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THE AUSTRALIAN SIMPLEX AUTO
By Ron McMullen Former Telegraphist, Telegraph Supervisor, Senior Postal Clerk,
Instructor and Postmaster in the Australian P.M.G. Department.
The Simplex Auto semi automatic Morse code sending machine was invented about 1920 by Leopold Gilbert Cohen, an
Australian Telegraphist. He was the sole manufacturer and distributor until he enlisted in the 2nd A.I.F in late 1939.
The Simplex is what is known as a ‘right angle’ model and inspiration for the Simplex was possibly gained from the Australian
right angled Pendograph and the right angled American Mecograph both of which operated on the ‘tension release’ system
and therefore did not impinge on the patent for the American Vibroplex machine. The Pendograph and Mecograph were
widely used in Australia in the early 1900s before the invention of the Simplex.
In 1923 it was adopted by the Postmaster-General's Department as a standard sending aid for the Commonwealth of
Australia and was also extensively used in Railway Telegraphic Services. The Simplex Auto was issued to Morse operators to
combat ‘Telegraphist’s cramp’ along with other machines such as Vibroplex and even Eddystone.
Unlike such famous names as Vibroplex, there appears to be no recorded history of the inventor or the machine itself.
There were three types of Simplex Auto models – the Standard, semi automatic; De Luxe, fully automatic and a little known
‘in line’, Special, all based on the tension release system. No record of a patent can be found, but ‘The Simplex Auto’ was a
registered Trade Mark. No Simplex bears a patent number.
When Leo enlisted in the army (Australian Imperial Forces) in 1939 it appears that operations covering the Simplex Auto
were taken over by other persons. Advertisements during this period show ‘obtainable from J. W. Layther S.P.C. Carnegie, SE.
9, Victoria. Australian Representative for Leo G. Cohen’.
One Simplex S#6104 is labelled ‘made by Stuart Perrin’. This is the only known machine with this inscription and would have
been after the war period. Perrin was a Telegraphist and Supervisor in Melbourne and is thought to have sold later model
Simplex Autos up to the time of their demise when Morse was faded out.
Leopold Gilbert Cohen was born at Kalgoorlie Western Australia on 11th August 1900. He joined the Australian Post Office at
Healesville, Victoria as a Telegraph Messenger on 18 January 1915 on an annual salary of £39 and later became a Postal
Assistant and Telegraphist in the Melbourne Chief Telegraph Office.
In 1934 he moved to the ‘Postal side’ of the PMG Department as a Senior Postal Clerk (Assistant Postmaster) at Hawthorn,
Vic. and thence in 1937 to Canterbury Vic., again as Senior Postal Clerk, in 1937 before enlisting in the 2nd A.I.F. (Australian
Imperial Force) at South Melbourne on 13th November 1939 with the rank of Lieutenant (on probation), just two months
after the outbreak of the Second World War.
He was assigned to a Postal Unit with the 6th Division departing for overseas on 9.1.40 and saw service in the Middle East
until disembarking in Sydney on 28.2.43. He was promoted to Captain on 28.10.41.
He then served in Northern Australia, being promoted to Major on 19.11.43 and served in New Guinea from 27.2.45. to
13.8.45. He was in charge of Army Postal Services in the Northern Australia region. On 29 August 1945 he returned to New
South Wales and later to Victoria where he was discharged from the Army on 30.1.46.
He returned to the Post Office after the war being Postmaster at Warracknabeal (this may have been a nominal designation,
not requiring him to actually take up duty at that office), Burwood and Armadale (all in Victoria). He died after retirement, at
Camberwell, Vic. on 30 March 1954.
1st Model:
The first Simplex Auto model is easily distinguished by the single
finger/thumb paddle. Later versions carried the separate finger and
thumb pieces. It had a black painted base with a small brass label
reading ‘SIMPLEX AUTO ### L. G. COHEN MELB’ placed under the post
carrying the dot travel screw. There were four posts along the front.
