Dear GM: Much appreciated but (from my end) probably not completely understood. My working knowledge of speakers was through my (recently sold) Marshall with a 4X12 Celestion Cabinet. I have not done ANYTHING to this one yet, except to dust it off (no polish, no wiring, nothing). I was (and rightfully so) and am not willing to risk any kind of damage due to ignorance, which I've been particularly blessed with an abundance.

I was hoping in discussions here to get some pointers; should I just hook it up to any old amplifier; should I keep the volume (wattage output) low to comply with the 25 Watts maximum; should I put an electrical meter on it and if so where and to measure what; etc. Years ago (when I still played guitar meaningfully), I had the good fortune of working with "Voice of the Theater" PA Systems, but the thought of hurting one never entered into our minds; in fact, due to copious quantities of alcohol and a host of pharmaceutical friends, not much of anything entered our minds. So now I have to ask to be told like a slower 7 year old (no disrespect implied to 7 year old's the world over) lest I hurt this jewel. For example; what and where are the date codes you refer to ("391XXX") and can I get to them or see them without disturbing or removing the speaker?

I was able to find a line to one that sold back almost 2 years ago (June 2011). It's a few months older but the cabinet and speaker doesn't appear to be in the same condition (his is a bit more used or worn). It sold for $6500 after 15 bids. I don't know how the economy may have effected it as of today, but this one is in better (cosmetic) condition all around (just from what is obvious). I will test it's working condition once I hear from a few of you folk that would not have me destroy it.

I like the metaphor to the 'Vette; only hoping this one works as well as it did in 1944?