WW2 Lionel J36 Semi Automatic Morse Key Made For The US Military 

This unusual looking device is a WW2 Lionel J36 Semi Automatic Morse Key Made For The US Military. This particular key is fitted with a jack plug.

In pretty good cosmetic condition, the japanned and chrome surfaces are scuffed and blemished. As is usual with Lionel made J-36 keys, most of the label is missing. This was because the labels were made from material that shrunk with time and often fell off or were taken off! A photo of a Lionel label is attached for comparison.

The design is based on the Lightning bug which was usually produced by Vibroplex Co., New York, USA. During WW2 they were commissioned to make a similar key, denoted J-36, for the US Army Signal Corps. Due to high demand, Vibroplex had to outsource manufacture to other companies including Lionel Corporation, JH Bunnell, and the Brooklyn Metal Stamping Co. The orange stamp on the base of the key indicates that it was made for the US Signal Corps.

The Lionel Corporation of New York, USA, are better known as Toy Manufacturers, particularly high quality model railway/railroad, but supported the WW2 war effort by manufacturing military equipment. 

Approximate Size:

• Maximum Width: 21cm
• Base Width: 16.2cm
• Maximum Height: 9cm
• Depth 9cm

A nice vintage military key where the design stood the test of time! 

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