There were separate posts for the dot travel arm and the dot tension
spring. The bridge carried only the pivot adjusting screw and a semi
circular cut out at the right hand end to provide access to the dash
tension spring. One lead of the cord was attached to the top of the
base by a single screw rather too close to the ‘U’ shaped frame carrying
the dash tension screw. The other lead of the cord was attached to a smaller dash post than that of the second model. The
vibrator arm was round with the damper post located at the rear center of the base. Fittings were all nickel plated. The
under base current connection was via a brass strip between the dash and dot contact posts.
2nd Model:
The second model had four posts located on the front of the black
painted base and carried a label on the bridge with the name ‘Simplex
Auto’ sloping upwards from left to right and ‘Leo G. Cohen Telegraphist
C.E.T.O. Melbourne’. (C.E.T.O. Melbourne being the initials of the Chief
Electric Telegraph Office). This may have been about 1923 when the
Simplex was adopted by the P.M.G. Department. The bridge carried the
semi circular cut out. The round finger/thumb piece of the first model
was replaced by separate finger/thumb pieces and the lead for the cord
placed on a terminal post positioned further to the back of the base.
The dash contact post was also enlarged. The damper post remained at
the rear center of the base. The vibrator arm was round with one side
flat. Not more than about 400 had 4 posts; all later models had only 3
with the combination of the dot travel arm and dot tension spring.
Some had all brass fittings. Early models had the damper post located at
the centre back of the base and the damper screw had an insulated
inset at its end or alternately an insulation stop on the dot travel arm screw. Later models with the damper located at the
rear left end of the base had a plain screw, but the end of the vibrator arm was threaded and covered by an insulated sleeve.
3rd Model:
The third model had a black painted base and three posts located on the front of the base. This model saw the amalgamation
of the dot travel arm screw and the dot tension spring on the one post. It is identical to the second model in all other
respects.
4th Model:
The fourth model saw the dash adjustment spring relocated to the
position formerly occupied by the fourth post although not on the base.
A right angled piece attached to the arm carried the dash tension spring
and screw. This resulted in a straight line of the bridge with no need for
the ‘cut out’. There was also a change in the label with ‘Simplex Auto’ in
large lettering at each end, curving inwards top and bottom to smaller
letters at the centre. C.T.O.. (with two dots) replaced C.E.T.O. reflecting
the fact that the word 'electric' was dropped from the Telegraph Office
title which may have been about 1925. The actual size of the label was
slightly larger than previously to accommodate the extra wording
‘manufactured by’ above Cohen’s name and ‘Vic.’ after Melbourne. The
vibrator arm was square. This model was available with plated base or
black painted base.
5th Model:
The fifth model had changed wording on the label. The words
‘Telegraphist C.T.O.’ were dropped, perhaps indicating that Cohen had left
the C.T.O. and moved to the Post Office side of the PMG Department
(1934). The vibrating arm was round with one flat side. The flat circuit
connection under the base was replaced by a round cable.
6th Model:
The sixth model was called the ‘De Luxe’ being fully automatic; automatic
dots and automatic dashes. They were quite a complex machine. These
are easily distinguished by the ‘in line’ appearance, large top plate and the
three paddles. Comparatively few were made, possibly because they had
to compete with the ‘Automorse’ which had by that time become
established and the fact that they required a further ‘learning curve’ and
any advantage over using a semi automatic was not great. They are rarer
than the Automorse. From this time, the semi automatic Simplex became
known as the Standard model. The ‘De Luxe’ was the only Simplex to carry
a circuit closer. If made, the ‘Special’ model may have. Early examples of
this model (only 3 known to date) had nickel plated bases.
7th Model:
The seventh model had a fully round vibrator arm with the damper post
relocated to the left hand rear end of the base.
8th Model:
The eighth model saw the replacement of the square dash post with a
round post and the deletion of the two terminal screws carrying the
connecting cord and plug. One screw was provided beneath the base for
one cord terminal with the other connected underneath the dash post.
Some machines around this period were furnished with a long flat dot
spring with a ‘hook’ at the contact end.
