FS: Handmade Keyer Paddle from 1950's

[J. Douglas Hensley]

Skilled tool and die makers don't waste their time on two bit keys.
Maybe a millwright on his lunch hour but not a tool and die maker.

73 DE NFMK AR

On Fri, 17 Mar 2000 12:48:50 -0600 Jan N0JR <swanman at CFU.NET> writes:
> I am selling for the family of a friend an exceptional keyer paddle
> handmade by a skilled tool-and-die maker.  It started life as a
> Deluxe
> Speed-X bug with nickel-chrome base.  The base was professionally
> remanufactured to keyer-paddle size (3.5" x 4.5") and the bug bridge
> and
> screw controls were carefully relocated (the Speed-X name is still
> perfectly readable on the bridge)  The bug vibrator arm was neatly
> shortened and refinished into a keyer arm and the black Speed-X
> thumb
> pieces retained. Three terminals were added to the rear for cable
> connection.
>
> The first commercial keyer paddles were introduced in 1959-60.
> Before
> that, we all made our own.  If you want one of the nicest (and best
> working) from the handmade era, you'll not outdo this one. Its
> action is
> equal to any of the paddles in my collection, including Vibroplex's
> best, and the workmanship is remarkable.  Price is $75 + $5 to ship
> firm, sorry no trades.
> --
> "There is no end to what you can accomplish
> if you don't care who gets the credit."