[CW] Another bug weight question

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe K2UF" <joe at k2uf.com>
To: <v31jp1957 at gmail.com>; "'CW Reflector'" 
<cw at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, January 05, 2014 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: [CW] Another bug weight question


     My  c.1944 Vibroplex Original came with an extra 
weight. I don't think its a Vibroplex weight but have no 
idea what it came off of. It is 1/2" long X 5/8" diameter. 
The edges are chamfered.  The set screw is the same thread 
and size as the Vibroplex screws but it has a smaller head 
with diamond knurling. The plating is slightly different in 
color from the Vibroplex plating, slightly "warmer".  This 
key is a puzzle. Its serial number is 130672. According to 
the serial number information from John Elwood as shown at
http://www.vibroplex.com/date_your_vibroplex.html
    It was made in 1944. However, it is not a military key. 
It has a standard Vibroplex label.  It does show some sloppy 
workmanship, for instance, the lower trunion hole was 
drilled at a slight angle and the damper is not fastened to 
the damper bridge quite straight. I suspect it was made from 
re-worked parts from military contracts.  My mom found this 
in some thrift shop many years ago. It was in virtually new 
condition including a case and key.  I diddled it slightly 
to get everything to line up and it works perfectly.  The 
extra weight was in the case.  The case had someone's name 
written on it in white ink but I never recorded it and its 
gone now.  I have been told that Vibroplex did not sell any 
civilian keys during the war but , unless the serial number 
data is way off, they must of sold some.  BTW, the castings 
are the old style with square edges.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com