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2. collecting
3. stamps and coins

INDEX TO KEYS Etc. BY COUNTRY Part 5 501 – 703
Australia:
501–505. 507–508. 516. 519. 528. 530. 533 –535. 541 – 543. 545. 554. 556. 557. 559. 563 ─ 564.
570 ̶ 571. 573 ̶ 575.
Austria:
503.
Belgium:
553.
Denmark:
550. 561.
Germany:
526. 551.
United Kingdom:
509─515. 517─518. 520.–522. 524─525. 527. 531–532. 544. 546 – 548. 552. 555. 560. 562.
566 ─ 569. 572.
United States:
506. 523. 529. 536. – 538. 540. 549. 558. 565. 576.
Unknown:
539.
501.
Australian P.M.G. brass key. Wooden base 107 x 79mm stamped S123-8 02344-40 underneath. PMG stamped
under back right corner. Black wooden knob and circuit closer knob. All brass fittings. Jack for jigger.
2 terminals on left.
502.
Replica of Australian Piergraph semi automatic key. Made by Phil Boyle U.K. Black painted wrought iron base
143 x 82mm. All brass fittings. Red compressed vulcanised fibre paddles. Circuit closer on front right. Vibrator
post located at rear of key. 2 terminals at rear. Label on front reads PIERGRAPH NO 2 ROBLEY AND TOUGH
PERTH W.A. Label under base reads GONVT TELEGRAPH KEYS PENKETH ENGLAND PIERGRAPH SER No.04. Only
one known original located in Perth W.A.
503.
Austrian galvanometer made by VTuTF = VEREINGTE TELEGRAPHEN UND ITT AUSTRIA. C 1910. Wooden base
1188 x 70mm, hole right hand front and stamped on rear No. 16233. Brass case 90 x 53 x 125mm secured with
screws each side. 2 terminals on 2 brass blocks at front. Dial reads 35 each side with VTuTF in circle and
MILLIAMP. Glass secured by 3 rivets on dial frame. Obtained from Franz Pichler, Austria 2012.
504.
U.K Air Force ‘Bathtub’ key. Black bakelite base measures 117 x 35mm. Top opening key section with two
terminals marked REF. No. 10A/7739. Black bakelite knob with skirt marked on skirt REF. No. 10A/7790. In
front of skirt marked REF. No. 10A/7741. Large spring clip at front secures the two main parts and when placed
on skirt emits a continuous signal.
505.
Australian army key made by Amalgamated Wireless Australasia (AWA) - wooden base, 3 terminals at rear.
Base 152 x 65mm. R688D. Very similar to #2, but with lower fulcrum and contact bases. Does not have a
plated finish to the parts. Similar to #001 but missing label.
506.
U.S. Weiny-Phillips single line repeater or locking relay. Metal sub base measures 202 x 120mm, black painted
wooden base measures 190 x 100mm. 2 normal coils and one smaller differentially wound coil. Single stand
winder. Label reads W.U. TEL. CO. 80 OHM. LOCKING RELAY 2-A. 6 terminals. All fittings nickel plated brass
except for brass armature contact and back stop. Under wooden base stamped inside rectangle N.Y.R.S. 413
INSPECTED and 42 on right hand side. 30 stamped into underside of base twice. Other marking of N.Y.R.S 7 24
and N.Y.R.S. 10-28.
507.
Australian Simplex Auto semi automatic key. S# 857. Black painted base measures 152 x 76mm.
Label reads THE SIMPLEX AUTO No 857 (REGD) MANUFACTURED BY LEO G. COHEN TELEGRAPHIST
C.T.O.. MELBOURNE. VIC. This model was available in either nickel plated or black painted base.
508.
Australian Automorse. Right hand model. Metal base 144 x 93mm rounded corners. T frame. Dot pendulum
has weight attached to dot spring with two other weights. Auto dash bar pendulum to right has one large
parallel weight and one slightly smaller cross weight with long contact strip to left. All paddles are fibre
material. Label on front right reads HITCHCOX BROS MAKERS PAT. No 7023-18 K. P. THOMAS ADELAIDE.
Contained in original three ply wooden box 217 x 109 x 100mm.
509.
U.K. submarine test key. Ebonite base and tall standoffs which reduce capacitance during sensitive
measurements. Cams on each key arm allow the cable to be put to either voltage until a stable condition is
reached as the cable charges up (behaving like a capacitor). Similar keys made by Elliott Brothers and H.W.
Sullivan.
510
U.K. Rymer-Jones key. Used with #511 (Short circuit key) and Wheatstone Bridge for testing. Reddish brown
Ebonite base measures 140 x 115mm. Brass fittings. Two long handles – right has stop and left handle has
td
white section at front. 2 contacts at end of arms and on rear contact bar. Base stamped H. W. SULLIVAN L
o
LONDON RYMER-JONES KEY SERAIL N 7216/1957. The handles may be moved separately or together across 3
end contacts. By joining one battery lead to the centre and the other to the two other segments, the direction
of the current is determined by the position of the handles to the right or left.
511.
U.K. Short circuiting key. Used with #510 (Rymer-Jones key), Wheatstone Bridge and galvanometer for testing.
Reddish brown ebonite base measures 86 x 138mm. 2 high offsets with terminals. Key depresses and turns to
td
o
right to lock. Contact on cross piece and arm. Stamped H. W. SULLIVAN L LONDON. SERIAL N 66265.
512.
U.K. Commutator key used in single needle working. This is the early version with wooden base 137 x 135mm.
