The First Morse Key.

Below is a sketch of the first Morse Telegraph Key invented by Alfred Vail in 1844. He named it the "Correspondent", known to this day as the "Vail Correspondent". Sketch artist unknown at the moment.

Below can be seen the first ever lever arm Telegraph Key that Vail both designed and built. He called this the "Vail Lever Correspondent" Two were made for use in the experimental Washington - Baltimore telegraph line (May 24 1844) that was a huge success.
circa 1844.

A very rare and beautiful key. The wooden base measures about 7 1/8" Long, by 1 7/8" Wide, by 7/8" High. (180 x 47 x 21mm).

Smithsonian Institute

"BK"