[Boatanchors] Unusual RME DB 23 Preselector

[John King]

Having accumulated numerous boatanchor receivers, I have also acquired several RME DB23 Preselectors  to team up with some of the boatanchor tube type receivers. I have one DB23 STYLE preselector with identical SIX position switch used in the other DB23s to select either THRU, 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, or 10m, however the original factory dial markings are different. The "different" DB 23 has "PRE-AMP" at the top of the dial portion and even though it has six position switch, the nomenclature on the front for available selections are "DIRECT" "5MC" and "10MC" which leads one to believe that even though it has the six position switch, it only selects "DIRECT", "5MC" or "10MC".

I am puzzled by the difference in the markings on the dial portion even though they are identical physically in every way otherwise.  If  I remember correctly., I bought the "different" DB23 at the Shelby hamfest about five years or six years ago. My question is whether any of you have ever seen or owned an RME DB23 preselector with those unusual or different frequency selections indicated on the front panel?

If you can clear this mystery up for me, I would be very appreciative. I will probably acquire more preselectors as they become available for an acceptable price. Yesterday, i acquired a KING DB 68 preselector, manufactured in Japan and distributed exclusively by WRL in the U.S.. A ham friend brought it to me and donated it to me thinking that it was a VFO because it has a variable tuning dial in addition to a bandswitch. it is the only piece of KING amateur radio gear that I have ever seen.

Your input and comments will be greatly appreciated regarding this "differently marked" RME DB 23. Thanks and 73, John, K5PGW