9th Model:
The ninth model indicates two changes. The under base screw for one cord
terminal provided only on the eighth model was deleted and that cord
terminal placed on the bridge screw. The pivot adjusting screw previously
located on the right hand end of the bridge was relocated beneath the base.
This arrangement continued for all future models. Some left hand models of
this type were made and perhaps of other models also. This was also the
commencement of the black wrinkle painted bases and the sloping sides of
the bridge.
Generally models up to this period, with the exception of the two ‘cut out’
models had nickel plated bases.
10th Model:
One remaining model bears no label at all and no holes in the bridge for
fixing points. These were made for the Australian defence forces during
World War 2 and the components appear to be of a poorer quality than
previously. Some of these reverted to the PMG Department and possibly
others such as Civil Aviation for issue to operators. Mine is stamped
C of A 45 which was typical Commonwealth of Australia identification.
Left Hand Model:
Various models were made in left hand versions. Possibly they were made
as special orders when required.
11th Model:
The eleventh model saw a significant alteration to the wording of the label.
Cohen’s name was dropped, with the wording being simply ‘Melbourne
Victoria’. However there is, as always, an exception. At least one of this
model in the early 6xxx series bore the nameplate ‘The Simplex Auto (Regd)
made by Stuart Perrin’. Perrin was a Supervisor in the Melbourne C.T.O. This
possibly indicates the exit of Cohen from the business. Who manufactured
later models is not known. Some bases in this model were 6¼" long instead
of the usual 6".
Special Model:
About 1938 a nickel plated semi automatic ‘Special Model’ Simplex priced
at £2/5- was advertised along with the ‘Standard Model’ priced at £3/7/6. A
later advertisement priced the ‘Special’ at £2/10/- being ‘obtainable from J.
W. Layther S.P.C. Carnegie S1 9 Victoria Australian Representative for Leo G.
Cohen’. This would indicate that it was later than November 1939, when
Leo enlisted in the A.I.F. None of this model is known to exist and it seems
likely that none or very few were actually manufactured and sold. The
‘Special’ bore a resemblance to the ‘De Luxe’, being an ‘in line’ model and
having a large rectangular top plate supported on four posts. The ‘De Luxe’
model was advertised as ‘again available at £5/5/-’
The same advertisement stated ‘All Simplex Autos are guaranteed by the maker for ever against wear and accidental
damage. Simply return the broken parts and pay postage both ways. No other charges whatsoever’.
Mystery Jigger:
A completely new version of the Simplex Auto has just come to light (March 2014). It is an ‘in line’ wooden base model with a
No. 3 label, 1067 attached. This indicates that it followed the C.T.O. or 4th model. It has some of the C.T.O. parts – terminal
screws, thumbscrew, thumbnut, various posts and oddly the same paddle as used in the very first model. The triangular top
pivot plate has a ‘Vibroplex’ Look. The vibrator is square rod with a square holed weight. The damper at left back is also
simple and unique. Other parts are common screw types or plain brass. It seems to have an over long main arm.
This leads me to believe that it may have been a prototype for the ‘Special’ model. As such it would have been quite
reasonable to use a mismatch of parts.
It was obtained from a 90 year old gentleman in suburban Melbourne who said it had been in his shed since the 1930s and
previously belonged to his father.
It has been professionally made and quite a good key to use.
This is another mystery jigger – Is it a Simplex Auto?
Another mystery has appeared in September 2014. It has many Simplex Auto characteristics and could be an unknown
version or a similarity. Black painted metal base 115 x 75mm similar to 2nd model, but hole for the bridge has never been
drilled right through so a bridge 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. No label.
Oddities:
At least two machines, 6594 and 6601 have bases 6¼" x 3" x ½" as opposed to the usual 6" x 3" x ½".
618 has all the parts of a Model 4 machine, but has the Model 3 plate.
3032 is a Model 3 C.T.O. This number is out of sequence and should apply to the next model. Perhaps an old label used very
shortly after change to new model.
Some machines in the 6000 series used three very thin metal strips in lieu of a single strip for the long flat dot spring. These
appear to have been subject to failure of one or more of the strips and few have been seen.
