The Telegraph Office

Identifying an Old Key or Other Telegraph Instrument

An Online Request

by Neal McEwen, K5RW

k5rw@telegraph-office.com


Copyright © 1996, Neal McEwen

To Telegraph Office Main Page


If you will fill out the form below and hit the 'submit' button, I will help you identify your old key and give you some information concerning it's place in history.  Take a little time and look the key over thoroughly.  The slightest little detail can be a telltale sign.  Don't forget to look for markings or pencil marks on the underside.  I need the dimensions of the base to make a good ID!  Don't forget your email address. Without it I can't reply to you.

Look for a picture of you key in The Telegraph Office Photo Gallery  where you will find many photos of vintage keys with a short note.

Who Are You?

From: (your email address) 
Name: (your name)
Ham Callsign:
Mail a copy of this data to (another collector, e.g.): 

Distinguishing Features of your Key:

Type of Instrument: 

Manufacturer (if known): 

Shape of base: 

Serial number:
Highest Patent number: 
Exact Dimensions of base (very important!): 
 

Base Color: 

Base Texture: 

Base Material: 

Parts Finish:

Label Material:

Label Lettering: 

Address on label: 

Connection: 

Number of Connections:

Size of Contacts:

Number of contacts: 

Shape of Lever: 

Motion of Lever:

Number of Levers:

Shape of Weights on lever (bugs only):

Shape of Damper (bugs only):

Lever Material: 

Number of Solenoids (coils), (sounder/relay only):

Finger Pieces Shape: 

Finger Piece Color:

Finger Piece Material: 
 

Other Details:

In the box below describe any other features that are unique to this key.  If the key has a label, put all the markings in the box. You may also leave me a message in this box.

For more information, visit the Telegraph Office home page

Neal McEwen, k5rw@telegraph-office.com