1951 lansing 820a corner speaker system value?

[khcollector]

I've just acquired an Altec 820A corner speaker system from my Grandfather. After searching for literaly hours on-line I can't find a definitive answer of the value of it.




This is what I know about it:

1951 Iconic
820A System
821A Mohagony Corner Cabinet
802C Driver
811B Horn
2 - 15" 803A Speakers
N-800-D Crossover
Besides being a little dusty all the internal componets look in great condition. The cabinet has a few scratches and scrapes but is complete.

While I can find some individual components values, I cant find the value of a complete unit.

If anyone can provide me with a little info it would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance for any help!

Ben

[grumpy]

... good luck with that. As I'm sure you know, the definitive value is what it sells for
at the time it is sold, and can change wildly from month to month, year to year, etc...
Originality, condition, and buyer hunger seem to drive prices in unexpected directions.

as far as an opinion, I would -expect- that this system would sell for more than the
component parts. I'm sure folks here would be happy to see any clear photos you
might be willing to upload.

[Steve Schell]

Khcollector, you have a system that is generally worth more intact than parted out. These systems are highly prized in Asia, where audiophiles set the market prices for such rarities. I have seen a number of these sell in the $3k to $6k range, possibly more if really clean and original.

Are you sure it is an 820A? The A models I have seen had a two piece aluminum H-808 multicellular high frequency horn, as discussed and pictured in this thread:

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?13503-Altec-820A-Corner-horn

The later 820C was equipped with some version of 811 horn, as pictured here:

http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/altec/catalogs/1954-home/page08.jpg

[khcollector]

Its the 820C Model. After taking off the back, a decal identified this. I guess, Iconic used the "1951 year" decal on the exterior for a while?

[farleybob]

http://cgi.ebay.com/VTG-ALTEC-820-SPEAKER-SYSTEM-COMPLETE-VOTT-ORIGINAL-NR-/130481254953?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item1e6149f229#ht_6775wt_1094

[Steve Schell]

This auction will be fun to watch. Best of luck to khcollector.