Telegraph Key Collection
Bunnell Skeleton Steel Lever Key, ca. 1898
High Resoultion Images: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7.
This is a scarce Bunnell steel lever 'skeleton' key produced between 1889 and 1906. This particular key is an oddity in that is was produced by Will Young & Co., Philidelphia, PA (maker's name on front of board). It has an unusual 'open on key down' terminal mounted on the rear added by Will Young & Co to the Bunnell key. The key has all original parts, including the board.
If you'd like to read more about the evolution of the 'Triumph' style key, The Evolution of a Triumph by J. Casale, W2NI is a very informative article.
If you're hunting for one of these, here are identifying characteristics of this key:
- Steel lever stamped with patent date of February 15, 1881
- Skeleton base
- "J.H. Bunnell, New York" on left side of frame
- Terminal posts mounted on top of base with fine machine screws
- The holes for screws to attach the key to a board are in line with the trunion posts on the base. The older and harder to find solid base version of this key has the screw holes further inboard.
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