Wooden handles 215 x 29mm. 2 terminals at rear connected horizontally and connected to backstops of keys.
2 outer terminals at rear connect to battery. Centre terminal is down line and short front terminal is up line –
total 6. Small paper label on left of base with hand written date 19.12.50 (1850?)
513.
U.K. Rheostat C. Basically a box of resistance coils. Wooden base 150mm diameter (arched cut out section or
chip at rear). Top of case measurers 140mm diameter and stamped C G.P.O. 3135. 2 terminals left and right.
4 brass bars at front with 3 plugs (1 non matching) marked 10 20 400 and blank. Top segment marked in 400
ohm steps from 400 to 4800 and lower segment marked in 40 steps from 40 to 400 ohms. Coils are ‘double
wound’ to eliminate effects of self induction.
514.
U.K. Relaying sounder. Wooden base 118mm diameter, brass cover 98mm diameter and 68mm high, stamped
o td
in centre in oval WALTERS ELECT MFG. C L LONDON N.W. Black Ebonite base 6 terminals. 2 coils. No
adjusting spring but weight of adjustable round piece at end of arm provides release of armature from coils.
515.
U.K. key. Wooden base 115 x 195mm. Ebonite sub base 17 x 185mm stamped on front SILVERTOWN LONDON.
Brass fittings. Bone knob and circuit closer knob. Glass cover 88mm diameter. 3 terminals at rear 1 each left
and right near front. Send/receive switch with S and R stamped on ebonite base. This may be a variation of an
increment key, but no information can be found about it. Connecting battery to rear right and front right
terminals, key can be used as a normal straight key.
516.
Australian Simplex Auto semi automatic key. S# 151. 2nd model. Black base 153 x 76mm. All nickel plated
brass fittings. Square bridge with semi circle cut out on rear right. Small brass plate 24 x 17mm marked
SIMPLEX AUTO 151 L. G. COHEN MELB. on front base. Round pendulum. One terminal screw on dash post and
the second immediately to left of arm at rear. Damper centre rear. Top pivot screw. Black bakelite
finger/thumb pieces. Stamped PMG on each side.
↑
517.
U.K. Marconi 365B c1940. Brass sub base grey hammer tone finish188 x 138mm with label on front reading
TRANSMITTING KEY TYPE No. 365B SERIAL NO. 12456 MADE IN ENGLAND THE M.I.M.C. Co LTD. LONDON.
(M.I.M.C. stands for Marconi International Marine Communication Company – therefore the Co. is a
duplication of the C). All metal fittings. Roller bearings. (Some were fitted with sleeve bearings). Key click
suppressors front and back and capacitors and resistors under black bakelite base 152 x 115mm. Arm has
black bakelite sleeve and black bakelite knob. Brass cover grey hammer tone finish 153 x 108 x 55mm. Small
dent right centre. Obtained from Brisbane 2012 and said to have come from Frank Norris off H.M.A.S. Moreton
(Brisbane Naval base). Borrowed by Post Office Southport Qld to teach Morse and lent to W.I.A (Wireless
Institute of Australia) for teaching Morse. With cord and plug.
518.
U.K. Increment key. Spanish Mahogany base 210 x 120 x 30mm stamped SILVERTOWN LONDON. on front.
Ebonite sub base 203x 115 x 11mm. All brass fittings. Glass top cover 97mm diameter and 51mm high. Three
terminals at rear. Wooden knob.
519.
Australian P.M.G. steel date stamp and pad. Brown Bakelite handle 72mm high 35mm diameter. Steel base
30mm diameter, 33mm high. Screw for turning wheels at right hand side. Base reads COBRAM M.O.O. VIC
AUST with date wheels in centre. Stamped on right side S513/ and on left 60 (indicating year rings for 60 and
70 – usually limited to two decades and rings were updated on a rotational basis) and PWM (Postal Workshops
Melbourne). 2 stamped on back. All originating telegrams with stamps attached had to be cancelled with a
steel date stamp and therefore such stamp is relevant to telegraphy. Rubber pad 145mm diameter x 45mm
high. 2 felt inserts were soaked with black, or for some purposes, red ink. (M.O.O. = Money Order Office).
520.
U.K. Air Ministry W.T. key (believed to have formerly been UK Navy key). All brass fittings on ebonite base
123 x 90mm. Brown ebonite knob and skirt. Enclosed in brass case 235 x 115 x 75mm with cable anchor
brackets on rear right and right hand sides. Three brackets on left hand side have been removed (no doubt by
Air Ministry). Hinged cover. Mica plate between ebonite base and case base. Mica plate inside case lid over
contact. Inside of case painted black which would have been done by Air Ministry – paint would not be used in
a fire risk naval atmosphere. Label on front reads KEY MORSE TYPE B REF No. 10F/310 A ♔ M (Air Ministry),
SERIAL No. attached with brass bifurcated rivets to front of lid. 28 stamped on case underneath label. Similar
key held by National Museum of Australia is stamped KEY PATTERN 310 which indicates a naval key. I believe
this key started life as a Navy key pre 1910 (Patt 310) and was fitted to destroyers and used in explosive
environments – hence the heavy brass and insulation. After being superseded by a ‘double arm’ key (Patt
2483) found its way to the Air Ministry which was established on 2 January 1918 where it was possibly used in
ground stations. Probably designed and made by Marconi Co. Type B1 key (Air Ministry) was the same key
housed in a Bakelite case without cable brackets. No doubt the Type D key evolved from this one. Obtained
from U.K. 2012.
