Vintage WW1 - WW2 US Navy Morse Code Key Bunnell 1916 Brass & Bakelite
Item History & Price
American Navy Morse Code Key CAM 809 Circa 1916Manhattan Electric Supply Company, New York MESCO
U.S. Navy Telegraph and Wireless Key WWI EraThe Navy "Type Number System" of telegraph naming was first introduced by the Navy's Bureau of Steam Engineering in 1915 or 1916. It utilized a sequencing system of letters and numbers.
The first use had a two orthree letters followed by the sequence number. The letters always started witha 'C' if the key was designed and made by a... contractor. This was followed byone or two letters denoting the manufacturer of the key. The letters 'CL'denoted Fritz Lowenstein and 'CAM' denoted Manhattan Electrical Supply Co., forexample. Both of these names are familiar to key and wireless collectors. Seethe table below for a full list of codes and makers. Most keys labeled withthis scheme have little or no other identifying marks. By 1943, the largenumber of contractors made it necessary to go to four letter combinations, suchas 'CAQZ' for Brelco.Because the numbers are sequential, it is possible to estimatethe date of design. The 'SE' sequence number had passed 1, 400 by 1918. In theabove example, 1916 is the date of manufacture. The sequential number reflectsthe date of design. Note that the number applied to all Navy communicationsequipment, not just keys, so the 'SE' numbers grew large quickly. 'SE'numbering was abandoned in 1925.
Nice antique brass and Bakelite Navy piece with non-slotted screws. Marked with US and an Anchor to represent the Navy, as well as CAM 809 denoting the manufacturer and sequence of the date of manufacturing. Enjoys a great patina and a favored but more rare oval shape. World War I era built. However, the owner obtained it after WWII after it was done being used. Its been a great paperweight on my desk. Fantastic Fathers Day, birthday or graduation gift for a history, radio, military, Navy or antique buff.
U.S. Navy Telegraph and Wireless Key WWI EraThe Navy "Type Number System" of telegraph naming was first introduced by the Navy's Bureau of Steam Engineering in 1915 or 1916. It utilized a sequencing system of letters and numbers.
The first use had a two orthree letters followed by the sequence number. The letters always started witha 'C' if the key was designed and made by a... contractor. This was followed byone or two letters denoting the manufacturer of the key. The letters 'CL'denoted Fritz Lowenstein and 'CAM' denoted Manhattan Electrical Supply Co., forexample. Both of these names are familiar to key and wireless collectors. Seethe table below for a full list of codes and makers. Most keys labeled withthis scheme have little or no other identifying marks. By 1943, the largenumber of contractors made it necessary to go to four letter combinations, suchas 'CAQZ' for Brelco.Because the numbers are sequential, it is possible to estimatethe date of design. The 'SE' sequence number had passed 1, 400 by 1918. In theabove example, 1916 is the date of manufacture. The sequential number reflectsthe date of design. Note that the number applied to all Navy communicationsequipment, not just keys, so the 'SE' numbers grew large quickly. 'SE'numbering was abandoned in 1925.
Nice antique brass and Bakelite Navy piece with non-slotted screws. Marked with US and an Anchor to represent the Navy, as well as CAM 809 denoting the manufacturer and sequence of the date of manufacturing. Enjoys a great patina and a favored but more rare oval shape. World War I era built. However, the owner obtained it after WWII after it was done being used. Its been a great paperweight on my desk. Fantastic Fathers Day, birthday or graduation gift for a history, radio, military, Navy or antique buff.
