The final series of XOGRAPHs had name tags applied to the top of the base with a serial number similar to early Vibroplex bugs. I’ve also heard there is a corresponding serial number on the lever to match them up after nickel plating. Early 1920’s XOGRAPHs have a serial number stamped on the lower front of the frame. All of the other XOGRAPH examples online from the 1920’s have the Vibroplex Champion style single post dampener wheel. None of the other XOGRAPH examples have this early style damper. It certainly is the earliest I could find. This may be the earliest XOGRAPH example out there. The clincher is the knurling on the contact screws that directly matches all other XOGRAPHs on the web. The square posts are the first clue, followed by the unique rust-red colored finger pieces (without dah knob). Brown in his Toronto Canada basement workshop. Based on those photos, I’m now convinced this bug is indeed a rare and extremely early example of an XOGRAPH made by Rolph H. The key works and feels very good, making excellent quality code.Īn XOGRAPH from a slightly later date (1920’s) later appeared on EBay with some excellent photos. I’ve decided to keep the key as-is for now with a possible second stage restoration at a later date. This bug has seen A LOT of use in its day, as evident by the well worn dit finger piece where the thumb is placed. I’ve since replaced a missing set-screw on the hinge that holds the vertical position of the lever on the pivot and removed both non-original springs. In addition, I added new weights and the spring above the lever to help keep the lever positioned correctly in the vertical plane. All the parts appear to be original except the locking nuts on the dit contact and lever spring adjustment screw based on the knurling, and a spring below the lever on the frame pivot. Luckily, all the parts were present! After removing the gold paint, I found all of the parts and base are nickel plated (after image). It turned out the dah spring and screw were attached to the base where the dah contact post should be. As you can see from the ‘before’ image, not only was it completely over-coated with gold paint that had begun to oxidize, it was also very much out of configuration with the dah contact post attached to the dit contact post, and a solid bolt where the dah spring should be.
The 1918 date based on the full door hinge and old style ‘tear drop’ dampener seen on similar vintage Vibroplex bugs. I concluded at the time that it was either a homebrew or prototype clone made sometime before 1918. Close inspection once it was received revealed no stamped serial number or makers mark. Fellow collector Claudio, IZ0KRC, suggested it closer resembled the features of an F.A. Luckily, the seller had a ‘make-offer’ option that allowed me to pick it up for just $35! I suspected it might be an XOGRAPH made by Rolph Brown in Toronto, Canada (based on the square contact posts).
I found this one on Ebay back in February 2016 in an obscure category with the name ‘Vibroplex’ mis-spelled.
Early XOGRAPH Bug – 1918(ish) (AFTER First Stage Restoration)