Copyright © 2000, Neal McEwen
Question: I have an old telegraph key
and I am wondering what it is worth. Can you tell me?
Answer: "What is an old key worth?" is like asking "what
is an old car worth?" Some are valuable, some are not. There
are many factors influencing the value of a vintage telegraph instruments.
For a complete discussion, see my article, "Values
of Old Telegraph Instruments."
Question: I have an old telegraph key
that is missing parts. Where can I find replacement parts?
Answer: None of the dozens of antique key makers are still
in business except for Vibroplex. But there is a way to find old
parts. See my article, "Finding
parts for old Telegraph Instruments."
Question: I would like to buy an old
telegraph key. Where can I go to buy one?
Answer: Finding keys can sometimes be difficult.
You need a few hints. See my article, "Where
to Find Old Keys."
Question: I have an old telegraph key
I would like to sell. Can you help me find a home for it?
Answer: Yes, Send me a description of the key. I
am Email connected to several dozen telegraph and wireless collectors and
can assist you in selling it. I may even be interested myself.
The best way to describe an old telegraph instrument to me is through the
On-Line
ID form.
Question: I have an old telegraph key
or bug. Can you tell me more about it?
Answer: Yes, with a good description, I can tell you who
made it, the model, the approximate age, and any other information that
I might know. Go to the On-Line
ID form and answer the questions. I'll get back to you.
Question: My grandfather worked
for ABC Telegraph Company or XYZ Railroad as a telegrapher. I would like
to find more information about his career.
Answer: Unless your relative was a famous telegrapher,
inventor or business man, I will not have information on him. And
unfortunately, the chances of you finding employment records are very slim.
However, you have nothing to loose by writing to the human resources department
of your relatives former employer. Your own family records and older
relatives are your best avenue.
Question: I would like to start collecting
telegraph instruments. Do you have any advice for a beginning collector?
Answer: Yes, I do! First welcome to a wonderful
and fascinating hobby. Beginners should read "Where
do I find old keys?", "Advice
for Beginning Key Collectors", by Lynn Burlingame, and equip himself
with as many of the currently in print books that are in the Bibliography
section of the Telegraph Office.
Question: I have meet several collectors
who have duplicate keys. They do not want to sell them. They
want to 'trade only.' I don't understand. What is the reasoning
for this?
Answer: One of the best ways to build your collection
is through trades. To see how this works and why most experienced
collectors use it, see "Why
Trade Only; breaking the trade barrier."
Question: I am doing a term paper
on the telegraph. Can you send me information that will help me?
Answer: The information on the Telegraph Office page and
links will answer all your questions and more. Check the section
for students; you will even find plans for a working telegraph. Good
luck with your paper!