Leaflets:
Each new Simplex was issued with an instruction leaflet of 4 pages. There were three separate designs, but in the absence of
any dates on these it is not possible to say when the change to the new version occurred. One machine bought new in
January 1939 had the second style leaflet. The third style is obviously after 1939 as it shows Leo as A.I.F.
First leaflet
Second leaflet:
Third (Wartime) Leaflet:
These were printed on cream paper with brown printing and on smaller sized paper.
Advertisements:
Only two advertisements have been found and both with almost identical wording. The first one shown here was advertised
in ‘The Australian Telegraphist’ of 20 February 1945, the period when Leo Cohen was on war service. The second
advertisement would have been from a similar period. Note J. W. Layther’s address has changed.
It is a pity that little is known of the history of the Simplex Auto or its inventor. I have endeavoured to piece together some of
it by reference to the Australian Archives for Cohen's war service record and from machines in my own collection as well as
290 serial numbers and details provided by many others to whom I am grateful. There have been some minor changes to
various parts of the Standard machine, but the overall design has remained largely unaltered.
There has been a theory that serial numbers commenced at 101. The earliest known number is 120 and the latest 7335.
All serial numbers were punched, apparently by hand, as evidenced by the uneven spacing and uneven alignment of the
individual numbers. Leo may never have envisaged making even a thousand and by starting numbers at 101 avoided any
confusion in numbers which may have been caused by others adding more digits at either end of his original serial number.
Of about 335 recorded numbers there are only three (1003, unconfirmed; 1010, photo held and 1067, actual machine held)
in the 1000 series and none in the 2000 series. Perhaps, as sales increased Leo commenced renumbering at 3001 – one of
the mysteries of the Simplex.
I have used the term ‘model’ purely to indicate the various changes which have occurred from beginning to end. To every
Australian Morse operator any Simplex was simply and affectionately known as a ‘jigger’. Their standard of manufacture and
operation was equal to the best in the world. New information is gradually coming to hand and any further would be
appreciated.
Serial Numbers:
Serial numbers appeared on labels and below are samples of the various types of labels.
1.
2.
4.
3.
5.
In the absence of any confirmed history of the Simplex Auto, I am assuming:
1.
From about 1920 when the Simplex was invented Type 1 label was used. Before adoption by the P.M.G. Dept.
2.
In 1923 the Simplex Auto was adopted by the P.M.G. Department. It may have been from that time that Type 2
label (‘Telegraphist C.E.T.O.’) was used.
3.
About 1925/26 a wide ranging reorganisation of the Department was made and it is possible that the ‘E’ (Electric)
was dropped from the title of the Chief Telegraph Office and Type 3 label was used.
4.
Leo Cohen left the Telegraph Branch and moved to the Post Offices Branch in 1934 and this was probably the reason
for ‘Telegraphist C.T.O.’ being dropped and the Type 4 label used. It is possible Type 3 labels cold have been used for
a short time after.
5.
Between November 1939 and January 1946 Leo Cohen was on Military service and J. W. Layther acted as an agent
for the sale of Simplex Autos and Type 4 labels were used.
6.
Leo Cohen died in 1954 and it is unknown who produced the Simplex Auto from that time. This probably resulted in
all reference to Cohen being dropped in Type 5 labels.
7.
Simplex Autos without labels were made for the Military during World War 2 and are often found with non matching
parts.
Following is a list of serial numbers and some details of each. My sincere thanks to those who have provided these.
SERIAL No.
LABEL
120
1
OWNER
Ron McMullen NSW
Single finger/thumb piece.
On small brass label.
No Label
1
Ric Havyatt NSW (Deceased).
Ids as an early model similar to 158 which
would have had a small label on the base
No label
1
Geoff Butterworth Vic
Ditto.
151
1
Ron McMullen N.S.W.
Stamped PMG both ends.
158
1
Ray Young NSW
Label on base.
186
1
Claudio Ruggieri Italy
Label on base.
