Jim Hess who produced "New, Old
Stock" bugs & paddles using 3/8 steel bases. Other
variants by Doug Seneker, owner since 1994.
+ DAVIS: Made in Seattle, Washington. Elongated
teardrop chromed base with very modern streamlined frame.
DELANEY TELEGRAPHIC TRANSMITTER: See AUTO-DOT,
Two models.
DINGER: D & K Mfg, Cleveland OH. Right angle with
fixed round weights in center. Circuit closer on right side. Coil
tension spring on left adjusted by string wound on knob, as with
early telegraph relays. Some mechanism located beneath-base. Two
paddles. Very similar to early 1907 Mecograph, also made in
Cleveland.
DOW KEY, STRAIGHT BUG: Canada, 1920's Paul Dow, Dow
Key Co, Winnepeg. Resembles Vibroplex Original. Thumb and
fingerpiece fit into slot in dash lever. Long main-spring with
dot spring assembly fastened to mainspring rather than to
pendulum. Frame attached to base with only one bolt, typical with
DOW KEYS. Chrome base and hardware but brass frame is painted
black wrinkle. Square thumbpiece and round finger-piece. Later
variation has burgundy, oval thumbpiece and round fingerpiece and
change in damper. Also made in Brewer Maine.
DOW KEY, "BENT BUG": Canada, Dow Key Co,
Winnepeg. Frame, lever, pendulum, & posts all inclined to the
right 15 degrees. Damper suspended on arm between two posts.
Bronze base and hardware. Solid frame. Also made in Brewer Maine.
DOW KEY, "UNIVERSAL" CANADIAN: Canada. After
1949 also sold through same Co. in Warren, MN with US patent no.
added to nameplate. Circular frame with lock-screw on top permits
rotating mechanism to desired angle, 30 degrees right, left, or
any point between. Chrome base 15/16" thick.
DOW KEY, "UNIVERSAL" AMERICAN: Dow Key Co
Inc, Warren, MN (purchased from Canadian Co.) Rotatable bug
similar to Canadian version but with slightly thinner base,
Warren, Minn. and US patent on nametag, and lock screw on left
side of frame. Base chrome, gray wrinkle or black wrinkle.
Also made in Brewer Maine.
DUNDUPLEX, DOUBLE LEVER: 1909: Thomas J. Dunn, NY.
Full Auto. Two round paddles, pendulums and weights. Had two
buttons on top which could be pressed to form dots and dashes.
Hex-shaped weights, thin base on wooden sub-base. Early models
advertised as the "Peerless Key". (NM) Some have
Albright license plate (see VIBROPLEX LICENSED COPY.)
DUNDUPLEX, SINGLE LEVER: Semi-automatic, round paddle
with circuit-closer knob just to right. Flat spring attached at
center rear of base. Assembled frame.
DUNUNIT: Ca 1922: Single round paddle, with vertical
pendulum pivoted at bottom. Irregular-shaped base . Described as
the "First semi-automatic sending machine ... that functions
under the control of a single unit". Sold by Central
Typewriter Exchange, NYC.
EDDYSTONE S689: 1948: British. Unusual curved paddle.
Conventional mechanism under a cast aluminum, pear-shaped shell.
Only 500 made.
ELECTRO-BUG (ELECTRO-MECHANICAL MODEL):
1927: Electro Mfg Co. Fresno (later S.F. CA. T-handle
reverse frame. Uses current of telegraph line to operate
electromagnet, producing continuous dots. 1/21, steel base with
serial no. underneath. Seven-position rheostat/switch selects
open/closed and provides 5 choices of resistances (approx .05 -
45 ohms).
ELECTRO-BUG (MECHANICAL MODEL) (ELECTRO-BUG JR.):
Advertised in 1929 as Model 11 (sold for $11.00 f.o.b. San
Francisco & Fresno.) had various base colors. Resembles electromagnetic
model with magnet & rheostat removed. Wireless model called
"The Radio Bug" also available with 3/8-inch contacts.
EQUABLE KEY: 1942: Full-automatic bug made by W.R.
Starkins, Rochester, NY. Electric motor-driven. 2 levers w/round paddles.
Dot-dash functions could be set for right or L.
+ FELIX DRESCHER BUG: 1950s-1960s. Made By Felix Drescher.
Jena, German Democratic Republic. Lightning bug clone. Black base.
Very rare. Perhaps 20 made. Label reads: Felix Drescher, Feinmechanische
Werkstatt, Jena, Theo-Neubauer-Str. 8.