521.
U.K. watch case polechanger. Wooden base 198 x 108mm stamped 900Ω PMG with arrow under. Mounted on
black cast iron base 212 x 118mm. All brass fittings, six terminals at front. Two electro magnets mounted
s
o
o
vertically. ‘Watch case’ mounted on left hand side. Dial reads SIEMENS BRO & C LONDON N 1740. This dates
the polechanger between 1865 and 1880.
522.
U.K. galvanometer. Wooden base 115 x 73mm stamped WD with ↑ above and double arrows to right and 395.
395 also written on rear. Green metal domed cover secured at each side with brass thumbscrews. Dial reads
0 – 70 each side and PATTERSON & COOPER 1885. Brass bezel. Four brass terminals and 2 straps at rear. Also
1000Ω shunt.
523.
U.S. sounder. Wooden base 135 x 90mm. Black cast iron frame. Two coils. 2 terminals at rear. Vertical spring.
All brass fittings.
524.
U.K. Universal shunt. Brass case 120mm diameter with ebonite top. Ebonite knob and dial in centre rotating
over resistances of 1 to 2000 Ohms. Stamped on right hand side RES = 10000 Ohms. Left hand side stamped
UNIVERSAL SHUNT X READING BY. Four terminals AT REAR marked – G G + Front centre stamped H. TINSLEY
O
O
& C LONDON S.E. N 13628
525.
Relaying sounder Type 1 (or A) contained in glass front wooden box 165 x 173 x 130mm. Glass front section
(not shown in pic) detaches. Label reads SOUNDER RELAYING TYPE 1 REF. NO. 5B/117 A ♔ M (indicating Air
Ministry) SERIAL NO. Terminals marked S T M D (with 500 above) Ⓓ U and Ⓤ (with 500 above). Large
magnet underneath stamped O.P.C. 9. Type B relaying sounder was used for remote control of high power
W/T (Morse) transmitters, including transmitters T.70 and T.1087. The operator could be many miles away
from the transmitting site, and this instrument, connected to the site by telegraph wires, faithfully followed
his/her Morse keying to operate the transmitter. Concurrently, two type A models, of slightly different design,
were used for switching HT and LT power supplies in the transmitter and receiver. Both models are
differentially wound. Type A (Ref. 5B/117, later designated 10G/117). Power supply: 24v (12-0-12v). Coils
500+500 ohms in parallel. Two used for switching HT and LT by remote control. Type B (Ref. 5B/138, later
designated 10G/138). Power supply: 14v ac through a bridge rectifier. Coils 500+500 ohms in series, slugged
with closed metal rings round the coils. Used for keying a transmitter by remote control. According to the RAF
Museum, Hendon, Type B (10G/138) was a stock item in RAF Stores until ‘sometime after 1959’. For Type B
see #266
526.
German wooden cased galvanometer. Base 111 x 85mm. 8mm high. Stamped K with a logo under base.
Sloped front with glass insert. Brass terminals each side at front. Dial reads MILLIAMP. C. LORENZAKTIENGESELLSCHAFT BERLIN. 0-40 both sides.
527.
U.K. Horizontal galvanometer. Brass case 105mm diameter stamped ↑ A.P. 1499 at rear. Two mounting
T
FG O
brackets. Two terminals and locking switch. Dial reads 0 – 40 both sides and stamped WALTERS ELEC L M C
TD
L Magnifier on top. Glass front. Contained in leather case 140mm diameter and strap. Originally would have
also had shoulder strap.
528.
Australian 6 point battery switch c1913. Ebonite base 113 x 90mm. All brass fittings. Four terminals at rear
with two locking screws for slides. Two slides with limiting pins and knob on cross piece. Four blocks at front.
With switch to right, connects lower voltage to ‘line’ contacts of multiplex apparatus and to left, higher voltage
to line instruments. Mounted on operating table.
529.
U.S. Box relay. Wooden base 289 x 133mm. Stamped P.M.G. 281 and 250 (Ohms). Two terminals.
Wooden box 129 x 103 x 78. Believed to have been used on temporary racecourse circuits in Melbourne Vic.
.
530.
Australian wooden cased trembler bell. Base 110 x 193mm and stamped P.M.G. 4584 200Ω AND 5Ω. 5 written
underneath. Case measures 90 x 90 x 37mm and 5 written under. Two coils. Bell 72mm diameter. Two
terminals at rear.
531.
U.K. Short circuiting key. Ebonite base 141 x 88mm. All brass fittings. Two large terminals at rear. Ebonite knob
rotates to lock against front centre post. Stamped H. S. SULLIVAN. LONDON N Ex.1903. stamped on front.
S
532.
U.K. Army set. Ebonite base 114 x 114mm. Stamped 40 and REID BRO LONDON. N. All brass fittings. Key on
right stamped W↑D has ebonite knob which rotates so that the base activates a metal strip circuit closer. Two
central screws beside relay move it forwards and backwards. Very thin armature moved by a front adjusting
screw. Five terminals at rear marked from right C DT T U Z.
533.
Australian P.M.G. milliamp meter. Black wrinkle paint metal case 90 x 90 x 87mm. Two terminals at front. Dial
reads 0- 50 both sides. mA D.C. below. Marked COUPLE INT. MODEL K32 SERIAL 3m. 699. S154/6 PATON ELEC
PTY LTD SYDNEY 3065
43
534.
