1944 WWII Original Deluxe Vibroplex key w/ custom box

Description: I had this listed earlier, but I pulled it when I realized that there was damage I needed to correct. Trying to thin out my collection of redundant keys, I came across this Original Bug. According to John Elwood's list, this key was made in early 1944, when Deluxe models had a painted gray base rather than chrome plated. When I got it, it was missing the paddle and knob, also the shorting lever assembly. There is scuffing of the paint on the edges of the base. The screws holding the weights in place are not original. The jeweled pivots were damaged, so I bought new ones from Vibroplex. (I bought two lower jewels, using one for the upper, as the style they use on new keys is different.) The paddle and shorting lever came from an early postwar Deluxe parts key, while the paddle is laser cut from a closely matching plexiglass. If you look carefully, you will see that the wire that connects the lever arm to the frame is not connected. There is nothing wrong, but I had to disconnect this to replace the pivot bearings, and will remove the arm to ship it, so I did not reconnect it. This would make a nice key for someone who wants a key they can use on the air. Vibroplex says they support this bug with some parts. The pine box is similar to several I have made for some of my bugs. It isn't Fine Woodworking ready, but it serves to protect the bug during transport and storage. The serial number of this key is laser engraved on the end of the box. I will securely package the bug in the box before shipping by removing the pendulum arm, weights and paddle/knob and wrapping separately. The last photo shows how the last key looked before final packaging for shipment. If you have any special packaging requests, let me know. I will insure this as well. Any questions, shoot me an email and thanks for taking a look at this.

Price: 109.95 USD

Location: Rebersburg, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-08-12T21:40:45.000Z

Shipping Cost: 17.19 USD