Speed-X is a Brand Name of Telegraph Keys that includes several models of semi-automatic
keys and several models of hand keys.
None are known legally as "Blue Racer" which is a particular design of Vibroplex.
The Speed-X key was first manufactured by Electro-Manufacturing in 1927 but they
did not use the Speed-X brand name.
Stewart Johnson bought the line from E-M in 1934 and started using the Speed-X brand.
He sold to Les Logan in 1937 who continued the line and the name.
Les Logan sold to the E. F. Johnson Company in 1947.
E. F. Johnson added the unique slide weight and continued to make semi-automatic
and hand keys.
E. F. Johnson sold Speed-X and the Viking line to William Nye in 1972 who continued
to make Speed-X hand keys but I don't know of any semi-automatic keys manufactured
by Nye because electronic keyers were rapidly displacing semi-automatic keys during
that time period.
(above courtesy Willis Cooke, K5EWJ)
