Several years ago, when the internet was much younger, I tried to get information on a telegraph key that I have had since about 1955. There was not much interest last time I inquired, but the internet has really changed since I looked before. I ran across it, tucked away in a box earlier this week, which has rekindled my interest in finding out more about it's origin and possible collectors value.
I have looked at all the telegraph key collector web files, and not one of them has a picture of listing for this particular key. It has a molded glass base, all the parts are chrome plated it appears, and the contacts are what I think is about 1/2 an ounce of pure silver.
The only writing is on the rocker, at the pivot point. It says: E.I.Co.N.Y. The only reference I can currently find on the web goes back to some comments on advertising from 1915. It talks about the E.I.Co. N.Y. being a builder and supplier of spark gap transmitters and accessories. Other than that, I can still not find any current information about the key.
The E.I.Co logo is also molded into the glass base, difficult to see but it is there.
I have put 6 pictures on my server that you can go to and look at. Here is the address:
http://www.mrrace.com/KEY/Thanks,
George - WB8BGY