Antique Mecograph Telegraph Key, Pre 1909

Description: Offered here is a rare Mecograph Semiautomatic key. S/N 05550The shorting lever is stamped, " Mecograph. Cleaveland, O.", U.S.A.The other side of the shorting switch is stamped, " Patented", "Feb 13, '06", "May 28, '07", "May 5, '08" .There are no markings on the bottom which, based on available information, dates this key to 1909, or earlier.I have NOT cleaned this beauty. The original finish ('tiger stripe') is in good shape. There is one small rust spot and paint damage on the rear, bottom, right corner. Please see the photos.All the screws and mechanisms move smoothly and work well.NOTE: The right hand lever spring is a replacement which works fine. FULL DISCLOSURE:The lever's bottom pivot hole and countersink were damaged when I obtained this key years back. I believe it came that way from the factory as the hole was machined off center and, probably over the years, the conical pivot screw broke thru. I have included photos of how it appeared when it came to my collection. Recently, I decided to repair it. I thought about filling the hole with solder or casting metal, but I didn't want to subject the lever to high heat and damage the patina, etc. I decided to clean out the hole, fill it with strong Master Bond epoxy and then re-drill it and re-countersink it to the correct location and dimensions. PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOS! I think it came out quite well. I would suggest, however, that the new owner be gentle while adjusting the pivot tension screw. BTW, for visual reference, the pivot hole diameter is only 0.061" .I believe this is a strong, functional repair, but because of the age of this great key, I'm listing this as in 'as-is' condition. Please ask questions and see my 100% Ebay rating.Free Domestic shipping via USPS Priority Mail.This is a great key which does not come around often, and would make a great addition to any collection.

Price: 655 USD

Location: Kings Park, New York

End Time: 2024-12-03T21:28:37.000Z

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