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My own private Morse key collection
KEY 23
This is a Speed X key, model 301
Speed-X has been around for a long time.
The guy that started the company, Les Logan, probably started around 1929.
It's hard to date alot of those Speed-X straight keys. This one could be as old as the 1930's or as new as the 1960's.
A quote from QST, October 1937:
SPEED X
A new and outstanding developement-A general purpose type-Moulded bakelite base.
Pigtail connections eliminate insulation problems-No current on bearings-Coin silver contacts.
All metal parts nickle plated.
(Photo of Key)
No 301 Bakelite Base-$2.15
No 301S With Switch-$2.50
No 301 With 1/4 in contacts-$2.40
LES LOGAN
646 Jessie
St San Francisco
As far as I know Speed X has been made by different manufacturers.
I found Stewart Johnson dba Speed X Radiomanufacturing San Fransisco in 1933,
Les Logan Co, San Fransisco, early 1940's and E.F.Johnson Co. Waseca/Michigan, late 1940's.
Here the Speed X logo is stamped in the arm.
The same Speed X logo is also in the base material
The Speed X logo, a similar logo is stamped in the middle of the arm, and also on the base under the arm.