There presently are a virtual SLEW of telegraph keys on eBay, and a fantastic selection of Vibroplex bugs. There are some rarer ones along with not-so-rare ones. There are several really nice Presentation bugs and Original De Luxes too. So many bugs, so little money, hi hi!
I just entered a “Buy It Now” bid on a rather forlorn-looking Vibroplex #6, or Lightning Bug model. This is a De Luxe model, with a serial number dating to 1931.
The base looks a bit pitted, but that's not that uncommon with nickle-plated De Luxes like this one. The rest of the bug looks pretty fair. The photos don't do it justice. The key is complete, and in fact, it has an extra weight installed on it. Heck, I might be able to run this bug without my own homebrew “bug tamer.”
Last week I picked up another even more forelorn bug, an early Speed-X Deluxe model. The plating on the base is peeling badly. The top parts look pretty good on it, but the base needs work. This bug is complete with the exception of weights. The photos didn't give a real clear look at the key.
Another eBay auction win tonight that's significant is the pinstriping tool I won. With this thing I'll be able to replicate the gold pinstriping on the japanned bases of my older keys. I can paint them with black lacquer, the straight pinstriping looked like the tough part of refinishing the base to me. The only part I'll have to freehand will be the corner trim, and I can do that.
I'm anxious to get some of my key bases refinished, I think it will prove to be a nice way to refurbish some of my keys.
My next step will be to start work on the nickle and chrome plated parts. Most of them are in fair condition, but some need serious replating. This will require several steps and some money invested in the kits to do that.
One of the first projects I'm considering once I get my striping tool is to refinish the base of a 1970s Vibrokeyer I have. It has the beige crackle finish, which is my least favorite color of any Vibroplex key. My idea is to strip the base and refinish it black with the traditional gold pinstriping per the pre-WWII keys. I think it will look pretty damn sharp that way. It's a small base, and it'll be a good guinea pig to try it on. Even if I booger up the paint, there's no big loss if the key is a total wipeout. I do believe the base will look very nice in the “old style”.
I've toyed with the notion of making my own version of the 100th Anniversary Bug that Vibroplex is currently selling. Simply put, I would strip and refinish the gray crackle base of a run-of-the-mill 1970s Vibroplex Original and reassemble the key. The black base and classic gold pinstriping would look sharp! I bought a 1958 Original for that purpose, and its on my desk in front of me. I may change my mind on that one, heck, it's pretty clean for a 40-year-old key … but there are plenty of others out there.
I have several Vibroplex keys I want to restore to original condition. I don't know if I have the time, money or skill to take on such an undertaking. The only thing I really haven't done before is the plating. The home kits look pretty easy, though the key with plating — like painting — is preparation. And making sure the substrate is smooth, smooth smooth. Again, kinda like painting a car body, the requirement for smoothness is about the same.
It's interesting how in the key collector circles that some refuse to even clean up a key, while other collectors restore them. If you consider them historic pieces, I guess “as-found” condition is most desireable. But even museums will preserve old works of art. I think a restored Vibroplex is a thing of beauty, a window into the early 20th century communications. Yeah, I think I'll opt to restore mine!
That's all this time … 73 es CUL de KY4Z …. dit dit