Japanese Spark Keys

 

(Click on the pictures below to see larger versions of the photo)

 

Spark key from the Japanese Battleship Mikasa, Ca. 1905. This key is in the Battleship Mikasa museum in Yokosuka Japan

 

 

 

A beautiful replica of the Battleship Mikasa spark key made in 1995 by Hi-Mound to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Marconi Wireless (1895-1995). Only 30 copies of this key were made.

 

 

 

Japanese spark key by Annaka Electrical. Annaka started in 1900 and changed their name to Anritsu in 1931.

 

 

 

Another marble-based spark key. This one was made by Nanao Musen Denki.

 

 

 

Marble-based spark key made by Nakane Denki.

 

 

 

Marble-based spark key. Maker Unknown. Possibly Nanao Musen Denki. Note the heavy metal straps underneath for carrying high currents.

 

 

 

Marble based spark key with large contacts and some Japanese characters that are difficult to read. Maker unknown.

 

 

 

A phenolic based version of the spark key shown above