Name/Title
Key, hand or straight for radio or telegraphEntry/Object ID
2022.03.29Description
A cast metal oval, with holes to attach it to a work surface, and painted with a wrinkly, black paint, is the frame of this Hand or Straight key. The steel upper lever forms the key, a on-off switch that pivots over the frame and ends with a flat, circular, black knob. The Bakelite or plastic knob is stamped "JAPAN" on its underside. The smaller, spherical black knob is a circuit closer. Additional metal screws are the wiring posts and to adjust the Key's spring and contact.
Although this key resembles the J.H. Bunnell 2A Legless Key for Western Union, pictured below, it is unbranded and "Japan" on the knob suggests this key was manufactured in the 1950s or 1960s.Context
This item was used in a SDHC museum exhibit where it was screwed to a wooden plank.Dimensions
Height
1-1/2 inWidth
2-1/2 inLength
5 inLocation
* Untyped Location
Sec 3E Shelf S17Condition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
The knob is scratched and the black paint has chipped off the base around the screw holes. Upper contact hammer is missing.Create Date
March 3, 2022Update Date
August 16, 2024
