I have an Auxiliary Hand Key that was manufactured by the Machy Div Navy Yard Boston. It says drawing number 68-A, Serial Number B861. I would like to know if there is any information on how this key was used or mounted. Thank you.

Hi Stewart: Unfortunately I don't have any specific information about this 68-A hand key in my files. The Wingard Collection is quite extensive but a lacks specific details about many of the objects. I can tell you that these early wireless keys were designed for use with spark transmitters that used relatively high currents. Hence the extra flange on the knob to protect the operator, and the large contact. The two knurled knobs adjust the action on the key, allowing individual operators a certain amount of customization. Some operators had a lighter touch on the key than others. There's no hole in the baseplate to secure the unit to a table, as with many landline keys, but the two legs on the back (holding the wire clips) appear to be coupling nuts. I can't say if those are original to the piece or not. Franklin Wingard was an active HAM for most of his life and modified pieces in his collection for use. If your key has similar coupling nuts then there's a good probability the key was secured to the operator's table from below by passing a machine screw up through the table to those couplers. For more detailed information you might reach out to the Antique Wireless Association at antiquewireless.org. Their members have been quite helpful over the years in identifying objects in the collections.