I believe I can help Bob Ricco in his quest for a user of his antique
radio tube collection. I applaud his reluctance to pitch them; having
been involved in radio restoration (before stepping back one more era
into mechanical music), I'm very aware of the difficulty of finding a
particular old working tube. They AREN'T made anymore, and you don't
fabricate one in your home shop; when they're gone, they're gone.
A first try would be to search the many web sites of proud antique radio
collectors. Virtually all of them have a collection of vintage tubes
they've hoarded "just in case", and would be happy to discuss it with
them. There are also many clubs that specialize in antique electronics
collection and restoration. (These clubs are also a resource for the
earlier MMD contributor who sought the loan of an antique jukebox: many
antique radio aficionados are also juke box restorers.) To find
either, turn your favorite search engine loose on 'Antique Radios'.
Finally, if you want a retail outlet for them, try Antique Electronic
Supply in Tempe AZ (website: www.tubesandmore.com)
This company is to radio restorers what PPCo is to mechanical music
fans. They deal in both current reproductions and new/old stock
gleaned from manufacturers and retailers. Their web site discusses how
to offer used tubes for sale.
Again, thanks to Bob for not wanting to discard a vanishing resource.
Some radio restorer will surely appreciate it. ('Nuf outta me; I'll go
back to lurking now.)
Dan Harrett
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