I have been collecting and using semi-automatic bugs for years; prior to that, I always had a fascination with them. I have amassed quite a collection of bugs too. Some rare, some not-so-rare, but all enjoyable. Frankly, there are some bugs I've never put on the air; some keys I've decided to leave in as-found condition.
I am not in the leagues of the top key collectors in the hobby. According to some of them, “real” collectors trade code keys the way that knife collectors swap knifes; they hold eBay in tremendous disdain, mostly because the auction method of selling has (in their opinions) inflated prices. In fact, one noted key collector even published his theory of collecting, complete with his opinion that those who dabble in collecting aren't “true” collectors.
Whatever. I don't collect bugs to suit those guys. I just simply enjoy them.
With all that said, I just acquired a new key which will be the rarest of the keys I own — a 1905, first year of production Vibroplex bug. The collectors consider the first few years of production to be a separate model key. The first key produced was simply called “The Vibroplex.”
The key has features that would be improved upon in time. For example, the first Vibroplex keys had an adjustable damper — a feature that was later determined to be of little use and eliminated. The adjustments on all of the stops and set screws on the main pivot frame used set screws instead of locknuts to keep the adjustments from moving. Horace Martin had to call the key the Vibroplex Original because he developed other variations of the bug — notably the Model X, the Twin Lever, the Midget, the Upright and the Junior (all before 1924!). The key had to bec called something other than “The Vibroplex” since the company was known by that name.
But the key I have acquired — for a 105-year-old key — looks very, very good. It is missing the adjustment screw on the damper, and the dot contact is broken off the pendulum; other than that it is complete. I can replace the adjustment screw as well as the dot contact.
All in all, I'm very pleased to be getting this key. It would be a kick to put the key on the air, which would be easy — just borrow the dot spring assembly off another bug. The missing damper adjustment screw makes no difference except to me and anyone else who knows the key is supposed to have it.
There are still some Vibroplex models I don't own — the Model X and the vertical, for two. But I'll come up with them in time. After all, the enjoyment isn't the “getting” as much is “the hunt” for the keys.