Australian P.M.G. two line switch. Ebonite base 123 x 76mm. 8 brass plates in two sets of four. Left set reads at
top U D and 2 2 (line number) below. Right set reads U D at top and 40 40 (line number) below. Used in offices
where two lines are connected. Plugs in pictures show the left hand line connected to the office and plugged
through the set for working, whilst the right hand picture shows the second line plugged out clear of the office.
U indicates ‘up’ side of line – always towards the principal office on the line and D indicates the ‘down’ side –
always away from the principal office.
535.
Australian sheet metal dark khaki coloured key. Base 115 x 69mm Overall height 88mm, 46mm wide. Long
metal key with wooden knob. Cover secured by screw on top. Cord entry rear left. Label at rear reads PHILIPS
O
O
TYPE N 38-09-42 SERIAL N
V10 MADE IN AUSTRALIA. 42 may indicate year of manufacture and
probably a military key.
536.
U.S. tubular steel sounder (used in Australia). Wooden base 139 x 80mm. Stamped 900Ω. Shunt underneath.
Metal tubular fittings, two terminals at rear. Vertical spring.
537.
U.S. ‘Freir’ relay (used in Australia). Wooden base 190 x 117mm, 6 terminals. Label reads WESTERN ELECTRIC
COMPANY. Brass plate with adjusting screws either side of smaller brass case with ebonite top 87 x 61mm.
Superimposed on black cast iron base 213 x 126mm. Used in quadruplex working.
538.
U.S. ‘Freir’ Polarised relay (used in Australia). Wooden base 190 x 117mm. 6 terminals. Stamped 136 P.M.G..
Brass plate with adjusting screws either side of smaller brass case with ebonite top 87 x 61mm. Superimposed
O
on black cast iron base 213 x 126mm. Written under base N 10 21.7.1903. Terminals from left underneath
marked Ⓓ D Ⓤ U. Large horseshoe magnet under. Used in quadruplex working.
539.
Unknown reflecting galvanometer – possibly U.K. or European (used in Australia). Ebonite base 125mm
diameter stamped under N-25979T SPERIODIC ? Fitted with three adjustable brass legs and two terminals.
Brass case, 95mm diameter base and 112mm high set on slightly wider brass base. 40mm diameter lens on
front and knob on top stamped ZERO ADJUST.
540.
U.S. Tillotson Pocket relay. Contained in leather covered wooden case 148 x 74 x 62mm. Mounted on Ebonite
base 134 x 60mm. Stamped 250 0 underneath. Two large coils with main adjustment at rear centre and relay
adjustment rear left connected to long spring and striker arm. All brass fittings. Two terminals at rear. Circuit
O
closer with ebonite knob to right of key. Sounder arm stamped L. G. TILLOTSON C 8 DEY ST NEW YORK. This
was their address between 1 June 1970 and 16 April 1878 so this key would have been made during that
period. Label on base reads PATENT APPD FOR.
541.
Australian wood and brass resonator with sounder. Believed to have been used
by P.M.G. in Townsville Queensland in early 1920s. Base 140 x 139mm. Resonator
166 x 158 x 135mm with 24mm wide brass strips around front and back. Brass stem
155mm high 24mm diameter. Brass sounder mounted on wooden base 133 x 87mm
with two terminals at rear. In turn mounted on wooden base that slides into
resonator leaving 25mm gap at bottom. Cord leads to wooden junction box
90 x 58mm.
542.
Australian sounder located with #541.
All brass fittings mounted on wood
base 132 x 87mm. Horizontal spring.
543.
Australian Relay reversing switch. Ebonite base 50 x 50mm. Four brass segments marked 1 2 3 and 4
underneath. #1 stamped 100 on top and #4 92 on top. Four brass terminal screws. Two ebonite and brass
plugs. Used both with Wheatstone bridge and Quadruplex telegraphy.
544.
U.K. ‘Weston’ galvanometer (used in Australia). Mounted on wooden base 170 x 150mm with two terminals at
front and label reading ELLIOTT BROTHERS LONDON. Contained in metal case 140 x 70 x 40mm with brass disc
screwed to lower front. Dial reads 0 – 150 with WESTON’S DIRECT-READING MIL-AM-METER. Below. Star on
O
TH
either side. Brass label reads WESTON ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENT C NEWARK, N.J. U.S.A.PATENTED NOV. 6
o
o
o
1888 N 5598. Brass plate on front reads PATENTED NOVEMBER 6. 1888. N 392.386 AND N 392.387. APRIL 29
o
o
o
o
1890. N 427.022. FEB 17 1891. N 446.489.OCT. 4 1898 N 611.722. DESIGN PATENTS JUNE 10. 1890. N 19.895
o
o
AND N 19.896. MAR. 22. 1898. N 28.393.
545.
Australian Victorian Railways battery switch. Ebonite base 138 x 70mm stamped VIC RYS on top rear. Two
terminals at rear, 1 each side. Slides across four terminals at front. All metal fittings.
546.
U.K. Siemens polarised relay. Wooden base 140mm diameter with 7 terminals stamped 1 2 3 4 L M T L S.
Stamped PMG with ↑ under between 1 and 2 and 500 between 3 and 4 under base. Brass case 110mm
S
O
O
diameter 73mm high. Glass top to case. Stamped on top SIEMENS BRO & C LONDON N 11147. (This dates
the relay between 1865 and 1880). Brass adjusting knob rear left.
.
L
R
547.
U.K. small resistance box. Wooden base 145 x 85mm x 58mm high.