FLASH KEY: (As follows): 1938: Martin Research &
Mfg Co. 1939 sold to J. H. Bunnell Co. who cont'd basically the
same lines with change in nametags. Some have Signal Corps J-36
designation.
- BUNNELL-MARTIN #5-47 BUNNELL FLASH KEY #1: First
MARTIN FLASH KEY, Appearance of Vibroplex Original but w/U-type
damper. Black or chrome base.
- BUNNELL-MARTIN #5-45 BUNNELL FLASH KEY #6: Assembled
frame, similar to Vibroplex Lightning Bug (Vibroplex model 6).
Black or chrome base.
- BUNNELL-MARTIN #5-46 BUNNELL AMATEUR FLASH KEY:
Frame like Vibroplex Midget but with a 3'' x 6 '' x 3/8'' cast
base. NOTE: Bunnell also sold a PIGGY BACK KEY, a straight key
which attached to any of the bugs on the right side, but was
actually a separate item, not part of a combination bug.
- BUNNELL-MARTIN #5-48: Closely resembles Vibroplex
Original, with L-damper.
FUJISEIKOSHA: Japan, resembles Vibroplex Original but
with unusual damper which can lock pendulum to permit use as
side-swiper. Damper post has screw and locknut adjustment. 3
feet, black wrinkle base 6-3/8 x 3-1/2 x 1/2".
+ GEM BUG: Inexpesively made bug on sheet metal base with thin
sheet metal hardware. Made by General Metalcraft Ltd. Boston, MA.
+ GHD BUG: 2000s: Made by Toshihiko Ujiie, JA7GHD in Sendai City,
Japan. Several models: The "Classic" convertible from single to dual-lever.
The Fully automatic "Ultimate" model that is made in conventional and optical
sensor-(Convertible from dual to single lever) versions. Very modern looking
plated keys. The full automatic versions use the same basic principles as the
Melehan Valiant.
GO DEVIL, (EMORY MODEL): Mid- 1930's, made by Al H.
Emory, Poughkeepsie, NY, also dba Go-Devil Instrument Co.
Tapered, cast base, assembled frame, bent-rod damper. Extremely
long base, gray wrinkle finish, over 911 long. Similar key with
black.wrinkle finish was 1/3 shorter than the gray version.
GO DEVIL, (WHEATON MODEL): Mfg by Wheaton Research in
early 50's in Wheaton, MD. Tapered base. Paddle is cylindrical
piece of Lucite. Dot spring is straight rather than conventional
"U" shape.
GO DEVIL, MODEL U: 1958: Go Devil Inst. Co.
Poughkeepsie NY. Latch on damper permits use as sideswiper.
Aluminum construction. White plastic paddle.
Components attached to engraved metal plate which is bolted to hollow base, 2
terminals. Later, 3-terminal model permits use also as a keyer.
+ HANNES BAUER: 1965-1975: Made in Germany. At least 3 very
different Models. Two have a heavy blue/grey base and a large colored paddle.
One has a Heavy Black wrinkle-finish base and a massive frame. Different hinge
techniques were used with the different models. Some include captive ball-
bearings.
+ HARLOSA BUG: 1946: Made by Sture Jonsson in Vaxjo, Sweden. Also
Called: SM7XY BUG and JW KEYER: Looks somewhat like a Speed-X bug but has a
"T" shaped top on the Lightning bug style frame. Green smooth and wrinkle
finish bases. About 100 made. Sold by Raiolaboratoriet in Harlosa Sweden.
HI-MOUND MODEL BK-100: Japan, clear plastic cover,
bakelite base, one paddle. "Adhesive gum" pad over
entire bottom. Still produced.
+ HIRSCHMANN BUG: 1935: Made by Hirschmann in Germany.
Lightning bug clone. Large square weight.
HULIT KEY-WOUND: 1909: Vibroplex later bought patent.
Made in Topeka, KS. Brass upper parts with steel base. Spring
wound Has a key, like a clock. Appears to be 2-lever but they
come together on one arm. Uses rotating discs.
+ I1QOD BUG: 2000s: Made by Alberto Frattini in Italy.
An all brass magnetically energized bug with square brass uprights
and Red paddles.
+ INGRAM "MASTER KEY": Made by H.C. Ingram, Perth, Australia.
Flat bridge over pendulum like a Simplex Auto but located over the
inline rather than right angle mechanism.
+ JRC JAPAN RADIO CO: Made by Japan Radio Company.
Marked JRC. Strange narrow bug with bars supporting contacts and adjustments
and an odd and lockable spiral damper.
