McElroy & Telegraph Apparatus Co. (TAC)
Boston, Massachusetts — Chicago, Illinois
Ted McElroy and friends Joe Goode and Frank Bascomb formed TAC as a partnership to produce McElroy keys during WWII.
(Click on the pictures to see larger images.)
McElroy S-100
Professional Stream Key
This plastic key is marked "Radio Transmitting Telegraph Key" on the back and "Stream Key, manufactured by T.R. McElroy, Boston, Mass., USA" on the front.
0170
TAC Stream Key Copy
Cast iron frame
0156
TAC Zinc Stream Key Copy
The frame is zinc leading to the cracking and paint loss seen on this key.
0103
TAC "Cut-off" Key
Cast iron frame, cutoff to fit 1940s-era TAC code practice oscillators. With it cut this way, the lever could stick out from the front panel.
0136
TAC 4-wire Stream Key Copy
Frame is cast iron and there are 4 wire posts on the rear, as if it were competing with the J-38.
0130