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Vintage WWII Signal Electric J-38 Morse Telegraph Key W Box Menominee MI USA
Condition
Shows wear from age and handling with tarnish, oxidation, and scattered finish loss on the metal lever, contacts, and knurled hardware. Black base has light surface scratches and a few small marks. Adjustment screws, posts, and the shorting bar are present; mechanical and electrical performance not tested. Original labeled cardboard box has edge and corner wear, rub marks, and discoloration from long storage; no instructions or extra accessories included.
Description
Brand: Signal Electric Mfg. Co.
Item: Vintage J-38 telegraph / Morse code key mounted on a rectangular base with its original cardboard storage box.
Color/finish: Silver-tone metal key mechanism and hardware on a glossy black base with black plastic knob and round finger piece; natural brown cardboard box with black printed text.
Markings: Base is marked "J-38" in white at one end and has white "LINE" and "TEL" arrows by the connection posts. Box end panel reads "KEY J-38 ORDER NO. 16959-PHILA-42 Mfg'd By SIGNAL ELECTRIC MFG. CO. Menominee, Mich."
Materials: Metal lever, contacts, and knurled adjustment screws; black plastic or composition key knob and finger piece; glossy black composition base; cardboard box.
Design details: Straight key layout with spring-loaded lever, adjustable contact gaps, four binding posts for line and telephone connections, and a side-mounted shorting bar. Rectangular base includes corner mounting holes.
Approximate era: World War II era J-38 key produced under 1942 contract number 16959-PHILA-42.
Country of manufacture: Made in the United States (Menominee, Michigan).
Special notes: Collectible Signal Electric J-38 key suitable for display in military radio, telegraph, or amateur radio collections or for use in vintage Morse code operating setups.
Shipping
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