Altec horn and driver

[Redd69]

I came across this Altec horn and driver today. I was wondering if anyone knows it's value? The driver works but not sure what model it is. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[radioactive]

Picture would help.

 

[toddalin]

Lots!

 

[bowtie427ss]

Tar filled, yummy.

Getting the white paint only off would enhance it's value.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Tar filled, yummy.

Getting the white paint only off would enhance it's value.

Full strength simple green applied to a cloth patch will turn spray paint gummy without damaging the underlying finish. Works like a charm but takes some time.

 

[Leland47]

Tar Horn......very valuable....and old. Since horn is old....the Driver is probably older too....

The Driver is an Altec 288B....worth around $1K...maybe more. It could be an earlier model....288 red white and blue label. Worth much more. ( but its painted....so subtract that )

I don't know what tar filled horns go for....but expense. I'd say over $1K

I'd run to buy....depending upon price.

Did a bit of research......Tar Horns were manufactured from 1935 until 1958.....Older is better.....

Probably has a bronze throat too..... the later ones are aluminum.

I'd check the throat and see if it is brass or aluminum.....that would date it older.....but I'd imagine all tar horns were connected with bronze throats...

If the driver is a later 288C...has a stick on label......then it is worth less...

The 288B drivers have a brown crinkle finish....and gold colored stenciled painted labels....

The older 288 RWB is kind of a wet decal label...?

The driver is probably 24ohm.....

 

[bowtie427ss]

There are few hard and fast rules with Altec ID, they made many changes, and often. They were innovators, when they discovered an improvement, they took it to production ASAP.

The Driver is an Altec 288B....worth around $1K...maybe more.

Not even close in that condition, maybe 500 bucks if it has original good condition diaphragm, chances of that are very slim. Uninformed buyers will happily pay more.

It could be an earlier model....288 red white and blue label. Worth much more.

Not really, to an informed buyer.

If the driver is a later 288C...has a stick on label......then it is worth less..

Smooth paint and smaller Altec font on the rear cover, early ones were a nice hammertone finish, and 288C doesn't require machining to put a modern diaphragm in it. It's truly field serviceable. A more desirable driver for people who are actually going to use them as intended. Early 288C probably had water slide decals, there were probably 3 types of decal for 288C

The older 288 RWB is kind of a wet decal label...?

RWB's are usually a typewritten fine/thin paper label varnished in place like the original VOTT decals, there were 2 styles.

The 288B drivers have a brown crinkle finish....and gold colored stenciled painted labels....

Should be any of a number of shades of gray, exact color changed often. Brown would be characteristic of components made for Northern Electric.

The driver is probably 24ohm.....

Will measure the same as a driver marked 16 ohms, the 24 vs 16 ohm thing has to do with the early convention by which they measured impedance.

 

[analog addict]

Here's what the grey finish on a 288B looks like, at least under the ahem....patina.
Perhaps you can get enough of the newer paint off to see what you have...

 

[Leland47]

There are few hard and fast rules with Altec ID, they made many changes, and often. They were innovators, when they discovered an improvement, they took it to production ASAP.

Not even close in that condition, maybe 500 bucks if it has original good condition diaphragm, chances of that are very slim. Uninformed buyers will happily pay more.

Not really, to an informed buyer.

Smooth paint and smaller Altec font on the rear cover, early ones were a nice hammertone finish, and 288C doesn't require machining to put a modern diaphragm in it. It's truly field serviceable. A more desirable driver for people who are actually going to use them as intended. Early 288C probably had water slide decals, there were probably 3 types of decal for 288C

RWB's are usually a typewritten fine/thin paper label varnished in place like the original VOTT decals, there were 2 styles.

Should be any of a number of shades of gray, exact color changed often. Brown would be characteristic of components made for Northern Electric.

Will measure the same as a driver marked 16 ohms, the 24 vs 16 ohm thing has to do with the early convention by which they measured impedance.

I figured you'd come by and clean up my mess....Thanks.

 

[bowtie427ss]

I figured you'd come by and clean up my mess....Thanks.

No mess, there's not a lot of data, and things were ever changing in the world of Altec.

Altec is synonymous with just when you think you've seen it all...

They made stuff for the military, sonar and other gadgets. We have seen pics of hammer tone green parts with Altec labels that are as of yet, and to the best of my knowledge still unidentified.

Altec also OEM'd to other companies and vendors.

Ever see an Art Crawford 604?

 

[604man]

Altec made TV sets too.

 

[jberger]

And now it's a brand for cell phone glass screens

 

[elitopus]

And these... It’s 7000 watts! lol