Western Electric KS-14398-L1 1947-1950 - Black and Turquoise

# For Sale – One of a Kind, Museum-Grade Western Electric “Optical VU Driver” Module KS-14398-L1 Program Monitor Assembly with RCA 930 Photocell Circa 1947–1950 ⋅ 100 % Original & Complete

This is the holy grail of Western Electric program-level metering — the legendary optical VU driver module that gave the classic Altec/Western Electric theater and broadcast consoles their unmistakable, silky-smooth meter ballistics.Every single original part is present and untouched:

Western Electric 111C repeating coil (silver-wound, nickel-core, potted in factory black tar)

- Dual metal 6J7 pentodes in shielded sockets (one RCA, one branded)

- Original RCA 930 (D-9302) phototube — still seated, perfect glass, no leaks

- Original #49 pilot lamp assembly with factory optical wedge at 30°

- Precision aperture slit in the black shield plate

- Western Electric 289A 3-conductor threaded input jack

- Red-capped factory gain trim pot

- All original turquoise and cloth-covered wiring, wax/paper capacitors, carbon resistors

- Factory ink stamps clearly visible: V101 / V102 / 5964 / 930

- Original black crinkle paint and mounting bracket — never repainted, never molested

This exact module type was used in the finest 1940s–1950s Western Electric and Altec theater sound systems (the ones that powered Technicolor premieres and early recording studios of the golden era). Fewer than a dozen are known to still exist in this complete, un-restored, plug-and-play condition.

Condition: Excellent original cosmetic and electrical condition for its 75+ years. No replaced parts, no solder hacks, no missing pieces. Ready for display, museum loan, or immediate installation in a no-compromise console restoration.

Price: $950 USD

(Worldwide insured shipping included — packed like the crown jewels)

This is not a parts unit, not a rebuild, and not a “similar” assembly.

This is the real thing — the rarest and most beautiful piece of Western Electric ever built for program monitoring.

Serious inquiries only. If you know what this is, you already know you will probably never see another one this clean again.

Message for additional ultra-high-resolution photos and provenance discussion.

First come, first served — no holds without deposit.