Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012 — I’ll have more to add on this latest addition to the shack …. a 1932 Vibroplex Lightning Bug with the optional nickel-plated base.
The key is in great condition, though a purist would point out the nameplate has been polished to an unnatural shine. I believe the brass nameplates were originally varnished or coated with some relatively clear finish to protect the finish.
The key is NOT a “DeLuxe” model Lightning Bug; the “DeLuxe” model didn’t arrive until 1939 or so … the “DeLuxe” model was special because of the plated base (the company switched to chrome), the use of the jeweled pivots and the bright red plastic finger and thumb pieces. As you can see from the photos, the finger pieces are the standard issue black bakelite — as they should be.
The weight is a non-standard weight, about nearly double the size of a standard 1 oz. weight. The key just arrived today, so I haven’t had time this evening to test it out.
Why buy yet another Vibroplex?? This one was one of the finest examples of the nickel-plated base non-DeLuxe Lightning Bugs now in my collection. Its seen its use, but its held up well over the years. I have a Lightning Bug fetish too, I suppose. It remains one of my favorite Vibroplex bug designs.
Vibroplex owner Scott Robbins has said he’s going to bring back the Lightning Bug. I’m looking forward to that, though I hope he doesn’t try the “powercoat everything in black crinkle finish” routine like he did with the Vibrocube. I will order one tomorrow if he’ll tell me it will be available in the same black-with-gold-striping as found on the 100th Anniversary Original — and I’ll even spring for the jeweled upgrades, matching case with serial number too!
Are you listening, Scott??
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