JELECTRO BK-100: 1950's: Same as HI-MOUND with
lead-weighted base & suction cup feet.
+ JUNKER: Made in Germany by Junker. Looks like a Vibroplex
Lightning bug. No circuit closer. 1 model made for private use. One model
for police with darker gray base. Different knurling. Very high binding
posts.
+ KEEN KODE: Made by McClintock, Minneapolis, MN.
Keyboard style key with 8 numbered keys.
KENCO: Ca 1930: Kenmore Co., Boston, MASS. Base is
1/8" bakelite, mounted on a hollow cast iron sub-base. Cast
Vibroplex-type frame. Wide dot spring. Post damper
KENWOOD: 1940's: Lower half of split lever pivots to
left to form dashes. Has unusual cast base.
+ LIGGETT: 1914? Tyler, TX. A relabeled A-toZ Original or "X" Model.
(NM)
LIKE A FLASH: 1950s: Levensons Radio, Sydney, Australia.
Assembled frame, wrinkle black base. Resembles Buzza Automatic
Key but has conventional base and decal across width of base just
before the damper. Circuit closer posts & dot & dash
posts have washers at base. Levensons also made a J-36-like bug during
WW-2.
+ LIPPENCOTT: No Further Information.
LIONEL J-36: Lionel Train version of U S Army bug
using Vibroplex Lightning Bug design. Plastic nametag on left
often missing. WARNING: Label curls up in sunlight.
+ LLAVES model GMSO: 2000s: Spanish Key made by Llaves
Telegraphicas Artesanas in the Balearic Islands. Wooden Base,
Gold-plated hardware. Concentric Sliding Pendulum.
LOGAN/SPEED-X TRANSITIONAL: Tentative ID. Has much
resemblance to early Speed-X of Les Logan. (See TVC 6, pgs. 3
& 15). 3-1/2 x 6-1/4 black wrinkle finish on 1/2" flat
steel base. Reverse frame, (arms extend to the rear to carry the
pivots). Seen with both black & nickle frame.
MAC-KEY, 1934: Ted McElroy's first bug. T-bar reverse
frame. Dot contact located on unsupported metal bar. ID cast into
underside of base. Could be turned on left side and used as a
straight key by latching pendulum. Two paddles on single arm.
MAC-KEY, 1935: T-bar frame, Dot and dash posts cast
into base. Only one screw on paddle. V-shaped nickel contact
connecting bars. 2 variants, shallow & deep "VI'
MAC KEY, 1936: T-bar frame moved forward on base. Two
screws on paddle. V-shaped connecting bars now shaped like a wide
"U". On late 1936 models the twin paddles are replaced
by conventional finger knob and thumb paddle.
MAC KEY JUNIOR: 1935-38, Formed sheet metal base &
frame. Early model had terminals on left side of frame
"box". Later model had terminals on right rear of base.
MAC KEY, NAVY MODEL: 1936: Similar to 1937 but has
Navy ID plate with "Model CMK-26009", also
"PROPERTY OF U.S. NAVY" cast in side.
MAC KEY, 1937: Large C-shaped damper support. No
wording cast into bottom of base. Civilian version of the Navy
Model. May read "PROPERTY OF" on side.
MAC KEY, 1938, STANDARD: Similar to 1937 but with
larger 2-1/2 x 3-1/2" nameplate & simplified small
damper. Black finish. Early models had offset dash lever pivot.
Later bugs had Vibroplex style bent-lug dash lever attachment.
MAC KEY, 1938, DELUXE: Added circuit closer &
"Marbelite" finish. (black with white oversprayi,
sometimes the white appears green). Also had a "dot
stabilizer" clip on the dot spring.
MAC KEY, 1939, STANDARD: T-bar supports widened to
accept two screws. Dot lever tension set by a compression spring.
Last use of serial numbered name plate.
MAC KEY, 1939, DELUXE: "Dot stabilizer"
gone. "Marbelite" finish.
MAC KEY NO. 500: 1940: Has appearance of model 1939
but has decals rather than a name-plate. Black. No serial
numbers. Last of the T-bar Mac Keys.
MAC KEY NO. 600: Deluxe model of No.500 with
"Marbelite" overspray finish.
MAC KEY NO. A-400: 1941: New nameplate but without a
serial number. Square, cast frame. Chrome dot & dash posts
similar to Vibroplex.
