[GreenKeys] Vibroplex "DeLuxe"

[Derek Cohn/WB0TUA]

Hi Guys,

This photo is actually a Vibroplex DeLuxe even though it looks like an Original:

http://www.arrl.org/images/view/News/nms_1325.jpg

During WW2, Vibroplex did not chrome their bases and used a "battleship" gray paint instead of the standard black that was used at that time.  What made a key a Deluxe is that the bearings were "jeweled".  While you cannot see the bearings in this photo, the give away is the copper pig tail that is visible just forward of the dash contact.  That pig tail was used to make a positive electrical connection between the key lever and the frame since the glass "jewels" in the bearings did not conduct well or conduct at all.  The other hint that this is a Deluxe is the red finger pieces and circuit closer knob. However, I have seen many Originals over the years where the owner replaced the normally black finger pieces with red ones.

Somewhere in my collection is one of these bugs that must be New Old Stock.  It has a gold foil tag attached to the key that says "Vibroplex DeLuxe" or something like that.  I will post a photo if I stumble across the key.  Vibroplex likely added that to these keys so the owners knew that the bug was a true DeLuxe (due to the jeweled bearings) since the painted base could lead them to think they had gotten an Original.

Happy to help with any landline telegraph matters....

73,

Derek Cohn
Amateur Radio Station - WBØTUA
Morse Telegraph Club - Office UD, Sine DJ
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