[DavidK]

Aha!  Now that I understand about CT transformers and paid closer attention to the faded/yellowed wires, it makes more sense.  [A section of the casing on the CT wire is broken and wire is exposed...not a good sign.  Old stuff is so brittle!]  I had a CT reading before...or misread my analog meter.  Across the full coil I get about 180 (times 4 for the 1000 V range setting) I see 720 (which is better...and scares the  out of me).  All of my readings were taken at the end of the wires that directly feed into the transformer.

This may be a live (hopefully) and learn experience.