Tuesday, January 5, 2010

MCELROY "JUNIOR" SEMIAUTOMATIC KEY

On eBay, a very rare Mac "bug," (original listing is, naturally, gone) an inexpensive (at the time) semiautomatic key for the beginning -- or impoverished -- amateur.

Discontinued soon after it was introduced, the key was made mostly of stamped sheet metal, like a heavy toy. Though it was built to sell at a low price (thank you, Ted McElroy!), scarcity means they're now sought-after collector's items. The present example? "Reserve not met," at over US$500.00 bid. Have a look, it's an interesting artifact.

5 comments:

  1. I have seen some non-Vibroplex bugs at 'fests but I've seen a McElroy. Interesting piece. Thanks for the post. It's a piece of history.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Uhhh, that should be "I've never seen a McElroy."

    Sometimes I think faster than I type and miss words. :-(

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm a straight key ham, myself, that and 45 colts and single malts Never had much time for them frilly jiggly thingamabobs like what'cha got in the picture.
    But I've always felt that if ya can't cut a clean dot with your own two fingers or if ya don't have a clue how to lean on that final dash of the "SK", well, maybe your fist just ain't worth a listen.
    I'll be the slow one that catches your ear.
    See ya on 40!

    ReplyDelete
  4. HERE'S YOUR CHANCE!!
    RARE ~ McElroy Junior Telegraph key
    Ebay Item # 220743453895
    7 day auction - 2/22/2011
    hIGH BIDDER WINS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. High bidder tends, alas, to be very high indeed. But it's nice to see another one.

    ReplyDelete