Mint 1940's Altec Amps

[bfish]

The picture appears to be a pair of 9354s, instead of a 9334/9354. If that's the case, they likely belonged to a PG-240 242 sound system

Note the system manual shows the full boat of system components, not all of which may have been used in a given installation. You got the best parts though. There's some nice iron and oil there

[Nathanshort]

Yes there is only slight variance in the designs of the two mains amps. The Tube Tester on the front is slightly different. And the earlier model build quality is a small measure better. The earlier amp had all the wire chase braided internally and was very clean. The latter model is a bit sloppier, but still beautiful. I will post more photos of internal and rear of the amps, but need to go out and get some more batteries for the digital camera.

[bfish]

That makes sense. War shook up the industry in a big way, and RCA certainly did their part in that effort. While most consumer production was diverted entirely to military items, it seems RCA continued limited production of theater and sound gear. In some cases, the items were duplicated as military versions, with an added suffix. Perhaps the powers-that-were accepted the motivational value of movies a justafiable exception, I don't know.

I've got a '43 or '44 RCA "portable" 2x6L6 amp that had double duty as a 16mm projector amp or a portable PA. Imagine what MASH used, and you've got it. In its' transport case, it weighs ~60lbs (proof that anything RCA put a handle on was "portable"). Wrinkle finish, copper-plated chassis, and quality iron. Underneath, it looks like it was wired by a 10-year-old (or maybe a Klinger on a bad-hair day).