Key: Vibroplex Junior
Serial: 80021
Vintage: 1920
Acquired: April 13, 2026
Plate: D1 | 825 Broadway N.Y. | 6 Patents
Base: Black paint (unoriginal)
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Review
In the early 1920s, the Vibroplex company was offering the Original model bug with a special-order 2-3/4 lbs. smaller base. The smaller base was 3″ by 6″, a significant difference from the standard 3-1/2″ by 6-3/8″ bases found on the other bugs. Another 3″-wide key would make an appearance later in 1939 with the Zephyr. Apart from the smaller base size, the top parts were borrowed from the Original model.
It was not until 1934, that Vibroplex started to officially market the “Martin Junior” as a wholly separate model. The new model lasted until 1939 when it was discontinued.
Some collectors refer to this model as the “Martin Junior”, I presume because that’s how it was named in advertisements from 1934 and after. However, it seems likely the model name was simply “Junior” and the company simply called out Martin’s name similar to how they would often refer to the “Original Martin Vibroplex”.
Base color options for the Junior consisted of just a black japanned finish or nickel-plated on the “early” versions. Black japanned bases were the only option for those versions between 1934 and 1939.
The Vibroplex Junior example I have, with serial 80021, has apparently been restored by a previous owner. The black japanned base has made way for a black enameled base. The top parts’ nickel plating has mostly been lost, showing the brass underneath. A keen-eyed collector might notice that the nameplate orientation on my example is wrong. The nameplate on the Juniors were “flipped” compared to the orientation on other Vibroplex models with the flat side of the plate facing the connection posts. I presume the previous owner of my Junior forgot how the plate was oriented prior to his restoration and simply reattached it in the same fashion as his other bugs. It is what it is. Maybe he just liked the way the plate looks in the more traditional orientation?
I haven’t seen too many Vibroplex Juniors available for sale, but they do appear from time to time as part of auction lots online. Their production spanned thirteen years, though only as an official Vibroplex model for the last five of those years.
Collectible Vibroplex Juniors would include an early model (pre-1934) with a nickel-plated base. These smaller bugs are neat, in my opinion, so having one in your collection is a must.
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