The Famous Swedish Pump Key.

Above is the classic Swedish morse code transmitting Pump Key made by Lennart Pettersson. The wooden base measures about 5.25" long by 2.75" wide by 0.75" (134mm by 70mm by 20mm).deep and has a cavity filled with lead to give the key good stability when operating. The overall length of the key is 7.1/2" (190mm). The plaque reads: LENNART PETTERSSON & CO HOVERBERG SWEDEN. The overall design is similar to the Marconi AS300A / PS213A keys. (See MARCONI page).

Military Swedish Pump Key.

This is a pristene Swedish Pump Key. Most unusual, as it has a metal cover that means it is a model made for the military. This key is fairly large with the wooden base measuring about 5.25" long by 2.75" wide by 0.75" deep (134mm by 70mm by 20mm) and made by Lennart Pettersson . The overall length of the key is 7.75" (197mm). On the plaque situated on the top of the cover are the three crowns for Sweden, the model : TF-F1043-08203 plus TELEGRAFNYCKEL. The picture bottom right shows the action in detail. Arrow "1" shows the main contact with large gap adjusting screw. Arrow "2" indicates the tension spring and its adjusting screw. This key is lovely to use and is in superb "As New" condition.

A Scarce Swedish Bug Key.

"SVENSKA RADIOAKTIEBOLAGET (SRA) STOCKHOLM TYP BUG 140, APP. NR. 403997".
A large sturdy bug key from SRA of Sweden. The cast base measures 6" long by 3.75" wide by 1/2" deep (153mm by 94mm by 13mm) and is painted in grey crackle. The damper mechanism has a neat pendulum retaining clip plus the dot spring has a "spring tamer" clip. Contacts are quite large at 9mm Dia (that's a little over 1/8"). The overall design is most impressive and reminds me of both the McElroy bugs (the base, with its T Bar construction) and the Standard Radio Co. bug (the bolts and screws etc.). Jan / SM5LNE informs me that these SRA TYP BUG140's were sold as surplus in Sweden in the 1960's. Not sure of the date of manufacture though. Probably 40's / 50's.

SRA was founded in 1919, and in 1927 Ericsson acquired a majority stake in SRA with Marconi as a minority owner. Aronsson's Telecom History Timeline.

"BK"