I used to have identical 1938 Astatic 200’s (one each in Malbec and teal), handle chopped off, vc installed at rear, and 1949 Shure CR black label elements in both (almost identical tone). Fit my hands just right. I was playing often and always had the back up mic and two amps in the car.
I stopped playing regularly in 2015, kept the teal and sold the Malbec. I think it went for $550 back then, which was close to what I’d put in to it.
About 7 years ago I picked up a chrome 1940’s RCA mi-6226 bullet mic. Relaxing in a Royal Crown bag in a drawer it’s still tomorrow’s project and will probably stay that way.