DescriptionA cast metal oval, with holes to attach it to a work surface, and painted with a wrinkly, black paint, is the frame of this Hand or Straight key. The steel upper lever forms the key, a on-off switch that pivots over the frame and ends with a flat, circular, black knob. The Bakelite or plastic knob is stamped "JAPAN" on its underside. The smaller, spherical black knob is a circuit closer. Additional metal screws are the wiring posts and to adjust the Key's spring and contact. Although this key resembles the J.H. Bunnell 2A Legless Key for Western Union, pictured below, it is unbranded and "Japan" on the knob suggests this key was manufactured in the 1950s or 1960s.