Brass anchoring points each side. Plate at front reads ELLIOTT
TD
(LONDON) L LEWISHAM. IN ASSOCIATION WITH SIEMENS BROTHERS
O TD
& C L WOOLWITCH. (This dates the resistance box post 1880). 4 brass
bars at rear top marked 5000, plain centre bar and lower bar also
marked 5000. Two terminal bars at right.
548.
U.K. Resistance box 233 x 117 x 125mm, 322 painted on end.
Ebonite top with 8 terminals marked 100 (2) and 200 (6) ω
O TD
(all in old ohm symbol). Stamped GAMBRELL BROS. & C L
O
LONDON TYPE K22 N 115. All brass fittings.
549.
U.S. Metal tape splicer used for joining fast 5 hole telegraphy tapes. Approx. 165mm long x 35mm at rear and
85mm at front. Bakelite knob. Label reads U.S. PATENT 2246655
550.
Danish wood and metal cases shunted galvanometer. Wooden base 130 x 95mm with 3 brass blocks at front to
take 3 plugs. Left hole stamped 1 right marked 1/5. Furthest right hand hole to accommodate plug. Curved
wooden back 100mm high. Dial marked 0 – 150 each side with Milliamp: above and S.N.T.S. KOBENHAVN
below.
551.
German Wehrmachtstaste T2 black Bakelite key on metal base with rubber under, marked GETEFO BERLIN,
150 x 58mm. Hinged cover marked D in circle and V4 and T2 within logo, inside. Cord mount labelled Ln26908.
Steel fittings with plastic sheath on arm. Black bakelite knob. Closing the cover shorts the contacts on the key.
The zig-zag red symbol ↯ warns of high voltage. Getefo was a company which used prisoners of war
‘Zwangsarbeiter’ (forced labour) during WW2 especially in the war industry.
552.
U.K. black metal reflecting galvanometer. Base 140mm diameter 24mm wide, stamped M402499 and
16645/4. Two adjusting legs and one fixed. Central portion 88mm diameter by 63mm high. Lens at rear. Cover
o
stamped CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENTS Co. LTD. ENGLAND. Round insert marked 20Ω N L-2413-87 and logo. Top
section 45mm diameter x 34mm high with switch on top rotating between marks CLAMP and FREE. Adjusting
knob and two terminals on top. Overall height 140mm.
553.
Belgian Brequet all brass key mounted on double wooden base, lower 155 x 112mm, upper 140 x 82mm. All
brass fittings. Two terminals on left. Two terminals on right connected to an auxiliary key at the rear. Rear keys
possibly used to summon attention on another local circuit. Large gap adjusting screw at rear. Two brown
bakelite knobs. Stamped under base MAISON BREQUET in oval and 808 87.
554.
Australian, Victorian Railways large relay. Wooden base 193 x 133mm stamped VIC-RYS 475. All brass fittings
mounted on brass base 155 x 95mm stamped VIC-RYS 475 on centre and left. Plate underneath stamped 38.
Two large coils, leather covered. Unusual curve shaped armature spring holder.
555.
U. K. Wooden cased Q and I meter 85 x 108 x 55mm. Marked I with 100
under and Q 00 on top. Two steel terminals and 1 bakelite terminal on top
with carry loop in centre. Brass dial marked 0 – 70 on either side. Stamped
o
W G PYE 7 C LTD ENGLAND CAMBRIDGE IN FRAME and 1940 1021. Below
Stamped THE INSULATED TERMINAL “Q” MUST NOT BE USED TO TEST
ELECTRIC FIRING CIRCUITS WHICH INCLUDE FIRING HEADS OR
DETONATORS. Bar bolding pointer stamped DETECTOR Q. & I. A.T.P. This is
probably a military ballistics galvo.
556.
Australian metal cased galvanometer 125 x 134 x 53mm. Wood base
158 x 68 x 24mm. Terminal screw each side and shunt centre front. Plug
holder front right. Wooden top 133 x 55 x 15mm. Dial marked in four
quadrants 0 – 90 and stamped ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH DEPT MELBOURNE.
This would date it pre Federation 1901. All brass fittings. Inside wooden
meter base stamped 52.
557.
Australian unknown maker miniature key. All brass except for brown compressed vulcanised fibre sub base
70 x 38mm. Two terminals at left. Arm 90mm long. Mounted on brass base 90 x 45mm. Black Bakelite knob.
558.
U.S. Bunnell polechanger key. Black Bakelite base 126 x 89mm. All brass fittings except steel main arm and
black bakelite knob and position switch knob. Stamped POLECHANGER KEY 1-B rear left side and J. H. BUNNELL
& CO. INC. NEW YORK U.S.A. front left side. Four terminals at rear. Three position switch front right.
559.
Resonator box and stand similar to P.M.G. drawings. Adjustable brass stand and sub
base. Black metal base 120mm square. Box 166 x 145 x 126mm high. Contains
sounder #560, see below.
560.
U.K. 900 Ω sounder. All brass fittings stamped P.M.G. on rear frame. Two brass terminals at rear. Wooden base
o
132 x 82mm stamped P.M.G. with ↑ under and oval brass label on centre rear reading A. W. Hart & C
LONDON.
561.
Danish relay. Wooden base 180 x 95mm mounted on nickel plated base 204 x 122mm. All nickel plated fittings.
2 terminals at front and 2 at left side. 2 black bakelite covered coils. 2 labels – G.N.T. Co. COPENHAGEN –
O
DENMARK N 79580 and 123/19 C.6184
50
562.
