The Avro Lancaster carried two Type B 5c/372 Morse Code Sender Keys mounted on the aircraft’s flying panel with one just to the right of the pilot’s control column and other within reach of the Lancaster’s Flight Engineer on the panel’s starboard side.
Unlike the ‘Bathtub’ Morse Code Sender Key used by the aircraft’s Navigator to communicate with Bomber Command’s network of wireless transmitters across Southern Britain, the cockpit Morse Sender Keys were directly linked to a small white, tear-drop glass communication lamp just forward of the Top Gunners Turret.
The Morse Code Lamp was used for air to air communication with other bombers nearby when radio silence was required.
It was particularly useful at the bomber assembly point as the main bomber group began to form up behind the lead bomber before heading for the target. It was also used over the target and during the dash home to signal aircraft identification or distress.
The original Morse Code Sender Keys were all metal, produced in Britain or Canada but by mid 1940, the more easily produced bakelite models were being fitted into all most of the RAF’s heavy bombers as well as the Hurricane and Spitfire fighters. This model is one of the first runs of the new bakelite moulded units.
This is an extremely rare example of an early Avro Lancaster Morse Code Sender Key and would make a fantastic and totally unique and treasured, original aircraft collectable from a bygone era of one of the world’s most iconic fighter aircraft.
As far as can be determined, this Morse Code Sender Key seems to have all its components and appears in full working order. Imagine combining this with the Lancaster Morse Code Lamp Aircraft Collectable, adding a globe and battery and sending your own Lancaster Morse Code! Send a note through our contact page to discuss a special deal for them both.
Mounted in its 100yr old, hand-crafted Mango Wood display stand with engraved plaque and highly detailed scale model of a Avro Lancaster perched atop its magnetic display arm, plus a detailed laminated Fact Sheet featuring a photo of the instrument in the Lancaster cockpit, this Recovery Curios Aircraft Collectable would make a perfect gift for the pilot or aviation enthusiast in your life.
* Please note that this original Recovery Curios Aircraft Display is also available in a Super Detailed, Large Scale 1/48 version with some astounding and simply awesome detail. Click on the ‘1/48 Scale Model Option' at the top of this page to order.
This Lancaster Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.
Your Avro Lancaster Type B 5c/372 Morse Code Sender Key, Original Recovery Curios Warbird Collectable includes:
The heavily detailed scale model is available with wheels & flaps up or down and bomb bays open or closed. Upon order placement you will receive an email asking for your preferred configuration.
Your complete Recovery Curios Original Instrument Collectable is securely packed and delivery normally takes between 4 - 6 weeks approx plus postage.
Did you fly, crew or maintain an Avro Lancaster or have a friend, colleague or family member who did? Check out our PERSONALISED ORIGINAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTABLE OPTION here.