MAC KEY NO. P-500: 1941: Frame is separate piece and
rounded, arms extending forward in the Vibroplex manner. Chrome
dot and dash posts with circuit closer
MAC KEY NO. S-600 SUPER STREAM-SPEED: 1941: All
chrome, tear-drop shaped base. S-600-PC had platinum contacts
S-600-SC had silver.
MAC KEY NO. CP-500: 1942: P-500 with chrome frame on
gray or black base.
MAC KEY NO. 500-742: CP-500 with chrome base.
+ MacDONALD, WILLIAM: 1912: Chicago, IL. A dual-lever design.
(NM).
+ MARTIN FLASH KEY: Martin Research And Mfg. Co. New York.
pre-WW-II. No Further Information.
+ MARVEL: Chicago. IL. Tiger striped base. (NM)
MacDONALD PENDOGRAPH: First and second models:
(RIGHT ANGLE, VERTICAL): Pat: 1908: Albert MacDonald. Adelaide, Australia.
Right angle bug with tubular frame on left supporting
vertical pendulum. Blue colored base cut out to allow weight to
swing.
MacDONALD PENDOGRAPH: Third model: (STRAIGHT, VERTICAL):
Arched frame similar to right-angle bug but straight, with dual paddles and
thicker base. Both models also called "PMG BUG" as they were used by
the Australian Postmaster General's Office. Most were destroyed.
+ McCARTHY BUG: See A. & W. McCarthy.
MECOGRAPH VERTICAL 1904: properly known as
"COFFE" bug. Patent granted in 1906 to William O.
Coffe. Benjamin Bellows acquired the rights which were later sold
to Vibroplex. One known specimen exists.
MECOGRAPH COMBINATION BUG/KEY: 1905: The Mecograph Co,
Cleveland, OH Riqht angle, enclosed mechanism. Box has straight
key on left, unique H-shaped paddle on right. Wheel on top set
dot speed. Ad appeared in Jan, 1905 Comm. Telegraphers' Journal
for $10.00, "patent pending."
MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE, 1906: Cleveland OH. Round
pendulum with rectangular weight which has moving pointer to
indicate dot speed on a numbered bar. Assembled frame which
angles across dot and dash levers. Circuit closer at right rear
of base Works by release of spring tension. Black japanned
pinstriped base.
MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE: 1907 (EARLY MODEL): Fixed,
round weights. Coil spring and string extend to left, string is
wound by a knob, similar to early telegraph relays and to the
Dinger bug (also made in Cleveland, OH). Uses tension-release
system to form dots. Frame and circuit-closer similar to model
1909.
MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE, 1907 (LATE MODEL): Also known
as No. 3. Rectangular weights on flat spring pendulum.
Wedge-shaped pointer indicates dot speed, also slides back and
forth to clamp pendulum & set dot speed. Two base types.
MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE, 1908: Assembled frame similar
to 1906 but has vibrating pendulum as with the Vibroplex, rather
than using the tension-release operation. Circuit closer on left
front. Scarce.
MECOGRAPH RIGHT-ANGLE, 1909: Fixed round weights,
steel base finished in unusual striped pattern similar to gun
bluing. 3 patent dates on circuit closer stop; Feb. 13 '06, May
28 '07 and May 5 '08. Speed adjusted by moving clamp on flat
spring pendulum. Tension release.
MECOGRAPH PREMIER (STRAIGHT BUG): 1911: straight dot
spring extends from post on left rear. Assembled frame. Circuit
closer at left front. Nickel plated version also. Some have name
stamped in top of base. Square pendulum.
MELEHAN VALIANT: 1939: Melvin E. Hanson. Fully
automatic bug with pendulums for both dots and dashes. Early
model had brass, unpainted base but most were painted or in
deluxe chrome. Made with Anaheim and Huntington Beach, CA
nameplates. The Patent is dated 1943 but he may have been making them
before that date. Distinctive, classic.
+ MERRICK, John B.: Scarborough, Ontario Canada. All brass.
Made as vertical, right angle, and straight Bugs.
+ MIKASA RADIO CO.: Kobe, Japan. Looks very much like a Vibroplex
Lightning bug but carries the MIKASA label. Very slight differences
from Vibroplex include shaped shorting bar knob.
MOTO-KEY: 1939: Mfg by Howard Mason, Seattle, WA. Aluminum frame,
110 VAC motor, made automatic dots & dashes using 2 friction
discs with cams. Only 3 were made.
MT. AUBURN: Mfg by James M. Dickson, dba Mt. Auburn
Specialty Co. Sued by Albright for making bugs in conflict with
Vibroplex patent. Very similar to Vibroplex Original, with black
japanned base. Has Mt. Auburn Decal where Vibroplex plate
would be.
