overall: 2 3/4 in x 3 1/2 in x 8 in; 6.985 cm x 8.89 cm x 20.32 cm
Object Name:
bug
semi-automatic key
sending key
telegraph key
Description (Brief):
Telegraph keys are electrical on-off switches used to send messages in Morse code. Horace G. Martin patented a practical semi-automatic telegraph key in 1903 and his company dominated the market for these devices. Keys like Martin's "Vibroplex" automatically produced rapid morse code dots by using a weighted pendulum to quickly make and break contact in the electrical circuit. The operator would make the dashes manually but could send much faster than with an ordinary key.