202
1
Murray Gavin Vic
Now with Coburg Historical Society
Black base stamped PMG 2735
232
CETO
2
Garfield Williams WA
237
CETO
2
Ted Stanton NSW
259
CETO
2
Tim Patton USA
268
CETO
2
Northern Corridor Radio Group WA
281
CETO
2
Ron McMullen NSW
Black base brass fittings
297
CETO
2
Les Edwards NSW
Black base
312
CETO
2
Dave Couch WA (deceased)
337
CETO
2
Les Edwards NSW
347
CETO
2
Alasdair Taylor WA
361
CETO
2
Ron McMullen NSW
Black base brass fittings. Engraved M Gelly
377
CETO
2
Dieter Bachmann Germany
408
CETO
2
Ron Cooper Vic
417
CETO
2
Bruce Baker Vic
422
CETO
2
Ron McMullen NSW
440
CETO
2
Harry Hannifie Vic
489
CETO
2
Allan Moore ACT
507
CETO
2
Dave Couch WA (deceased)
512
CETO
2
Ron McMullen NSW
513
CETO
2
Bill Morrow Vic
515
CETO
2
Chesleigh Bassingthwaighte Qld
530?
CETO
2
Ted Rankins Vic
533
CETO
2
John Clare A.C.T.
557
CETO
2
John Riddett Vic
No number CETO
2
Bill Morrow Vic
562
CETO
2
Tony Rogozinski USA
577
CETO
2
Dave Couch WA (deceased)
Old label no bridge cutout
579
CTO
3
Ron McMullen NSW
Nickel base
609
CETO
2
Ernie Bell Vic
CETO label on a CTO series jigger.
618
CETO
2
Ted Rankins Vic
664
CTO
3
Lynn Burlingame USA
723
CTO
3
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
744
CTO
3
Ted Rankins Vic
803
CTO
3
Harry Hannifie Vic
814
CTO (parts)
817
CTO
3
Ric Havyatt NSW (Deceased)
848
CTO
3
Jan Skoldin Sweden
850
CTO
3
Tim Patton USA
856
CTO
3
Helen Noonan (Leo Cohen’s daughter) ACT Black base
857
CTO
3
Ron McMullen NSW
Black base
869
CTO
3
Herman Willemsen NSW
Black base
883
CTO
3
John Pattison NSW
911
CTO
3
John Riddett Vic
913
CTO
3
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
943
CTO
3
Hawthorn museum ex Bob Soutar.
979
CTO
3
Ron McMullen NSW
3
Stamped PMG 2702 on base
Black base
“
“
“
Black base
Bill Morrow Vic
Black base
Previously owned by
Leo McGarrigle
984
CTO
3
1003
1010
Sold eBay Aug/12
Not confirmed
CTO
3
“
Dave Couch WA (Deceased)
“
“
1067
CTO
3
2695?
3001
3
Ron McMullen NSW
Geoff Butterworth Vic
PMG. Thought to be entry #3.
Bob Crowe WA
Black base
3010
John Kelly Vic
3024
Bill Morrow Vic
Nickel base
3025
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Nickel base
3028
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Nickel base
3
Ron McMullen NSW
Unusual for such a high
3032
CTO
number to bear a CTO label
3065
Sold eBay Sep 07 Aust
3079
Kevin Hornby NSW
3082
Tony Rogozinski USA
3086
Ernie Rowlings Vic
3087
Beechworth Telegraph Station Vic.
3089
Port Macquarie museum NSW
3105
Cec Mann NSW
3116
Colin Smith WA
3126
Alan Shephard Qld
3163
Tom Collins NSW
3168
Ted Miles NSW
3186
Geoff Warner Aust
1941
3202
eBay 8/06
No teleg
Peter Graack Germany
U dot spring L G C Melbourne
3242
4
3255
Russ Heydon W.A.
3318
Bill Morrow Vic
3348
4
Tom Grainger NSW
3359
Anton Klok Netherlands
3361
Bill Morrow Vic
3364
Daryl Govan WA
4
PMG 108
Doug Woolley Paraguay
3357
3370
Engraved Wotherspoon
Allan Greening Vic (Deceased. Since sold)
U dot spring PMG ↑ 123 Nickel base
3375
Herman Willemsen NSW
3383
John Riddett Vic ex Ken McLeod NSW
3392
Allan Greenslade WA
3401
Allan Moore A.C.T.
