HANDLEY PAGE HAMPDEN TYPE B 5c/372 AIR MINISTRY & CROWN STAMPED MORSE CODE SENDER KEY

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 lamps above and below the fuselage.

The Morse Code Lamps were 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. The unit appears to be in fully working order although it is missing the small bakelite cover for the wire connections.

This is an extremely rare example of an early Handley Page Hampden 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. 

Mounted in its 100yr old, hand-crafted Mango Wood display stand with engraved plaque and highly detailed scale model of a Hampden bomber perched atop its magnetic display arm, plus a detailed laminated Fact Sheet featuring a photo of the instrument in the Hampden cockpit.

This Handley Page Hampden Instrument comes complete with detailed Scale Model, Mango Wood Stand & Plaque plus Printed Fact Sheet featuring photo of instrument in aircraft cockpit.

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