[ARC5] T-17 Metal 1942 or Plastic 1944 for 1949 GRC-9?

[WA5CAB at cs.com]

There were at least seven models produced (base through -F, although I have 
never had a -C) and by multiple contractors.  So it's unknown how many 
different parts may be encountered.  They are found with aluminum bodies in 
plain anodize and black wrinkle, and in gray and black plastic.  The earliest 
(but one) that I have or have had were ordered in FY 41, probably July of 
1940.  I have one with a note scratched on it saying it was pulled from a crash 
site in the 1930's (I forget the exact date) and an -F on a FY 1954 Order.  
Most of them have the Signal Corps Order Number cast or molded into the 
handle.

Robert Downs - Houston
wa5cab dot com (Web Store)
MVPA 9480

In a message dated 09/13/2016 14:42:28 PM Central Daylight Time, 
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com writes: 
>     I must admit that I never knew before that there were two versions 
> of this familiar microphone.  I can understand that as metal become more 
> precious designs to conserve it became more common. For instance the 
> notorious celluloid labels on Lionel J-36 keys. My one and only T-17 
> barely works. Noisy and the cord has rotted badly.  I opened it recently 
> to see if I could repair it and decided just to leave it as an artifact. 
>   I have an RS-38A carbon mic which is mint and works like new. I 
> suppose mostly a difference in storage but I have no idea of the actual 
> age or provenance of either one.  I can't even remember where I bought 
> them now although it was undoubtedly in some local surplus store. My 
> T-17 was built by Shure. I don't have it handy so can't look for a 
> contract number on it. I think its a metal case version. I will look 
> later and post something.
>      I also recommend keeping both.
> 
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