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Author Topic: How Old Is My Vibroplex Bug?  (Read 429 times)

K2JPE

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How Old Is My Vibroplex Bug?
« on: July 23, 2021, 12:31:20 PM »

Good afternoon all!

Just acquired an original bug from a SK estate sale.  Has black paddles, grey base.  The name plate has  the serial number (61619), is marked "The Vibroplex Company, Inc" but has no patent info nor location of manufacture engraved on it.  Looking at WW7P's serial number list this is either ca 1918 (doubtful) or 1988 (more likely).  So how do I definitively determine the age of this key?

73s,
Phil K2JPE
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DL9BDM

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Re: How Old Is My Vibroplex Bug?
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2021, 01:32:05 PM »

Hi Phil,

yours is from the Portland production run, made in 1988. I have the same, number  60638.

73

Eilert, DL9BDM
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W6MK

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Re: How Old Is My Vibroplex Bug?
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2021, 06:06:23 PM »

Yep a 1918 Vibroplex Original would look very different from a 1988 model.
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VE3WMB

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Re: How Old Is My Vibroplex Bug?
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2021, 05:33:12 PM »

The real clincher is to look at the serial number plate.

If it has no rivets (there are normally two) securing the plate to the base
then it is most certainly a "Maine Bug" and that would support the 1988 date.

Michael VE3WMB

Hi Phil,

yours is from the Portland production run, made in 1988. I have the same, number  60638.

73

Eilert, DL9BDM
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