Well, finally got round to trying the newly acquired big Tannoys today and was in for a few shocks. Shock nr 1 was that they weren't what I guessed (Chatsworths) after checking dimensions for each model and are in fact the much larger and much rarer Studio Mansfields. Cabinet quality is the best I've ever seen for vintage Tannoys and a cut above the domestic range. 3/4 inch ply front baffle boards, 3/4 inch very dense chip board panels finished in high quality Teak veneered with a ply base exactly as per my Turnberrys down to the metal dome feet.

Cabinets are almost factory fresh, you'd never guess that these were nigh on 40 years old! Looking round back, they have a factory inspection sticker dated 1974 and are sealed infinite baffle cabinets. very stiff heavy and strong. My guess is 70 to 80 litre enclosures, some 33 inches high, 26 across and 12.5 deep.

Drivers were the next shock. Foam surrounds are completely shot (clue #1) and they are 12 inch units (clue #2). HPDs?

Drivers duely whipped out. In mint condition all except for the surrounds which have perished. HPD 315/8 units with consecutive serial numbers. Connector quality is light years ahead of modern Tannoys; these are one very high quality set of Tannoys and a cut above the average Lancasters and Ardens in build. 85 watts power handling and rated (in these cabs) to 20 Hz for full range studio monitoring....just a real shame I can't fire them up!

Have decided to invest and get the drivers restored to as new condition, no expense spared, using the proper kits (£200 for the kit alone). Crossovers are original and continuity testing shows 100%. No leaking caps but could probably do with replacement. On the whole, in magic condition and as good as it gets for Tannoys of this vintage.

A little more digging and speaking to a few people in the recording industry later and traced a friend who used these when they came out, along with Lockwoods, for all studio monitoring. He rated the Mansfields very highly indeed, saying that they provided some of the best SQ of any 12 inch Tannoys he used. Great bass performance apparently and better treble than the MG drivers in similar cabs plus could be driven much louder.

Have decided to have someone else professionally refurbish the drivers as if I move them on, its better to have the label of a professional with a track record other than yourself.

Start of an interesting project I think. Will probably hang onto them for a little while but happy to take any interest checks from you guys if you fancy a go with these after I've had them done. Pics to be posted when I can get round to it!