Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 — My recently purchased new-to-me bug arrived recently, and its something of a puzzle, which is probably responsible for two things — first, the auction price was rather law, and secondly, the auction didn’t seem to generate much interest.
The pivot frame of the bug strongly resembles that of a Speedoplex No. 2 key. The knurling on the adjustment screws seems to be the same or similar to that of the Speedoplex No. 2 bug. However, the base is finished in a krinkle finish, which Speedoplex did not use (that I’ve been able to find).
Other puzzling parts include the keying lever — the pivot for the dash lever uses the newer “bent lug” style, rather than the “pinned box” hinge as used by Vibroplex prior to about 1921. Another puzzle … the dot and dash posts are six-sided posts. The adjustment screw heads are slightly domed, too. The locknuts on the adjustments have “collars” on the lower side that faces the post.
The base is also missing mounting holes for a nameplate, or a terminal switch.
So yeah, this key is something of an enigma, though it may just be a case of a key that was assembled from various and sundry parts. I have not compared the dot and dash posts on this key with those used on the Cedar Rapids bug, because those posts are also of a similar size and shape. Any suggestions — even your best 
guess! — would be welcome.
AS SEEN ON EBAY. I’m sure many of you who read my blog probably follow some of the same eBay listings I do. Some I follow out of curiosity, while some I have a genuine interest in pursuing. I’ve lost enough eBay auctions to know it isn’t worth your time to submit a bid until the closing minutes of an auction. And of course, in the case of a rare or unusual key, the demand — and winning bid — may outstrip available funds!
One such auction that ended recently was for an excellent condition Electro Bug, complete with the solenoid, weight, etc. The key was complete and wasn’t beaten to death like mine, lol. I watched that auction, but correctly assumed it would sell at a level outside my available funds. While the winning bid was only $348, I wasn’t prepared to go that high. I need to list some more of my extra shack goodies and sell them on eBay to help build my eBay purchasing fund.
Its a nice key, one I would be proud to add to my collection.
That’s it for now, time to pull the switch.
…. 73 es CUL de KY4Z …. SK … dit dit …