Mesco CW Morse Key by YS1RS

Manhattan Electric Supply Co. (MESCO) produced this Morse key for the commercial and railroad industry in NY. The company produced the whole range of telegraph equipment for the growing industry. From batteries, CW keys, the corresponding "Sounders" and even medical equipment. This particular key shown here, was made in the period between 1911-1918. After investigating about it, I found a picture and other details that clearly identify this key as made by MESCO (the key does not have any marks in it). The Catalog is from 1911 and shows the key with "long legs" and the key together with its corresponding Sounder. Price was between US$1.10 up to US$1.20 for the key and the set that included the sounder was priced at US$2.60 The sounder and key had a very characteristic paint work that clearly identifies it. The gold lines to the side are unique in its paint work. The sounder had this same gold lines too and the brand name of MESCO was written on the sounder only. Bought this key on eBay, by accident, while looking for a J-38. This key came mounted on a J-38 Bakelite base. When received, found it was not a J-38 but something else. The feeling of the key is fantastic. Tight tolerances and once adjusted is a delight to use. Time frame for this key sets it during WWI as stamping techniques were perfected during those days and due to the war effort, brass was scarce. Stamped steel was used and cast iron too, instead of brass on its manufacture. Hope you like this simple video. Thanks for watching... Rob. YS1RS