Tickling the brass

Refers to using a Morse key, normally made of Brass.

He’s a radio amateur and when he uses his Morse key he chuckles “I’m off to tickle the brass”. - Early Morse keys were made of solid brass and Bakelite. When operators would be known for tickling the brass.

Drum

drum is slang for house or flat, normally single person dwelling

1: We’re just nipping over to Nobbys new drum to pick up some records. Looks nice since he fixed it up.

2: Nice drum, a proper bachelors pad.