Morse Key

[Sparks]

Got it yesreday on a car boot sale, and cleaned it up this morning.
Bob

[BusyBee]

A good find!

That has come up well. I do wonder with old radio equipment how far patina affects their value / desirability. It does not affect me much as I don't refurbish many things, but I am aware that many antique items lose a lot of value if cleaned. I am a bit 50 - 50 on this as it is good to see a spotless 'concours' device, but a bit of patina tells a thousand stories (to twist a saying).

Tracy

[Sparks]

Yes, I have also heard about polishing things up destroys the value, but the key was pretty grubby, and not very attractive as it was.   Incidentally, it is very heavy and weighs almost a kilo.   I am quite sure that it is a home-made affair that was never actually finished and used.   The lower contact on the front did not connect anywhere.    I placed a brass strip (5 'thou thick) across under the back bridge, and the contact went through a hole in it, secured by a nut.   The bridge contacted the brass strip very firmly via its securing screws underneath.   The two connections are via either of the side terminals on the pivot unit, and the one on the side of the front bridge. The top contact does not connect electrically with the bridge, but goes through a large hole in it, and is tapped into the main shaft.    It has a very nice movement, and the "feel" of it is excellent.     Although I am quite competant at morse (31 years as merchant navy radio officer), I am not a radio amateur or anything like that, so I will not be using it for sending morse (apart from amusing myself if I feel like it), so it is more of a "keepsake ornament" in memory of old times.       When I found it, he wanted £20 for it, but when I declined, he suggested £15, that I also declined, saying I would give him £10 for it, and no more - and he accepted.     But I do like it.
Bob

[Crackle]

Hi Bob
Its great to see you back again, I had wondered how you were. I enjoy seeing your creations.
The Morse key looks as good as new.
A great find.

Mike

[Sparks]

I have been OK, but have not done any radio for months and months. In fact, I believe I have finally stopped. I have been sorting all my stuff out, and packing it into labelled tins,and boxes, dismantling past projects, putting all the books together. It still gives me great pleasure to maintain the connection by sorting it all out, and even reading the books. If I come across anything interesting on the car boot sale, I may get it, but it will have to be something special. Sadly, the powers that be in Preston have thought it a good idea to slash the size of the giant car boot sale that operated on Tusday, Thursday and Saturday under two Victorian canopies to about one quarter of its original size, thus reducing the amount of "available "junk" that gives me so much pleasure. The morse key was the first item for some time that attracted me.
Bob

[BusyBee]

Yes I love some of the bigger car boot sales too, although some are a bit commercialised. A good browse round a car boot sale can be as good as a museum visit, with many different fields covered and the option to buy. I agree that the important thing with any old equipment is that it works, otherwise it is a just an ornament. In my opinion, military / styled equipment is at its best when it looks old, clean and functional. It is a pity it does not usually fit the decour in the living room lol.

Tracy

[Crackle]

Sellers at boot sales will always say "it works" I have been caught out many times. I now say I don't want it to work as the fun is in fixing it, so long as it is complete.
I don't feel disappointed then.

Our local massive Sunday boot sale, "Dunton" is way too big now, full of foreigners buying, and others who come over from Europe in vans selling smelly meat.
The Wednesday one is much nicer, there are more pensioners selling real stuff they are clearing out, and less second hand food stalls and wannabe market traders.

Mike