Junker M.T.

Junker M.T. (= ‘Morse Taste’, Morse Key). Post-1978 model, when the Joseph Junker factory in Bad Honnef, Germany, first began using their simplified gap adjustment mechanism, using a rubber ‘O’-ring to provide friction on the adjustment thumb screw (replacing the previous spring-loaded ball-bearing ‘click-stop’ mechanism, 1978 being the earliest date found for this change so far). At the same time Junker introduced the plastic resin cover, replacing the previous diecast aluminium covers. Both developments were likely cost-saving measures. This model offered here is rare, as most of these post-1978 Junker keys carried the silver hammertone colour (the Kriegsmarine’ or German Navy, and the so-called ‘citizens’ versions). The dark green versions were ordered by the Rohde & Schwarz company for supply with their army radio sets, although there is no Rohde & Schwarz name plate inside the cover as found in other specimens. The green colour used by Rohde & Schwarz is of a darker shade than the NATO Olive drab green used by the German Bundeswehr since 1955. The cover here has seen a fair bit of wear, both through use, but also because the smooth resin surface of the cover meant that any paint never adhered really well, an issue found on both these green as well as the silver hammertone versions. The key is fitted with the standard RFI electronics inside the Bakelite base. The key is in perfect working condition and comes supplied with a spare genuine Junker rubber ‘O’-ring. The orange cardboard insulation card inside the Bakelite base is stamped ‘?? AUG 90’, its manufacturing date (the exact day not legible). A spare unpainted original cover can be added for an additional $20.