Jond: That's dust and dirt on it, it has no rust.....It's all Aluminum, so it doesn't rust......I could have it operating in a half hour if I wanted, but it would require replacing some electrolitics and I really can't afford to alter it at this point....I have worked on and built tube amps for over 50 years.....Getting that amp running will not be a problem and I may do it for the buyer, but I can't afford that amp for myself.......I just got a Altec 126-a tube amp today and a pair of Altec "Magnificents" so I'm having a 5 star week................Thanks for the comments........W