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When taking apart electronic equipment, especially defense, computer, testing, aviation, medical and/or unique types of devices. Things to note and maybe research before you even start a tare down and scraping of such equipment. Is the manufacturers name, part number, serial number, revision notes and date of manufacturer, these will usually be on a "data plate". This data plate will be sometimes attached to back of a device, inside of case, and repeated in some way on each major component of the device. This type of equipment has regular maintenance and calibration cycles that require these data plates.
For you the data plate is where you start your research on what you have! With this you should be able to find user manuals, maintenance and possibly a IPC (ILLUSTRATED PARTS CATALOG). This is all part of what is called TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES and part of that procedure starts with a data plate on individual pieces of equipment. This is not just for "high end", unique instrument but just about all electrical and electronic equipment has a identifying method or standard. As the manufacturers, trade groups, organizations and governments require them. The data plate could be a actual metal plate or could be a sticker. glued on paper, and even engraved/etched onto the equipment.
Trust me it can be beneficial financially to take a little time before you tear it apart and into "buckets". The device could have been more valuable as is. Much more valuable than a piece of scrap metal, even silver or gold!
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