MUSE: Japan. Heavy round frame, white paddle, damper
support is large, inverted "U" 3" base.
NATIONAL TRANSMITTER CO.: Ca 1920: Small bug with 2
paddles and short vertical pendulum that swings from the bottom.
Mfg in NJ. Resembles DUNUNIT bug (which see). Three models.
NEW HAVEN: Nameplate reads "Electrical Dept. N.
H. C. Co" (New Haven Clock Co, New Haven, Conn). Hardware
mounted on small brass plate. This is atop a wooden base 3-1/4 x
6-9/16 x 7/16 which is on a steel sub-base of the of same
dimensions. Brass hardware
+ NORTHAMPTON PLATING CO.: England. Heavy black base with stepped
levels. Frame is cast with base and extends forward and back with metal
cross piece. Terminal posts are black plastic.
NOVOPLEX: WWII German bug: believed to have been made by
Charlottenburger, Motoren und Geratebau, Berlin. Base is brown
bakelite with nickel-plated brass parts. Single, curved paddle.
Very low, assembled frame. Thick, flat pendulum, single post
damper with nylon stop.
NOVOPLEX MINIATURE MODEL FME-33: 1960s-1970s: Made by Jabolonsky in
Berlin, Germany. Base is brown bakelite with nickel-plated brass parts.
Very low, assembled frame.
+ ORIGINAL AMERICAN VIBROPLEX: King & Co., Cincinatti,
OH. (NM)
+ PARCUSIO: Made by Lou A. Parcusio in Melbourne, Australia.
Looks like a vibroplex original with black plastic binding posts.
+ PAT PRODUCTS: Roseland, NJ. Bug labeled "Pat
Products."
PEERLESS KEY: Peerless Mfg Co, Fordson, Mich, per ID
plate. Circuit closer on left has no stop. Uses small perm.
magnet to attract flat pendulum "at rest".
+ PENDOGRAPH: 3 models: See MacDonald.
+ PIERGRAPH: 1920s: Robley and Tough, Perth, Australia.
Large two lever key with reversed pendulum that swings over the two levers.
.
POSTAL TELEGRAPH: 1 inch thick cast iron base. Has
words stamped in top, "Property of Postal Telegraph Cable
Co." Single post damper, square-shaped paddle. Small, solid
frame. Much Postal Tel. equipment was destroyed after their
merger with Western Union in 1943, making their keys more scarce.
PMG (POSTMASTER GENERAL) ROTOPLEX: 1941, designed by Horace Martin.
Usual frame replaced by large, round, cover containing 3 sets of ball
bearings. Both civilian and Army Signal Corps versions. May bear name of
subcontractor James Clark Jr. Electric Co., Louisville, KY.
+ RAGAR: Made by Ragar LTDA Indus Mech. Electro. in Botota,
Columbia. Green striped base. Tubular inverted "U" frame. Widely
adjustable damper.
+ REL Bug: Radio Electronics Laboratories, Long Island, New York.
Medium size bug with black binding posts and oval REL label.
+ ROTOPLEX: made by Horace G. Martin in New York. Unique round
central ball-bearing pivot for lever. Some also made by James Clark of
Louisville, KY. One model with Nickel base.
+ SANEY: Saney Metal Products: Cleveland, OH. Looks like a
Vibroplex Lightning Bug. (NM)
+ SARNO, J.J: No Further Information.
+ SCHURR: Made by Gerhard Schurr in Germany. Heavy brass base and
hardware. Red knobs. Each one is personally made by Mr. Schurr.
SEMATIC: Signal Electric Mfg. Co, Menominee, MI. Could
be used as a bug or as a sideswiper. Extra contacts by paddle.
Extra switch on left resembles the circuit closer. Pendulum latch
on damper. Black base. Another model was nickel plated, about 1/3
larger and had a sculpted base.
SHAWPLEX: 1916: Designer Wm. E Shaw. Mfg by Specialty
Shoe Machinery Co. St. Joe, MO. Square pendulum. Damper weight
swings from horizontal arm. Rounded dot springs come from both lever and
post.
+ SHURDOT BUG: Made by J. Scash in Mordialloc, Victorai, Australia.
Like a low Vibroplex Lightning with large flat sheet metal plate over frame.
Few Made.