Auto dash
3411
Maurie Millani Vic
Auto dash nickel base
3428
Herman Willemsen NSW
Auto dash nickel base
3429
Derek Cohn USA
Auto dash
Bought new Jan 1939 by Ken. Nickel base.
3458
3460
Harold Inglis Vic
Auto dash black base
3472
Wagga Wagga Museum
Auto dash black base
3494
Tim Patton USA (since traded)
Auto dash. Stamped 24.12.47 black base
3495
Bill Hall Vic
Auto dash
3499
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Auto dash black base
3506
4
Doug Taylor Qld
Auto dash
3548
Hawthorn Museum Vic
Auto dash
No. missing
Telstra Museum Bankstown
Auto dash black base
No. missing. See footnote
Claudio Ruggieri (Italy?)
Auto dash black base
3805
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
3807
4
Herman Willemsen NSW
3816
4
Ron McMullen NSW
3827
3851
PMG ↑ 132
Ken Allan Vic
4
3855
Jenni Blasco Vic
U dot spring. C R Turner stamped on bridge.
Dunolly museum Vic
3862
4
Ron McMullen NSW
3869
4
Sold EBay Aug 2013
3873
4
Mike Patterson Qld
3875
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Nickel base
Engraved C A Forman. Claude
Forman was a Sydney Teleg.
3913
Ted Hosking Vic
3927
Tony Rogozinski USA
3941
Graham Hassall Qld
Nickel base
3986
4
Laurie Wallace SA
Nickel base
4001
4
David Wescombe-Down SA (sold?)
Nickel base very poor condition
4004
Alan Sawert Vic
4005
4
Ron McMullen NSW
4010
4
Telstra Museum Brisbane Qld
4014
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Nickel base
Nickel base
4026
Les Edwards NSW
4028
Fred Ryan A.C.T. (Deceased)
Nickel base
4101
Peter Holtham Qld
Nickel base
4119
4
Ron McMullen NSW
4135
John Snell UK Sold ebay 4/12
Marked underneath HMAS Vampire 1943
4167
Norm Campigli Vic
4170
John Snell UK
Nickel base
4186
Hawthorn museum ex George Cooper Vic
Nickel base
4205
Keith Grady Vic
4215
Hawthorn museum ex Bob Goodridge
4240
Harry Tazewell ? ACT
4277
Harry Tazewell ACT
4300
4
Nickel base
David Wescombe-Down SA (sold?)
4313
Alan Jones Qld
4334
Jim Anthonisz Vic
4335
4
Fred Ryan A.C.T. (Deceased).
4339
4
Justin Giles-Clerk Tas.
4346
Sold eBay June 2005 $154
4357
4
Merrick Willcocks NSW
4399
4
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
Nickel base
4449
eBay 3/07 Sold to Germany
4459
B Tiderman Vic
4482
Hawthorn museum ex Ron Bastin Vic
4485
4
4488
4540
Stamped P.M.G. 2771.
Bernd Kieck Germany
1942?
Nickel base.
Ted Rankins Vic
4
Ron McMullen NSW
4571
Ebay 9/12
4602
Brian Woods NSW
4627
Claudio Ruggieri (Italy) Previously Ric Havyatt NSW (Deceased)
4639
Ken McLeod (Deceased)
4658
Ross Wilson Canada
4664
Kevin Hornby NSW
4669
Christian Chefnay France
4671
Brian Woods NSW
4688
4
Ron McMullen NSW
4693
Ray Gervasoni Vic
4703
Ted Wales NSW
4728
4
Ron McMullen NSW
4766
Derek Cohn USA
4770
Ted Rankins Vic
4783
Reg Moger ACT (Deceased)
4796
Leon Duturbure Vic
4821
Dale Whatley Tas
4837
Des Jackson Vic
4846
Brian Woods NSW
4930
Tom Fiddes Vic
4936
4940
4
Ron McMullen NSW
Chris Rogers Vic
Jul/Aug 1941
Sloping frame
4974
Sold eBay 2/06
4949
Bill Morrow Vic
4990
Ritchie Bright WA
4995
4
Drew Diamond Vic
5018
Bob Lillis NSW (Tony Rogozinski USA?)