U.K. brass key. Wooden base 1100 x 80mm stamped SILVERTOWN LONDON. E on front and 2360 and P.M.G.
(twice). Also stamped P.M.G. at back of base. All brass fittings. No jack for jigger indicating late 1800s or early
1900s. Wooden knob and circuit closer.
563.
Australian P.M.G. telegram delivery bag. This type was introduced in 1936. Previously a bag on a shoulder
strap was used. Leather bag with attached adjustable leather belt. Measures approx. 180 x 140 x 45mm.
Leather divider inside to provide compartment for cards which were left when nobody at home to receive
delivery. Metal clip and keeper. Keeper embossed around circle ‘POST OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS AUSTRALIA’.
Has the ‘Mercury’ Clip to lock. For later bag see #362.
564.
Australian Autoplex semi automatic key. Steel base 150 x 75mm. All parts chrome plated. Label reads J. VAILE
BF8747 AUTOPLEX LESLIE CRT., BURWOOD, VIC. (BF 8747 would have been Vaile’s phone number). Bakelite
finger and thumb pieces. Two holes in base for cord ends to pass from under base to terminals located either
side of the bridge. Pivot and adjusting screw Cadmium plated steel. Silver contacts ⅛” diameter. This key was
available in either chrome plate or Parkerised black. Left hand model also available. Also with copy of original
leaflet supplied with the key.
565.
U.S.A. Flameproof key. C1940. Used throughout WW2 predominately by U.S. Navy. This one does not have the
normal Navy number. Design appears to have been copied from German Luftwaffe key. All metal construction
with bakelite knob and skirt. Stamped BENDIX RADIO CORP. TYPE MT-11B on bakelite terminal cover. Base
measures 84 x 47mm. (Bendix Radio Corp was a division of Bendix Aviation Corp which suggests this key may
have been used by U.S. army or air force.
TL
o TD
566.
U.K. sounder. Wood base 139 x 75mm with label on front reading WALTERS ELEC MFG. C L MAKERS
20ω LONDON. Two terminals at rear. All brass fittings. Steel striker bar. Two coils. Horizontal spring.
567.
U.K. horizontal galvanometer. Brass base measures 90mm diameter and
40mm high. Glass top. Dial has 4 quadrants numbered 0–90 each.
S
Marked ELLIOTT BRO LONDON. Scratched under base V30/11/85
Trevor Watkins 1006 Ohms at 650 Haht. Full pointer. Bracket across
centre of dial. One terminal on each side. Contained in leather pouch
101 x 120 x 70mm with front buckle and long shoulder strap. Used with
Wheatstone bridge.
568.
U.K. Siemens heavy relay (used in Australia). Wood base 197 x 110 mm. 250 ohms. Black metal base measures
S
O
211 x 125mm. All brass fittings 2 terminals at rear and 2 at end. Label reads SIEMENS BRO & C . LONDON
O
N 13069 (This dates the relay between 1865 and 1880). Obtained from Hobart 2014.
569. U.K. Siemens Lineman’s test key (used in Australia). Ebonite base 112 x 93mm. Stamped front left SIEMENS
S
O O
BRO & C N 4038 (This dates the set between1865 and 1880). Black leather covered coils with armature and
adjustments in front of coils. End housing each stamped 250ω. Key on front left of coils and circuit closer to left
again. Wood Knobs on key and closer. Key arm and anvil stamped 1 underneath. Rear left base stamped with
two figure 7s at right angles to each other. Compass mounted between coils. Stamped L between left terminal
and spring adjustment post and C between right hand pair of terminals and E Z in front of right two terminals.
These were made between 1865 and 1916.
570.
Australian Simplex Auto. S# 1067. Previously unknown model. Wood base 172 x 76mm. A variety of fittings
including 2 terminal screws at rear, 4 posts, square vibrator and square holed weight from a C.T.O. model and
longer flat dot spring. Other parts are some plain brass, some poorly plated and some machine type screws
and nuts. Vibroplex type pivot plate, long main arm and finger/thumb piece similar to first model. Label reads
SIMPLEX AUTO No. 1067 (REGD.) MANUFACTURED BY LEO. G. COHEN TELEGRAPHIST C.T.O.. MELBOURNE VIC.
on front left base. Square pendulum and square holed weight. Two terminals at rear. Simple damper left rear.
Top pivot screw on triangular plate similar to Vibroplex. Single black bakelite finger/thumb piece similar to
first model. Possibly a prototype of the ‘Special’ model of which an example has never been seen.
Obtained 2014 from a 90 year old gentleman in Melbourne who has owned it since the 1930s and previously
owned by his father.
571.
Australian 1st model Pendograph. Metal wood grain painted base 138 x 81mm. The cut out section at the left
of the base denotes the first model. Vibrator is suspended from ‘gallows’ with weight at end. Two terminals at
rear. Individual dot and dash arms with compressed vulcanised fibre finger and thumb pieces. Circuit closer
with wooden knob at left. Label reads MACDONALD’S PENDOGRAPH PATENT 11389 ADELAIDE. S.A.
572.
U.K. Marconi radio key 1588. Black plastic base 112 x 58mm stamped on back G8 7077 and A D with 55? in
square below. Used with AD107 aircraft transmitter and AD108 receiver. Large black plastic knob with skirt
below numbered 1 – 12. Black plastic tension spring knob. Black moulded plastic cover marked MARCONI TYPE
o
1588 W.R. N 493 WT. 0.6 LBS. Main components made of noncorrosive aluminium alloy. Cable connections at
rear in a quick release two point plug. Used in Australian Canberra bombers.
