MEET THE MECOGRAPH SEMI AUTOMATIC KEY

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Loraine James
5 years ago
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1 MEET THE MECOGRAPH SEMI AUTOMATIC KEY By Ron McMullen Whilst the Mecograph was made in U.S.A. they were used in Australia in the early days of semi automatic keys, with Mecograph having an agent in Melbourne. I have a great liking for Mecographs and therefore have included this article as a tribute to them. First model Coffe: Made in 1904; only 2 models are known to have survived.

2 Second model Combo: Straight key and semi automatic key together in a metal box. First model to carry serial numbers. Possibly models were made about Benjamin Bellows patented all models from the Combo onwards.

was controlled by a sliding spade shaped piece

Possibly 2000+ of all types were made between 1905

5 Third model Mecograph No. 3. All brass round cornered base, square weight. A large 3 was embossed under the base. Two weights were affixed to the mainspring and speed was controlled by a sliding spade shaped piece moving along the main spring. The section behind was marked 1 to 6. Note the use of thumbnuts. Possibly of all types were made between 1905 and This model saw the introduction of the fan thumb piece although the same shape seems to show on the Coffe. Thumb piece dimensions. 3 embossed under base.

No. 3 square corners, black base, nickel

7 Mecograph No. 3 Square or round corners, steel base with either nickel plated fittings, plated brass or all brass fittings. Black Japanned base. No. 3 square corners, black base, nickel plated fittings. No. 3 round corners, black base all nickel plated fittings.

Mecograph No. 3 Round weight: This is the most commonly found Mecograph.

Instead of thumnuts as used in the previous model, this one has an unique thumbscrew

Small steel rods approximately 3mm long are inserted into the hollow base of the appropriate

11 Mecograph No. 3 Round weight: This is the most commonly found Mecograph. It carried the famopus Mecogrph stripe or sometimes called the Tiger stripe. Instead of thumnuts as used in the previous model, this one has an unique thumbscrew tensioning system. Small steel rods approximately 3mm long are inserted into the hollow base of the appropriate post and then a small spring about the same size is inserted. The securing screw for the post is then tightened from under the base to complete the tension process. 3 (embossed) and MECOGRAPH (stamped)under base.

14 This model may have been the forerunner to the model 3. No example is known to exist.

3 with nickel plated base and thumbnuts in

thorough cleaning, copper plate and polish

15 Nickel plated No. 3 No. 3 shipping box. Brown base No 3. Unusual Chicken wire base No 3. No. 3 with nickel plated base and thumbnuts in lieu rods and springs. How can Mecograph stripes be applied?: This is one theory - Base, after thorough cleaning, copper plate and polish to a mirror finish. Stripes made by application of grease or heavy oil. Then anodised with Brass Black or similar and sealed with amber shellac or similar.

16 Booklets:-

The main arm pivoted on 4 small ball bearings. All brass fittings.

23 Mecograph No 4: Cost reduced model. The base was constructed using individual pieces 4 upright sections and one top section. The main arm pivoted on 4 small ball bearings. All brass fittings. Circuit closer stamped Mecograph Co. Cleveland. O. U.S.A. On the round circuit closer keeper is stamped Pat. Feb Approximately 250 were probably manufactured in 1907 and/or 1908.

26 Whilst it was advertised in Australia, no examples of this model are known to exist here.

28 Mecograph No. 5: Mecograph factory envelope 1907.

31 This is believed to be an early advertisement, but no example of this model has been found. The model 3 possibly evolved from this.

Mecograph No. 6: This may or may not be a Mecograph.

decide. Very little is known about this model. Only a very few are known to exist.

until 1913. About 2,500 were made. There was no specific patent for the Premier.

32 Mecograph No. 6: This may or may not be a Mecograph. The company did experiment with different types of models, but will leave for posterity to decide. Very little is known about this model. Only a very few are known to exist. Mecograph Premier: This is an in line model introduced in September 1911 and in production until About 2,500 were made. There was no specific patent for the Premier. The serial number is stamped under the base. Later models had brass plated cast iron bases. Shipping box for Premier model. Inscription on weight

Return of the model 3 round weight: This model returned for a brief period

Identical fittings were placed on a solid steel base as used in the Premier

Vibroplex Premier: This is a one of a kind and is thought to have been assembled

39 Return of the model 3 round weight: This model returned for a brief period before Mecograph was bought out by Vibroplex. Identical fittings were placed on a solid steel base as used in the Premier model. Serial numbers were from Vibroplex Premier: This is a one of a kind and is thought to have been assembled by Vibroplex after the takeover using a variety of parts. The inscription on the pivot frame reads MECOGRAPH / PATENTED / FEB / MAY / MAY 5 08 / NOV 9 09.

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