5022
Lee Spencer USA
Sloping frame
5035
Ken Knox WA
1943/44
5066
4
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
5080
4
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
5090
4
Doug Machin WA ex Fred Ryan NSW
5103
5111
Brian Bowe SA
4
Bob Maundrell Vic
5117
Hawthorn Museum ex Joe Devlin Vic
5123
Brian Bowe Qld
5172
Kevin Hornby NSW
5183
Sold eBay 2/10
Very poor condition
5192
John Snell UK
Black base
5206
Mick Clough WA (Deceased)
5209
William Freely USA
5217
Steve Smith NSW
5238
Nat Bishop NSW
5245
Keith McKenzie-Clark
5249
Beechworth Telegraph Station Vic
5270
Herman Willemsen NSW
5276
Terry Conway Vic
5284
Ray Carter NSW (Deceased)
5307
Peter Shaw Vic
5329
4
5347
5382
Ron McMullen NSW
1941/2?
Left hand Nickel base
John Farnell W.A.
4
Ron McMullen NSW
5392
Dave Pennes USA
Black base. Sloping frame
5400
Geoff Cooper Vic
Stamped PMG 217
5424
Peter Edmunds WA
5436
4
5450
5461
Ron McMullen NSW
Black base. Sloping frame
Alan Gibbs Qld (since sold)
4
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
5473
Tony Boddy NSW
5479
Doug Palmer USA
5492
Allan Madigan NSW
Nov 1946
5501
Kerry Power NSW
Purchased new 1938
5524
Herman Willemsen NSW
5547
Marshall Emm USA
5552
Derek Cohn USA
5553
Allan (Mick) Woods Qld
5559
Leo Nette Vic
5609
Les Edwards NSW (ex G Fuller)
5630
Frank Fletcher WA (Deceased)
5635
4
5662
5678
Engraved Arthur Harris Perth WA. Black base.
Ray Langtip Vic (Deceased)
4
5689
5763
Larry Rice WA
Ron McMullen NSW
Cohen Melbourne
Mick Clough WA (Deceased)
4
National Museum of Aust Canberra
5769
Alex Meregalli Switzerland
5776
Eamonn Gavaghan Vic
5782
John Houlder ACT
Cohen’s name.
5786
Tony Smith UK
Black base
5789
Mike Feher USA
5796
Dave Pennes USA
5807
4
5819
5822
Sold eBay Aug 2011
Don Leonard Vic
4
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
5854
Derek Cohn USA
5859
Allan Madigan NSW
5894
John Binion Vic
5896
Stewart Browne Vic
5899
Bill Morrow Vic
5906
Allan Moore A.C.T. (ex Peter McGrath Vic)
5918
Terry Keays WA
5976
John Sydenham Vic
5978
Laurie Wallace SA
5992
Stamped PMG 253 and N Jones.
5
6035
July 1947
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
Bob Baker Vic
Issued 1949
Peter Shaw Vic
Black base
6061
Russ Kleinman USA
Black base
6086
Warren Berbit USA
6052
5
6101
5
Sold Ebay 4/12
6102
5
Ken Haby Vic
6104
Dave Couch WA (Deceased)
6106
Barrie Field WA
6107
Bruce Broadway Vic
Label ‘Melbourne Victoria’
“
“
“
‘made by Stuart Perrin’
6110
Ken Knox WA
6129
Ernie Bell Vic
6135
Stamped PMG  below and 281 below
6162
Bill Storer NSW
6207
Peter Fuller NSW
6232
Peter Holtham Qld
6270
Fred Maas USA
6283
Warren Berbit USA
6285
Peter Shaw Vic
6296
Keith Hanlon Qld
6304
Bill Higgins WA
6307
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
6308
Ted Rankins Vic
6321
Bill Morrow Vic
6336
5
Sold eBay Sep 07
6345
Sold eBay July 07
5
6365
6378
Sold eBay 2005
5
Drew Diamond Vic
Barry Donegan Vic
6402
Sold ebay March 2010
6403
David Harding NSW
5
Alex Hodgson Vic
6411
Derek Cohn USA
6415
Clyde Woods Vic
6442
Issued 1949
Sold EBay June 13
6382
6409
Sold eBay Nov 2005 A$370
Fred Ryan A.C.T. (Deceased).