573.
Australian unknown semi automatic key. Many Simplex Auto characteristics and could be an unknown version
or similar. Black painted metal base 115 x 75mm similar to 2nd model, but hole for the bridge on left has never
been drilled right through so one could never have been fitted. All nickel plated fittings. Round vibrator arm
with one flat side. Damper centre rear. Straight main arm with no joint. Black plastic thumb piece stamped
RADIO. Black plastic finger piece which is not typical Simplex Auto type. Upright Z shaped post to carry pivot
screw. Knurling pattern is thick and sloping – not typical of Simplex Auto which was always fine and straight.
No label.
574.
Australian P.M.G arm band. Red felt with black felt letters. Felt approx 246 x 84mm. Letters approx. 48mm
high x 38-40mm wide. 2 elastic strips approx. 32mm wide. All delivery officers were supplied with uniforms
consisting of cap (optional hat), 2 cap covers for summer and rain use, 2 shirts, tie, coat and 2 trousers.
Various types of rain gear were issued. Vouchers were issued for shoes and the officer would use them to
purchase his own shoes or boots. Until a uniform was issued a new starter would wear a red with black
lettering P.M.G. arm band on his upper arm. In temperate areas the uniforms were navy blue and in hotter
areas khaki.
575.
Australian china cup, top 85mm diameter, base 80mm
diameter x 83mm high with POST OFFICE COMUNICATIONS
AUSTRALIA logo on one side. Underneath stamped Bristle
super vitrified made in Australia with other unknown marking
below. Obtained from Melbourne. In 1927 the C.T.O. was
relocated to 315 Little Bourke Street Melbourne and occupied
several floors.
This is not strictly a telegraph item but the PMG cafeteria was
situated on the 2nd floor and well patronised by Telegraphists.
Many crockery items finished up in the C.T.O. Bristile was a
Western Australian company located in Subiaco. Founded in
1921 as Calyx Porcelain and Paint. Co. Then name changed to
Bristile, Wembley Ware, Bristile Fine China and finally in 1997
Australian Fine China. For earlier English made cup see #303.
576.
U.S. Polarised relay. Wooden base 195 x 117mm on black painted cast iron base 213 x 123mm. Two coils and
two horseshoe magnets. Round armature adjuster centre rear. Two terminals each end at rear. Switch front
right. Top of base stamped A T & T CO 400 OHMS (American Telephone and Telegraph Corporation) with brass
label reading WESTERN ELECTRIC COMPANY. Stamped under base 33104.
BOOKS etc.
601.
A Handbook of Practical Telegraphy. R. S. Culley 7th edition 1878.
602.
History, Theory and Practice of the Electric Telegraph. G. B. Prescott 4th edition 1876. (Reprint).
603.
Telegraphy. Preece and Sivewright. 9th edition 1910.
604.
Telegraphy. T. E. Herbert. 2nd edition (revised) 1907.
605.
Telegraphy. T. E. Herbert. 5th edition 1944.
606.
Modern Practice of the Electric Telegraph. F. L. Pope. 15th edition 1899.
607.
Practical Telegraphy. H. W. Jenvey. 4th edition (revised) 1904.
608.
Elementary Telegraphy and Telephony. A. Crotch. 1903.
609.
American Telegraph Practice. D. McNicol. 1st edition 1913.
610.
American Telegraphy. W. Maver. 5th edition 1903.
611.
The Practical Telegrapher. J. A. Swift. 1883.
612.
Modern Practice of the Electric Telegraph. F. L. Pope. 4th edition 1881. (Download copy).
613.
Keys, Keys, Keys. D. Ingram. 1991.
614.
Keys II: The Emporium. D. Ingram. 1995.
615.
World of Keys. D. Ingram. CD.
616.
Classics of Communication. F. Vanden Berghen. 1999.
617.
Encyclopedia of Telephony and Telegraphy Vol III. American Technical Society. 1927.
618.
J. H. Bunnell & Co. Catalogue. 14th edition. CD.
619.
Telegraph Anthology. Antique Wireless Assn. CD.
620.
Telegraph Collectors Reference 2000. T. Perera. CD.
621.
Morse to Micro. History of NSW Railways communications. J. Dargan. 1988.
622.
The City’s Centrepiece. The history of the Sydney GPO. Australia Post. 1988.
623.
Vibroplex Collector’s Guide. T. French. 2001.
624.
How to Restore Telegraph Keys #19. W. R. Smith. 2005.
625.
Handbook of Wireless Telegraphy Vol. 1. UK Admiralty. 1938.
626.
Handbook of Wireless Telegraphy Vol II. UK Admiralty. 1938.
627.
An End to Silence. The building of the overland telegraph line from Adelaide to Darwin. P. Taylor. 1980.
628.
Six Stamps Please. A tableau of Australian post offices. M. Fiddian. 1989.
629.
The Singing Wire. The story of the overland telegraph. E. Pownall. 1974.
630.
Telegraph Stations of Central Australia. D. O’Byrne. C2000.
631.
The AWA Review. The Antique Wireless Association. 2001
632.
The Story of the Key. L: Moreau. C1989.
633.
Instructions for the Handling of Traffic on the Multiplex Telegraph System. PMG Dept. 1924.
634.
Learning the Morse Code. R Davis. 1978.
635.
