What do you know about a WESTERN ELECTRIC 86-A amp ??

A couple more thoughts.  While it would have been a welcome miracle if the tubes were 300A’s, any original 300B in working order will also be valuable.  The engraved-base 300B’s from the 1930s can go for $20,000 a pair.

if you decide to sell the amp, you should contact Deja Vu Audio in Virginia.  That is the dealer I mentioned in my post above that specializes in vintage tube amps and re-building of such amps.  I have a 133 clone made by their Italian builder that is terrific sounding.  It utilizes a lot of genuine parts, including the correct input and output transformers, but it is configured for stereo and has a modern power supply; the amp also runs very rare 348 and 349 tubes.

I believe that a local dealer put two reconditioned 86 amps into an ultra expensive system.  I heard the amps playing in a different horn-based system at the dealership.  This dealer has a number of other Western Electric 300B amps, so I am not certain of the model I heard.  I liked what I heard, but, I think I liked the Western Electric 124 amps that this same dealer has also reconditioned (350B output tube) more.  The 124 sounds more punchy and tighter sounding.  As for that expensive pair going to the customer, it has engraved base 300B tubes in it.  The dealer has collected two 300A tubes, and if he gets two more, that customer will "upgrade" to the 300A. 

The REALLY crazy tube amp that this dealer has is the 59A.  This is easily one of the best amps I've heard.  The output tubes in this amp are the 252 (meshplate version) which is similar to a 300B.  But, if you think 300A's are expensive, try finding meshplate 252s.

The amp, regardless of tubes in it, is extremely valuable.  If you don’t know how to check it out, find someone who can inspect it, slowly reform the caps with a variac, and test the tubes, etc.  It will be worth much more if you can confirm that it is in good working condition.  With Western Electric gear, something that old COULD still be in good condition.  Even capacitors could still be good.  

I know someone who found a 124 amp that needed no work at all to sound great.  All the tubes were in good shape too (those 348 tubes are quite pricey, even more than the 350B output tubes).  I like the fact that this amp is being used every day instead of being treated as a museum piece.

Wow! A 9 out of 10 condition rating on something that has not been plugged in.  It goes to show how low the price can be on an untested amp.  I would expect another zero to the price of a good working example.

I agree, get it working and use it as a music maker.  I hate the hoarding as a collector piece.  That is why all the gear that goes through Deja Vu Audio are in listening dystems.

Autospec,

Is the Audio Mart posting linked in this thread your posting?  That is a very low price.  Call Deja Vu Audio if you want to sell it.  I bet you get a much better price even in you don't know if it works.  They can get it reconditioned or they can salvage parts for a new clone amp if too much is gone for a repair.