[R-390] Mint condition R-390A

[w9ya]

Hey all;

Well I just now returned from the auction at the Duke City Hamfest.
Here's what I can tell you.

The unit in question had top and bottom covers made out of gold
anodized louvered stock and it was hard to see enough to address the
quality of the internal appearance. The front panel looked excellent
but the order number and serial number on the tag did not match the
same info on the back panel. Further the module serial numbers on the
"info" sheet from RIck MIsh not equal the either the serial number on
the front or back of the unit. Many of the modules (3 or 4) had
matching numbers, and did not match the "frame number", again as
listed on Rick MIsh's info sheet.

I was told that the owner of the unit (that "donated it") insisted
that it was never "deployed" and came to him "new" in a box. When I
declared my confusion (without stating why I was confused) this second
hand response was amended to "like new and was sent to Rick Mish". I
am still convinced that they are perhaps much more confused by what
this really was than I appeared to be when we spoke. (i.e. They
honestly were trying to deal with the providence of this radio without
the knowledge to do so.)

It sold for $ 1300 with a spare set of "new" tubes. (Again is this NOS or ???)

Of course this leaves many unanswered questions, including the photos.
I know the Duke City Hamfest staff and doubt this confusion was
intentional. I was never informed about the owner that offered the
radio to the hamfest for this auction.

I was told there was more than one unit, and DID see a second Rick
MIsh info sheet for a unit with another serial number, but was told
that if this first unit did not sell for enough money it would be the
only one auctioned.

Bob - w9ya

On Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 9:27 AM, Todd, KA1KAQ <ka1kaq at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 10:37 AM, Nick England <navy.radio at gmail.com> wrote:
> <snip>
>
> What they evidently have is an EAC that someone says was never
>> put into military service.
>>
>
> Hey - I've got one of those. All matching modules, sat in an office,
> original paint, never went through depot maintenance. It's currently at
> George Rancourt's place. I'd sell it for a lot less that $3500, too!!
>
> Just as a reality check - Nick and I were at a hamfest last weekend in
> Berryville, VA where there were a number of R-390A receivers, from $1400
> down. The high priced units went home with the seller(s). A buddy I was
> selling with ended up with one of the others, complete in good shape with
> covers and meters, for $160. Numerous others in the $200-$250 range.
>
> Also talked with another friend since the 'fest. He picked up one of the
> once-highly-sought-after-high-priced civilian 'rocket ship' R-390As at
> Dayton in nice shape. $425.
>
> So while I'd agree that a clean set that has been 'gone through' (quality
> of work varies, of course) is worth a premium, prices aren't close to what
> they used to be. Looking at the items at Berryville and their prices
> overall was like stepping back in time 25-30 years. My big score was a
> Command Set 3 rcvr control box in like-new condition, with all three dials,
> for $5. Didn't even try to haggle on the price. :D
>
> de Todd/'Boomer'  KA1KAQ/4
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