SIMPLEX (AMERICAN): Right angle, thick base, two
"square" paddles, round coil (resembling small relay or
sounder coil) on left rear. Simplex Co, Salt Lake City, UT, circa
1907. Also called LEISER'S SIMPLEX.
SIMPLEX AUTO (AUSTRALIAN): 1923: Leo G. Cohen,
Melbourne. 8 Models. Most are right angle bugs with nickle-plated flat
"bridge" (wide, flat strap which protects the exposed mechanism.)
Nameplate on top. Adjustable finger & thumbpieces. "New Improved
Model" has pivot screw adjustment extending through top of bridge. Others
had pivot screw under the bridge/cover. Fully Automatic inline model.
SKILLMAN: Japan. Name on clear plastic cover. Earlier
version of Hi Mound but with four rubber feet. Also marketed by
Lafayette Radio, Radio Shack, and as the JELECTRO bug. Also see
related, earlier SWALLOW bug.
+ SM7XY BUG: see Harlosa Bug: Also called SM7XY BUG and
JW KEYER.
SPEED BUG: Mfg by Brooklyn Metal Stamping Corp, NY.
Resembles Vibroplex Original but has vertical dot spring &
unusual ball damper. Military version also, see BROOKLYN METAL
STAMPING BUG.
SPEEDOPLEX MODEL 1: Leach Relay Co, San Francisco.
Brass base 5-1/8 x 2-1/2 x 15/32". Post damper with washer.
Trapezoidal, solid frame (sloping sides, flat top) with nickel
hardware. No serial no.
SPEEDOPLEX, MODEL 2: Leach Relay Co.
Copy of Vibroplex Original. Has
"Pig-tail,, wiring added to dot lever "to assure good
circuit continuity." Flat spring tapers down in front to
diameter of pendulum. Circa 1930.
SPEED-X HIGH SPEED KEY: Ca 1933: Mfg by Stewart
Johnson dba Speed-X Radio Manufacturing Co, San Francisco, CA.
Rounded nickel frame with reverse arm back to top pivot. Single
post damper. Pin-Striped Base. The company was sold to Les Logan in 1937.
Speed-X later sold to William M. Nye but they made only some straight keys, no
bugs.
SPEED-X MODEL 500, EARLY (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-500):
T-bar chrome frame like Electro-Bug. 2 paddles, large base 3-1/2
x 6-1/4" Mfg by Les Logan from 1937 to 1946, E. F. Johnson
Co. 1947 to 1967. 500-L is left-handed bug.
SPEED-X MODEL 500, LATE STYLE (E. F. JOHNSON #
113-500): Late Johnson version. Assembled, Lightning Bug-style
frame. Black wrinkle base. 1/8" contacts.
SPEED-X MODEL 501, EARLY (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-501):
Same T-bar frame as with early 500 but all chrome. 1/4"
contacts. Circuit closer. The Logan models, from WWII on, had
gray frame & base.
SPEED-X MODEL 501, LATE (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-501): E.
F. Johnson Co. only. Assembled frame like Lightning Bug but with
only one screw on left frame post and a round pendulum. Single
post damper. Chrome base, 1/4" contacts.
SPEED-X MODEL 510, EARLY: aka SPEED-X JUNIOR: Mfg by
Speed-X Radio Mfg Co."square" Vibroplex Original-type
frame. Feet cast into base. No nameplate. Post damper with wheel,
like Electro-Bug.
SPEED-X MODEL 510, LATE (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-510): Ca
1937: Les Logan Mfg. Frame like Vibroplex Original. Rubber feet.
Black base and frame with chrome hardware. Circuit closer. Later
E. F. Johnson Co version had their nameplate but otherwise the
same.
SPEED-X MODEL 513 (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-513) AMATEUR
MODEL: Made by E. F. Johnson only, similar to Vibroplex Original
but with two wedge-shaped fiber paddles. Single post damper and
no circuit closer. Black wrinkle base and frame, chrome hardware.
Four rubber feet. Dot stop function and dot spring on same screw
SPEED-X MODEL 515 (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-515) AMATEUR
MODEL: Made by Logan and later, by Johnson. Vibroplex Original
style frame. 3" x 6-1/4" base. Black. Two paddles, no
circuit closer. Dot spring & stop are on separate screws,
Vibroplex-style. (Both functions are on one screw with most
Speed-Xs). Wheel and post Electro-Bug style damper. Model number
may be on bottom.
