The Great Les Logan Deluxe 501 "T" handle bug
I've owned a number of the Les Logan "T" handle speed keys. The Les Logan 501 Deluxe "T" handle key pictured above was the only speed key ever produced that had an easy to replace dot and dash contact post. The large coin silver contact on the post simply unscrews and can be replaced in just a few seconds. If you ever have a chance to pick up a Les Logan Deluxe Chrome model 501, you wont be sorry. Les Logan didnt place serial numbers on his keys although on a few keys he used a manufacturer code -- if you can figure out what it means. So there is no way to tell when a certain key was manufactured. He sold the Speed X brand to EJ Johnson around 1947. Johnson used up the supply of the "T" handle bases he inherited from Les Logan. When those were gone, Johnson changed the design. And that was the end of the "T" handle bugs. The only situation you might run into is the adjuster knobs can seize up in the pot metal casting for the "T" handle. The knurled knobs can get scored up as you try the free them. You can run an 8-32 tap through the holes and use anti-seize compound on them. Which should keep it from seizing up for many years. Towards the end of production of the Speed X brand Speed Keys in 1972, Johnson let the quality control slide quite a bit. Some of those small based Johnson keys towards the end of production were of marginal quality. Pictured above shows an aluminum speed control on this great model 501. The handle made it easier to carry the key around from different operating positions. This particular Deluxe 501 shows no signs it was ever used. It still has the two screws that were used to secure it to the bottom of the shipping box. This Deluxe was dropped off at a Goodwill store. So there is no way to find out where its been since 1947. The other Deluxe 501 key I came across was new in the box and never used. It was left at a church rummage sale of all places. Another mystery as why it was never used. Both of them are very fine keys and make great code.
Below is the picture of a new in the box Deluxe 501. They shipped it screwed down to a heavy cardboard product.
At one time I enjoyed using the T handle Les Logans so much I placed 3 model 500 black crinkle bases at the operating positition. Each one was adjusted for a different speed and I used them in quite a few CW contests.
I made articulated finger pieces so the keys were easier to key.
In this case you wood have to say they are More Logans --- as shown below :-)
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