~100+ YEAR OLD BUNNELL MERCURY DIME SPARK TELEGRAPH KEY~WOOD BASE~CLEAR COATED~

Description

TYPE:
LAND LINE TELEGRAPH KEY MADE INTO "Dime Spark Key"
MAKE/MODEL:
J.H. BUNNELL TRIUMPH KEY
AGE:
This is a vintage LAND LINE telegraph key that's over 100 years old. The dimes that were added later for ham radio spark use are both dated 1920.
FEATURES:
(1) QUALITY BUNNELL Parts & Construction
(2) 1920 Mercury Dimes have been soldered as contacts for use as a ham radio spark key (3)
custom N0-TIP N0-SLIP W00D BASE with rubber feet
(4)
ORIGINAL BRONZE TENSION SPRING
(5) connections are made to slotted screws
on the top of the key (6
)
SIZE of the Dime Spark Key & Custom Base:
L x W x H of the key & base = 6.0 x 3.2 x 1.8 inches
INCLUDES
:
The BUNNELL "Dime Spark Key" that is shown in the pictures
0PTIONS:
<1> 1920 dimes as contacts <2>
CUST0M N0-TIP N0-SLIP BASE
<
you won't be able to use any oval based key without mounting it
>
C0SMETICS:
:
B
G00D
overall for a key that is over 100 years old (1) the 1920 Mercury Dime Contacts show wear & solder on all surfaces. (2) the sending arm shows spotting & tarnish. The plated continuity strip looks G00D with minor blemishes. Both have been hand polished. (3) the brass screws & nuts look VERY G00D, & have all been hand polished & clear coated. There are minor blemishes visible especially on the oval base which shows original machining marks (4) the clear finish on the custom wood base looks VERY G00D
(5) the J.H. Bunnell ID info on the solid brass oval base is SOMEWHAT READABLE
(6) The plastic knob looks GOOD, and shows brown age patina & minor scratches
***PLEASE LOOK CLOSELY AT THE PICTURES, BECAUSE THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION***
MALFUNCTIONS:
<1> When this key became part of my large straight key collection, it was completely disassembled, cleaned & all parts lubricated & hand polished.  I DID NOT TRY TO REMOVE the EXCESS SOLDER from the SILVER DIMES <2> All brass parts were stripped of a dark brown clear coat, then polished & CLEAR COATED with a long lasting brass lacquer.
<3> I then spent time making the custom wood base, so that the otherwise unusable oval key won't slip, slide & tip on your operating table.
This VINTAGE "Dime Spark Key", would make an 0UTSTANDING ADDITION to ANY KEY COLLECTION or for use on the air, especially during the MANY SKCC events or ARRL Straight Key Night.
COMMENTS:
THIS CLEAN 100+ YEAR OLD LAND LINE KEY WAS TURNED INTO A SPARK KEY for HAM RADIO USE by a HAM WHO LIKELY COULD NOT AFFORD a Murdoch, A.W. Bowman, Clapp-Eastham, or Bunnell Commercial Spark KEY. The clear brass lacquer will keep this old beauty looking GREAT for a long time.
~This key DISPLAYS BEAUTIFULLY~
~THESE HOME BREWED "DIME KEYS" DO NOT APPEAR VERY OFTEN on eBAY. THIS ONE USED A HIGH QUALITY LAND LINE KEY & IS READY TO USE or DISPLAY~
***This key will be carefully packaged for safe shipping AND EXTRA INSURED.  If you have concerns about my description accuracy, packing ability or shipping speed, PLEASE READ my FEEDBACK AS A SELLER.***