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![]() a division of Milestone Technologies, Inc. "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast!" |
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Collectors' Corner
Occasionally we obtain small lots of unusual and collectable keys-- too few to offer as a regular stock line, so here they are on a page especially for the collector. Supplies are very limited-- first come first served! To verify status of an item you are interested in, please call us on (303) 752-3382. |
(Click on the pix for full-size view)
These miniature keys were made
for Soviet special forces
(spetznaz) towards the end of the 1980s but were never delivered.
Recently
recovered from the factory that made them in the Ukraine, they are in
mint
unused condition. The key measures 1-7/8" x 1-3/8" at the
base by
1-1/8" high. The knob extends a further 1-1/8" forward from
the base,
and the thumbscrews extend outwards about 1/4" on each side.
The
cover is metal, as are the mechanical parts, on a composite
sub-base.
The knob is a single plastic piece that slips over the lever.
Note
THREE adjusting screws. Like many European keys, this one is designed
for
separate rear contact (circuit closed) operation as well as normal
front-contact
keying. The supplied cable is attached to the front contact
and the
lever, with a link to the rear contact. It has a surprisingly
nice
feel, and is very well made. The key weighs a tiny 3
Oz. The
"keyed" shape of the base locks into an aluminum plate, which can be
strapped
to the operator's leg, putting the key at a comfortable angle for
operation.
The plate has mounting holes so that it can be screwed onto a table or
other base if required for stationary operation.
As of January, 2008, the TKF Keys have sold out. We are trying to locate a new source, meanwhile we do have a few mounting plates and straps available. |
Soviet Special Forces Key with Plate and Strap $79.95 | |
Soviet Special Forces Key (bare) $59.95 | |
Mounting Plate (No Strap) $18.00 |
(Sold Out) A small collection of older Chinese D117/K4 telegraph keys. Some are variations that we haven't seen before. The keys are offered individually, that is, the key you see in the photo is the key that you will receive. Price is relative to scarcity, See our PLA page for current production models. We identified 11 highly collectable varieties, and if you order one you will get the actual key shown in the photo. The keys will be removed from this page as they are sold, so if you want to keep a copy of the photo please save it when you place your order. The keys have heavy chrome plating, machined needle bearings for the trunion, hard silver contacts, and a felt pad on the base. They weigh around two and a quarter pounds each. The approximate dimensions of the base are 2-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches. They're 2-1/2 inches high and the center of the knob is forward of the base about an inch. |
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Sub-base:
Ivory Cable: Molded, wrapped plug Knob: Ball & skirt Label: None Price: $110 |
(Sold) | ||
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Sub-base:
Black Cable: None Knob: Flat Label: Chinese & English Price: $80 |
(Sold) | ||
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Sub-base:
Black Cable: None Knob: Flat Label: Chinese & English Price: $80 |
(Sold) | ||
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Hi-Mounds'
first new key in some time,
the new HK908DX
didn't last long-- it was introduced and discontinued in the space of
less
than a year. The 908 represents several refinements on the
802 theme.
The mechanical design has been simplified slightly, with a lot of
attention
to silencing the action. The oak base has been replaced with
a large,
heavy block of natural marble, which adds weight to the key and
rigidity
to the mechanism. The large "navy" knob with skirt provides
for a
comfortable grip, and the overall result is the possibility of hours of
effortless sending. The last HK908DX in captivity was sold
for $400.
Johnson
Speed-X Navy Contract
Keys $85
(Sold
Out! But we'll leave
the info here for awhile for
reference
purposes)
About two years ago the Royal
Canadian Navy decommissioned
two mine sweepers and auctioned off a warehouse full of spare
parts.
Among the "spares" were some telegraph keys, Speed-X model 320-001, in
their original contract packaging. The 1967 contract date on
the
box indicates that these are EF Johnson keys (Wm M. Nye didn't acquire
EF Johnson until 1974). The keys are mint unused, and the
packaging
is in generally excellent condition.