Milestone Technologies Spring 2005 Catalogue. 2005.
636.
Bunnells Last Catalogue. (copy). T French. 1991.
637.
Telegraph Collector’s Guide. T. Perera. 1st edition. 1998.
638.
Telegraph Collector’s Guide. T Perera. 2nd edition. 1999.
639.
Dot Dash to Dot Com. A North-West Odyssey. R Crameri. 2002.
640.
Overland Telegraph. An epic feat of endurance and courage. F. Clune. 1984.
641.
Alice on the Line. D. Blackwell & D. Lockwood. 1974.
642.
Long Line Equipment I. PMG Dept. C1940.
643.
Long Line Equipment II. PMG Dept. C1940.
644.
Long Line Equipment III. PMG Dept. C1940.
645.
Telegraphy I. PMG Dept. C 1940.
646.
Telegraphy II. PMG Dept. C1940.
647.
Telephony I. PMG Dept. C1940.
648.
Telephony II. PMG Dept. C1940.
649.
Telephony IV. PMG Dept. C1940.
650.
Telephony V. PMG Dept. C1940.
651.
The Teleprinter. Description and Adjustment. For Defence Personnel. PMG Dept. C1940
652.
Course of Technical Instruction. Heat, Magnetism and Electricity. PMG Dept. C1940.
653.
Course of Technical Instruction. Practical Mathematics I. PMG Dept. C1940.
654.
Course of Technical Instruction. Practical Mathematics II. PMG Dept. C1940.
655.
Course of Technical Instruction. Applied Electricity I. PMG Dept. C1940.
656.
Course of Technical Instruction. Applied Electricity III. PMG Dept. C1940.
657.
Course of Technical Instruction. Long Equipment I. PMG Dept. C1940.
658.
Course of Technical Instruction. Radio I. PMG Dept. C1940.
659.
Course of Technical Instruction. Aerial Lines and Underground Cables. PMG Dept. C1940.
660.
Course of Technical Instruction. Telegraphy I. PMG Dept. C1940.
661.
Course of Technical Instruction. Telephony & Telegraphy for Defence Personnel. PMG Dept. C1940.
662.
Course of Technical Instruction. Telegraphy I. PMG Dept. C1940.
663.
The Henley Manual. W. T. Henley’s Telegraph Works Co. Ltd. 1922.
664.
The Morse Electric Telegraph and Telegraph Business. A Handbook for Telegraphists. Victorian Railways.
665.
Brown’s Signalling. The International Code of Signals. W. K. Stewart. 1941.
666.
Line Journal. Teleprinter working. Yass PO 1976.
667.
Telegraph Money Order code words. Yass PO 1944.
668.
Telegraph Code. PMG Dept. 1936.
669.
Weather Code. Meteorological Service. 1950.
670.
Morsum Magnificat. Vols 31 - 89.
671.
‘Coming Round the Bend’ by Frank Spruhan. Verses and stories of Telegraphists and Telegraphy.
672.
Instructions for the Guidance of Postmasters. Part III Telegraph.
673.
Telegraph Instructions Part III. Procedure on Machine Systems.
674.
A History of the Post Office in Tasmania.
675.
History of Postal Services in Victoria. Australia Post 1984.
676.
Telegraph Instructions Part VII. Morse operating.
677.
Clear Across Australia — A history of telecommunications.
678.
The Personal Touch. A look at South Australia’s Postal History from Proclamation Day to Present Day.
679.
A Farewell to Morse. Max Lovelock.
680.
Practical Telegraphy. H. W Jenvey 5th edition 1913.
681.
The GPO Mark 1 2 and 3 Morse Keys – Dennis J Goacher. (Copy).
682.
The Australian Telegraph Office featuring the collection of Ron McMullen (CD).
683.
Signal Training Vol II – Part III Line Telephony and Telegraphy 1936.
684.
Telegraphy. Preece and Sivewright. 4th edition 1882.
685.
The Singing Line. Alice Thomson. 1999.
686.
Morse Code Rescue. CD restoration Eyre Telegraph Station.
687.
The Chief Telegraph Office Melbourne. CD 1987.
688.
Telegraph Instructions Part IV. Phonograms 1938.
689.
Telegraph Operating Instructions Division 2 – Teleprinter operating (TRESS)
690.
Ninety Years of Telegraph Progress – J. C. Harrison.
691.
‘Telegraphs’, The CTO Sydney and Memories: Recollections. D. Mitchell 2006
692.
‘What Hath God Wrought’ A History of the Queensland Telegraph Service from 1861. P. J. Gribble.
693.
Bunnell ink writing register (Pen register) Requirements and adjusting procedures (See 430).
694.
Centenary of the Brisbane General Post Office 1872 – 1972.
695.
Elektrisches Schreiben In Die Ferne. Austrian telegraphy by Franz Pichler.
696.
Practical Telegraphy. H. W. Jenvey. 4th edition (revised) 1904.
697.
Telegraphy. T. E. Herbert. 2nd edition (revised) 1907.
698.
Telegraphy. T. E. Herbert. 3rd edition 1916.
699.
Telegraphy. T. E. Herbert. 4th edition 1921.
700.
The Telegraph. A History of Morse’s Invention and Its Predecessors in the United States. Lewis Coe.
701.
Victorian Railways – The Morse Electric Telegraph – A Handbook for Telegraphists. 1915.
702.
Telegraph Instructions Part V. – Telegraph Statistical Organization. 1928.
703.
The Post Offices of Tasmania.