HELP! I think I've found an original 604 in a 605 Cabinet..

Hello all and thank you for reading this post.

I stumbled upon this Speaker while searching for a job (that's right, I couldn't make that up; I'm not that smart). My son and I were out looking for a small table at a community auction. I saw the cabinet from across the room and my heart started racing. It just couldn't be; after all, my glasses are years out of date (what happens when you lose your health insurance and you're over 50) and it's probably an old radio (front view was blocked). When we made our way through the morass of crap dumped around it I saw the label on the back. I flipped out (as much as an old man still can), we bought it not knowing if it even had a speaker inside of it, and drove home (with no table). We got it home and decided to wait until morning (he's 8 and this was like Christmas for us).

5 AM I'm opening the back expecting to see an empty slot where a speaker once was in place. I opened it and it was clean as could be, with a speaker in place, but too dark outside to see anything (time for a flashlight run). I think we hit the lottery, but until I hear from you folks I will not be certain (probably just need you as the "pinch" so I know it's not a dream).

I'm attaching pictures (may need another post) but the serial number is 1034, Model 604, Impedance 20. I know the cabinet is a 605 (even a blind horse....); what's incredible about the cabinet is it's in near perfect condition on all sides (even the bottom - see picture). It's in better shape than most of our furniture.

Can a few of you who have interest and vast more knowledge than me please take a look and give me your opinions? Much as I'd like to keep it forever, we just have too many needs right now and I have to decide what's best to do for all of us. Thanks much and I'll keep my fingers crossed. Here are the photo's:Attachment 1938Attachment 1939Attachment 1940Attachment 1941Attachment 1941

Trying to figure out how to add pictures; here are (hopefully) a few more:

Attachment 1942Attachment 1943Attachment 1944Attachment 1945Attachment 1946

Last one; just wanted to show the very bottom (because I mentioned it). There are fewer scratches on the bottom then there are on my truck bumper.

Attachment 1947

glad you waited until April SECOND to post this. Otherwise I would've said...hahah nice try buddy.

Otherwise, I'm saying nice find there! Yes, that appears to be an original mid-40's 604...a rare find and hopefully it will bring you what you need.

Dear Alien:

You know, I hadn't even given the date a thought! I agree, had I posted it yesterday it might have looked a bit sketchy. It's funny how things can work out if you keep trying; we just wanted to find a table or something we could use. Going together with him was more important than finding anything. I still feel that way.

If this is indeed what I think it is; I know how important they are and that it should be kept well and preserved. I haven't totally decided yet on how or what to do, but my guess is that eBay is probably the best bet. Maybe even wind up in Abbey Road studios, where it can be put to more good use.

Thanks for the reply and the vote; it's already a better month.

I'd keep the speaker and get rid of the family...but that's just the kind of guy I am.

Welcome aboard Bobdrfl, great find!!! clean it up and send it to the bay, would make a great mono system!!!! If it works properly? it should bring close to 4K.. use some howards products on the cab,it it will do wonders. Just be very careful with that speaker! Good luck, remember we are all just stewards...

wow that's beautiful. sure would go a ways on gas and mortgage

You should tell us how much you paid for it so we will feel really bad........

To me you've hit the lottery (Altec History). I would ask Todd W White for his advise, or if you need any Altec speakers, parts, or labour talk to Bill at Great Plains, they should be interested in wanting a great piece of Altec history from the 1944 - 1948 era. You can then do some bartering:)