[ARC5] What is original unmodified condition

[don davis]

I agree with most of the comments to Tim's concerns and add the following
thoughts based on 9 years in USAF, 34 years in aerospace engineering, and a
wasted youth taking apart more NIB hdwr than I dare admit to... 

For sake of argument, let's assume that the paint WAS touched up and
over-coated in certain areas, was "oiled" in other areas, and had a few
components replaced with same value & type, and had some small hdwr that
looks different from those installed at the factory.  This is the condition
of many (most?) military avionics hardware after a lot of years of good,
honest service and maintenance, and is in no way "modified"
or "hacked".  "Original" is a word subject to one's bias.  Might be NIB,
might be a well used unit that meets the original T.O. Specs but shows wear
and servicing.  The guy's xmtr looked very nice to my eye and was very
accurately described with copious good photos.  If you want something to
complain about take a look at some of the notorious Radiomart listings on
eBay (or maybe let's not start that discussion) or consider the Collins
Collector Association grading standards where points are taken away if
someone smoked a cigarette in the same building... (no offence to the CCA; a
great organization, of which I am a member)

73 de don ad6pb