[Hallicrafters] My "Great Find" Story

[wb6orz]

    Once at a local amateur radio Swap Meet, I happened to be standing next to a space into which 2 older (late 70's) gentlemen had just arrived in a pickup truck. We exchanged"good mornings" and I asked how they were and what they brought out today. One said he thought they had a bunch of old parts and also a Hammarlund radio and also a Collins radio (forgive the off-topics, but I think it's a good story). I told them I'd be interested in those because I happen to enjoy collecting and restoring them.
    One started to peel the tarp, and I saw what looked like a Hammarlund HQ180AC in superb shape. The next cabinet was black and as the cape was unfurled, I saw it was a 32V-2, also in excellent appearance.
    When I asked "How much?" I was told "Well, I think $25 for the Collins and $20 for the Hammarlund."
    I think of myself as an ethical man. My heartbeat and pulse rate began increasing. Alot. As a matter of conscience, I said "Well, I will take them. But if you're not sure of the prices, do you have a list or something where you wrote the prices down?" I was afraid that if the gent was confused, I'd be taking advantage, that the poor guys might have to go home to some widow they were trying to help with practically nothing to give, and/or I'd have an awkward confrontation later, and/or I'd be ashamed and humiliated in the eyes of all my cronies out at the flea. Maybe there's not enough larceny in my blood.
    So we went to the cab, and he produced "The List."
    And there they were. Each of the rigs appeared on a list of many items (mostly bags of old hardware, used tubes, etc.) Yup, $20 and $25.
    He said, "Yup, that's what they are."  We just want someone to use them." (The Magic Phrase!) I said, "Okay, then, because that's very reasonable, so here you go." 
    I wisely decided to grab a friend (or was it 2, I was kind of in a daze at that point) to help grab the goodies. Yeah, it was 2 of us on the V-2, and one on the 180.
    It was the talk of the swap, and my best find, of course.
    Both were examined carefully at home, and they were in virtually Mint condition, and did test the receiver to find it working well. I calmed down after about 2 more hours.
    Oh, this included Original Manuals for both, in FB shape.
    I will always prize these finds.
    I get jazzed just re-telling the story.
    (((((73)))))
    Les
    ---===WB6ORZ===--- 

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