I’m calling it “The Mongrel” due to its checkered lineage.Ĭlick the images to be taken to the detail page for this key with links to more high resolution views.

I’m sure with a bit more TLC this bug will be a fantastic performer. Thanks guys! The bug performed very well given its decades of dormancy.

4: (1) with blue enameled base at 15.00, (2) with nickeled plated base at 17.00, and (3) 'mounted on old style base' at 15.00. A November 1918 ad offered three versions of the VIBROPLEX No. I've seen a couple other Vibroplex for sale with similar numbers that are obviously of newer manufacture as well. The C2 type nameplate and 68xxx serial number date this VIBROLPLEX No. That's not the correct plate for that number if it came from NY. Today I had some very nice QSOs with Tom-AK4NY, Don-KD3CA, and Mike-WI5H during the FISTS Cumulative event on 20 meters. With no weight at all on the arm, it must be way too fast for a beginning bug user. In any case, the price was very decent so I rescued the bug from its display case.Īfter adding a weight, cleaning the decades of corrosion from the contacts and making the usual adjustments, this bug came back to life sending very nice code.

I surmise the C2 plate was added later to get around the injunction by its owner. Since virtually all commercial clone production stopped after the 1914 Vibroplex Injunction, I’m going to say it pre-dates that time period. On the 1938B the dot lever has lugs which fold over the dash lever, to share one pivot (as on the later Vibroplex bugs). I then noticed the rounded corners which typically mean its a clone bug. My excitement was quickly doused at seeing the Vibroplex C2 style name plate and serial number 61123 dating from 1918. Vibroplex Original bugs had this design for about three years between 1906 and 08, primarily from their Norcross, GA factory. I was originally rather excited to spot its Vibroplex 1906 style frame with side-jutting outriggers. Here’s yet another mongrel bug that I acquired yesterday at an antique shop. 1906 Clone bug “The Mongrel” w/ 1918 Vibroplex C2 plate and 1906 style frame (~pre-1914)

Vibroplex bug serial numbers