Heres a picture of two interesting Bugs from my collection
On the Left is a Vibroplex Model X, its one of the more unusual Vibroplex keys in that it uses the same contact for both the dots and the dashes, the label has gone from this bug unfortunately, other than that its in good unrestored condition.
It dates from 1910-1920
***UPDATE*** It has been suggested to me by some that this key is not a vibroplex X but infact a AtoZ Model X, this maybe the case, hardware like the binding post and shape of base are more akin to AtoZ products than Vibroplex.
The bug on the Right is Vibroplex clone in direct violation of the Vibroplex patents of the time, this bug is made by a firm called AtoZ electric novelty co. of Chicago and cheekily called "Improved Vibroplex"
Vibroplex soon took legal action against a number of patent violators and won, they then offered to licence the illegal bugs for, the owner paid a fee, and the original label was removed and replaced with a tag saying that licence had been paid.
Vibroplex had threatened to sue any railroads that allowed operators to use unlicenced bugs, so needless to say many operators paid the fee.
This key retains its original label its in fair condition and pinstriping is still present, this bug dates from around 1914.
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