6343
6361
Sold eBay Aug 2011
5
Purchased new 47/48
Chesleigh Bassingthwaighte Qld
6453
John Clare A.C.T.
Black base
6457
Ricardo Crameri WA
6463
?
Black base
6485
Les Bedson Vic
1948/9
6506
Ken Huxley NSW
June 1950
6532
Sold ebay 10/12
6536
Mornington Museum Vic
6537
Frank Koppie ACT (Deceased)
6542
Harry Tazewell ACT
6552
John Compton Qld
6565
John Farnell W.A.
6576
Ray Young NSW
6579
6594
Peter Hewitson Qld
Ron McMullen NSW
¼" longer base
6601
Sold eBay June 2008 USA
“
6602
Don Karvonen Aust
6603
Geoff Butterworth Vic
6663
Ted Rankins Vic
6666
Ebay Sep 2012
6667
Leo Nette Vic
6690
Ivan Thomas NSW (Deceased)
6701
Geoffrey Cohen Vic (Leo’s son)
Stamped L J Hallowell (Melbourne Teleg)
6716
Bill Hall Vic
1952
6729
Derek Cohn USA
6740
5
5
Brian Jefferies Vic (Deceased)
6789
Les Edwards NSW
6796
Phil McGrath NSW
6800
John Mercer NSW
6804
Hawthorn VTM ex Graham Beecroft Vic
6819
Geoff Butterworth Vic
6828
Viv Wolfenden NSW
6843
Geoff Hunziker NSW
6870
John Binion Vic
6875
Doug Cadioli Qld
6908
5
Ernie Rowston NSW
6910
5
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
6919
5
Peter Shaw Vic
6940
Ted Rankins Vic
6948
Max Ross Aust
5
Ken Black NSW
6987
Bankstown Museum NSW
5
Black base
Fred Paull NSW
6972
6991
Ernie Rowston NSW
6995
Wagga Wagga Museum NSW
7004
Bryan Waugh Vic
7009
Noel Morris Vic
7017
Bill Fitzsimmons Vic
7029
Norm Campigli Vic
1953
7061
Darcy Jones NSW
New 1952
7075
7081
5
“
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
6778
6967
“
Ron McMullen NSW
John Houlder ACT
Issued 1953
7098
EBay Feb 2013 sold to USA
7118
Reg Wheller Qld
7119
Allan Moore ACT
7124
Bob Lillis NSW
7127
5
Merrick Willcocks NSW
7163
7181
Larry Mertins USA
5
Telstra Museum Bankstown NSW
7197
Frame only
Keith MacRae NSW
7201
5
Allan Greening Vic (Deceased. Since sold)
7202
5
Drew Diamond Vic
7206
Rex Rutherford NSW
7210
Barry Donegan Vic
7212
eBay 4/07 sold to Spain
7217
Geoff Butterworth Vic
7252
Warren Berbit USA
7284
Steve Massey USA
7298
Jim Downward Vic (Deceased)
7335
Brian Turley Vic
C of A 10
Left hand Black base
PMG & No. stamped on base
Sold eBay 2004 A$250
Sold eBay Aug 2011
C of A 45
No label
1955
Ron McMullen NSW
Stamped PMG
No label
Sold eBay Aug 2011
Ron McMullen NSW
A Note of Warning: Early 2014, it appears some repo Simplex Auto labels may be being made – e.g. 3518 may be attached
to an auto dash Simplex previously listed as having the serial number and plate to which it was attached,
missing.