SPEED-X MODEL 520 (E. F. JOHNSON # 114-520): 1954:
Made by Johnson. Like model 515 with circuit closer added and new
E. F. Johnson nameplate.
STANDARD: Standard Radio Co, NYC. Heavy U-damper. Dot
and dash posts slotted at top and mounted on round bases. Husky,
solid, square frame similar to earlier Vibroplex Originals. Came
in green, red, black and nickel bases. With and without labels.
+ SUPREME: 1986: Made by Tricity House, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Looks very similar to Vibroplex Original.
SWALLOW KEY, BK50: Dentsuseiki Co, Japan. Earlier
version of Hi-Mound and Skillman bugs. Plastic frame, damper,
base. Has 4 feet, rather than the full-length rubber pad on
Hi-Mound bugs.
+ TAHUA: Tahua Electric Works. Shanghai, China.
Looks like a Speed-X. Chromed base and mechanism.
TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. - CP500: Chicago, IL.
Partnership of Ted McElroy and two others. Base of a Mac Key
P-500 but with frame and damper of Vibroplex original, painted
black or gray.
TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. - CP800: Same as CP500 but
deluxe, chromed.
TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. - CP510: Large 4x6.5"
base w/hole in wall" frame (vertical chrome piece w/round
hole in center).Single post damper. Gray or black base.
TELEGRAPH APPARATUS CO. - CP810: Large 4 x 6.5"
base with "hole in the wall" frame. Same as CP510 but
deluxe, chromed.
+ TELEFUNKEN 401 BUG: Made by Telefunken in Germany. Grey Base.
Slotted but headless adjusting screws. Frame and hardware like the narrow-
base Speed-X 510.
TELESPEED (TELEPLEX): Ca. 1935: Right angle bug using
wide, flat lever bent 90 degrees. Part of Improved Teleplex code
training machine made in NY. The machine embossed copper
"tapes". Has single flat damper, screw top terminals, 4
large brass nuts on top of base securing foot screws.
+ THOMAS: Ca 1918: Australian fully automatic bug, dual
lever.
+ TINSLEY TRANSMITTER: G.S. Perry, Kansas City, MO. 1911. Low
mechanism with unusual pivot at far end of lever.
TRIPLEX, LYTLE: Mid-20's, Precision Thermometer and
Instrument Co., Phila. PA. Mechanism rotates to permit its use as
a right or left-handed bug, or, in center position as a straight
key. Brass. Round paddles on lever with two sharp bends. Square
pendulum arm.
ULTIMATE 73: Mid-20's: Ultimate Transmitter Co. Los
Angeles. Small right-angle bug with lockable metal cover. (later
version only snapped closed) Top is hinged in rear resulting in
nickname "flip-top bug". Early model was cast bronze.
Later, common model was pot metal which tended to crumble.
Variants had square or rounded edges, were chrome plated or
painted black. Pot metal version also painted blue.
ULTIMATE (STRAIGHT BUG): Small straight version w/o
cover. Assembled, low frame. Dot & dash posts are square
rather than round. Single post damper w/wheel.
UNITED ELECTRICAL MFG CO.: See early Vibroplex.
VAILOGRAPH: Ca 1908. Adaptor which converts a straight
key into a "vertical bug." Dots are formed by raising
up on the key, dashes by pressing down. Rare.
+ VIBRAX: Made in Italy. Model 03 has oval base, aluminum hardware
and blue paddle. Model 2 has rectangular base, brass hardware, and blue
paddle. It also has thick round uprights for all adjustment screws and the
main frame.
VIBRO-MORS: 1953-1965: Made by Radio-Lune, Paris.
Assembled frame similar to Lightning Bug but lower and only 1
screw on left frame post. No circuit closer. Single post damper
with small fiber washer to contact the flat pendulum. Very short
mainspring. Black wrinkle base seen in conventional style or with
beveled top edges.
VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER, NO. 4: Advertised in 1914 as the
"No. 4". Dark blue, black or nickel (later chrome). 1
piece frame, U-shaped support. Narrow base, but full-size
Japanned or nickel base could be specified. Reintroduced in late
1960s with L-type damper resembling the Martin Jr.
VIBROPLEX BLUE RACER, DELUXE: 1940: Chrome base, red
knobs, pivot bearings jeweled. All Vibroplex Deluxe models got
gray bases during WWII.
VIBROPLEX CHAMPION: 1939: Similar to Lightning Bug's
assembled, triangular frame but with "I" damper and no
circuit closer. Discontinued in 1979. Standard 3.5" black
base, later beige or gray.
VIBROPLEX LIGHTNING BUG, NO. 6: 1923: Flat vibrator
pendulum and assembled frame, 2 triangular pieces with posts
between. "M" type damper, base colors blue, red, green,
black, nickel, later chrome and gray.
