Hello and welcome to The House of Chrome.  

You are looking at one of the most famous, iconic American microphones ever made. This is the Altec 639A model dual ribbon & dynamic cardioid microphone which was original developed and sold under the Western Electric brand name but that company was eventually bought out by Altec which continued to develop the 639 series for many years later and I believe the mic was eventually ended around the late 1950's or early 1960's.

 Pic # 2 shows this very model from a 1940's era catalog I have with some basic details. You'll notice this mic comes with the period Altec 24A desk stand, lower adapter and short cable in which to operate the microphone.

 Pic # 3 shows Buddy Holly using this very model to record with.

 I should state right away that this microphone has been gone through and tested. It's a working example that can still be used with good tone and has the adjustable impedance and polar pattern switch but I have heard stronger examples. The mic is 100% original inside but the output seems to be around 70%. It probably needs a new ribbon and motor but you can actually use the mic. Some good quality gain from your audio equipment will certainly help the cause but again, I have heard strong 639A's.

 The nice physical condition with accessories makes this a good choice either way as a quality rebuild is only about $500.00 and that can be done from repair shops like ENAK based out of New Jersey.

 The 639 came in both the "A" model and the "B" model. The "B" model was more expensive and gave you more control over the tone and polar pattern of the mic otherwise they were virtually identical.

 This was one of the very best mics you could buy for the money and they weren't cheap. You'd see them in just about any studio of that era and were often used at important political conferences or briefings.

 The 639 series was also nicknamed "The Birdcage" for obvious reasons. It's a very large and heavier mic being almost twice the size of the iconic 1940's era Shure 55 "Fatboy". It's an all metal design that's both industrial and somewhat elegant in nature. These mics all came in the stock olive drab paint scheme with violent colored silk screens.

 The mic itself is appx 7 1/2 inches tall X 3 1/4 inches wide X 4 1/2 inches deep.

 As you can see this mic in very good overall cosmetic condition and certainly far nicer than most examples that are still out there. There is just lite scuff marks and scratches on the finish with a few tiny paint chips here and there. I's a solid example. Nothing loose inside or out and the chrome accent pieces look very nice. Just a couple very subtle bends in the mics ribs but again, VERY subtle. No fractures at all and the silk screens (while somewhat faded) are free of any rips or holes which is a rarity. 

 The mic attaches to a lower adapter that includes the unique 3 pin connector. The mic simply seats onto it and locks into place. To release the mic from the lower adapter you simply push the chrome ring that wraps around the lower section of the mic to release it. If you are confused please just contact me and I'll walk you through it. it's very simple actually. You don't need any tools.

 The lower adapter is a quality chrome plated piece that screws right onto the base of the stand and allows the cable to run through it which then exits out the rear of the base. The cable is soft, pliable and just 12 inches long with a nice 45 degree angle vintage male Cannon XLR connector. Simply attach any longer XLR cable of choice to your audio equipment and you are in business.

 The actual base is a heavy all aluminum type with the stock painted finish and makes for a very stable platform for this top heavy mic. The 24A model was sold with the 639A and had what was at that time a very modern design. It gives the 639A a bit of height to work with and the screw on the bottom of the base allows you to completely disconnect the mic and lower adapter from the base. 

 The base shows typical wear but works great and even has the 3 original pads on the bottom.

 Height with the mic on the stand is appx 11 inches tall.

 This combo package is really going to stand out anywhere it's used or displayed in the home, studio or office. This is a great asking price for what you're getting but I'm open to reasonable offers.

              As with all my vintage items...

 I can promise you will be happy with it for the price paid. If not...I have a no hassle return policy. The shipping will be on you as I believe that's fair but the purchase price would be refunded. Simply return in the same nice condition...period. Check my rating. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS are welcome as well. Buyer must pay within 24 hours or an unpaid case will be opened and item relisted. Domestic buyer will get priority shipping.

  If you have any questions feel free to ask and...thanks for looking.