VIBROPLEX J-36: US Army version of Lightning Bug.
Federal stock # 3Z3436 called for 3/16" contacts. 1/8"
contacts were used on stock # 3Z3436.1.
VIBROPLEX LIGHTNING BUG, DELUXE: Chrome base, red
knobs, jeweled pivot bearings. Later bugs have red plastic insert
in top of frame.
VIBROPLEX MARTIN JUNIOR: 1934: 'Original', style one
piece frame but with "L" type damper and smaller
3" base.
VIBROPLEX MARTIN MIDGET: 1918: Thin base with legs
extending out from sides. Small post damper. Circuit closer
across center of base. Small frame. Very rare.
VIBROPLEX MODEL X (SINGLE LEVER, DIRECT POINT): 1912:
Single contact used to make both dots and dashes. Appearance of
having an extra pendulum arm. Assembled frame, black or nickel
base. Early version has rectangular pendulum, later version is
round.
VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL, 1ST MODEL: 1904: Set screw in side
of frame rather than a lock nut to secure the top pivot screw.
Slotted binding post nuts., Adjustable shaft in bottom of damper.
Black or nickel base but also seen w/ "striped"
Mecograph-style finish. Dot spring was initially straight, rather
than the current "U" shape.
VIBROPLEX, EXTENSION ARM: 1907: Thin base with leg
which swings out to left. Similar to Original.
VIBROPLEX LICENSED COPY: Special nameplate shows bug
licensed by Martin's agent, J. E. Albright but not made by
Vibroplex. Various mfg.
VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL, DELUXE: 1940: Chrome base, red
finger and thumb pieces, solid frame.
VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL, IMPROVED: U-shaped dot spring,
Dash lever is second piece attached to main arm. L-type damper.
Blue, red, green,, black, nickel and beige bases, gray after
1960. New, 1995 Alabama-made models again have black base. Later
models have rounded, solid frame, earlier frames more square.
This is the classic design most seen and copied.
VIBROPLEX, IMPROVED: See ATOZ Illegal copy of
Vibroplex.
VIBROPLEX ORIGINAL, PRESENTATION: 1948: Jeweled pivot
bearings, red knobs, top of base is gold plated. Early or
special-order models have an adjustable mainspring fastened by
screws rather than rivets.
VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER, NORCROSS MODEL: 1907: Thin
base, with extension leg. Circuit closer on rt. side. Assembled
frame. Independent dash lever.
VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER, HEAVY BASE: Ca 1911-14: Square
frame. Later (1914-17) with rounded frame. Independent dash
lever. Black or nickel base.
VIBROPLEX UPRIGHT: 1916: Also called the
"Wirechief's Special". Vertical mechanism. Used a
single contact, as with the Model X. Black or nickel.
VIBROPLEX ZEPHYR: 1940: Like Champion but with narrow
3.0-inch wide base and a circuit closer added. Assembled frame.
+ WESTERN ELECTRIC: No Further Information.
+ WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE: Wilmerding, PA. No Further Information.
WILCOX: Fred Wilcox, Canada. Bugs resemble Vibroplex.
Many had slight variation such as bases of brass, steel or lead
laminated, all quite heavy. Usually had wing nuts on terminals.
No name-plate but name F. A. Wilcox usually stamped at some
location. Serial no. usually stamped on damper. Variations
w/threaded pendulum & weight, another w/square dot & dash
posts rather than usual round posts. Etc. Rectangular, triangular and oval
based models are known to exist.
WILSON: Wilson Mfg Co, Toronto, Canada. Made for RCAF in WWII.
Name Plate carries the number: 10F/7380. Base dark blue. T-frame.
Damper disc held in U-shaped high damper post. Large diameter round weights.
Wire dot-spring damper. Can be turned on side to use as
straight key or upside down to use left handed.
XOGRAPH: Canada, mfg by Rolf Brown, Toronto. Similar
to Vibroplex Original. Dot & dash posts square. Black
enameled steel base, 2-3/4 x 6-1/4" with rounded corners.
Thumb and finger-pieces are black, plastic paddles. Also seen
with chrome base and red paddles. Two sizes. Later variant had a larger base
and black wrinkle finish.
+ ZIP Bug: Narrow Olive-colored wrinkle-finish base, No shorting
lever. All hardware Cadmium plated. Contacts suported by round uprights.
Locking screws extend down into tops of all uprights that support adjustments
or contacts.