If I wanted one I'd probably search ebay. I just looked there in completed sales and while there are a lot of no bids there's also several selling in the $10 - $13 range and even a $30 goodie .. only looked at the one page.

Thanks, then there is still a market. I'd guess one can't find a new tube at Radio Shack, say, or Tiger either.

One set of used tubes I have is in a Heath Kit color tv I built in about 1972, it has not been on since around 1975, and is still in one of my storage locations.

I have a 1936 Metz Radio that needs a tube.
Someday I'll go on a search for it.

I remember when we could go into the drug store or five and dime and they'd have testers for tubes and a supply to buy.

I'm sure yours have value, just need to hook up with someone that needs that certain tube number.

Guitarists value the sound quality of tube amps and use power and preamp tubes. American tubes carry a premium to them as there are no more American made tubes except for what you have, NOS (New Old Stock). So the local music shop may have an interest in some of them.
kcred

Yes, there is a market for them.
My brother uses them all the time in old tube amplifiers.
Tubes are still manufactured in Russia and sold online.
Older American made tubes are more desirable
due to better quality control in the manufacturing process.

Pooh Bear

Thanks, I'll keep the tubes and do a sorting when I get some time for simple tasks.

I have a number of Eico (kits) test equipment items that all use tubes, all worked the last time they were turned on. One item I never built, but had planned to, was a tube tester. In the early days of tv that was an ongoing job, testing the tubes to try to find a cheap fix for problems, now a tv runs faultlessly for ten years. I too recall the guitar amplifier interest, in fact I also have guitar amplifier, and don't know what it uses, I'll take a look, but suspect it is solid state, it was not expensive and was purchased no more than ten years ago.

Nice to read about the "good o'l days" when American made was a statement of high(er) quality. Now it isn't an issue of American made quality, it finding anything that is made in America.

Some of them are worth pretty much. My grandfather had many old tubes. Some of them sold for $90 on ebay.

Have original box labeled Vacuum tubes 1945. Inside are three tubes in original packaging. U.S.N.3C30 (two of these) and one labeled U.S. Army Mfg by RCA Acpt May 1945 SC278A and on the other side U.S. Navy JRC 3A4. I'd like to know if these would have value to a collector?

i won a storage locker last week and in the locker there was a large,box of very old military radio tubes,mostly still in there little boxes,dating back too 1945.does any one know of any body who colects these,and the value.of them.you can contact me at 720-495-8405,i live in denver,colorado

Old thread, better to start your own.

Tube amps are still the gold standard for high end audio systems and guitar amps. Try finding local shops that specialize in service to audiophiles and musicians.

Thanks, Snidley, I still have the tubes and would like to see them come to a good end, use.

There are plenty of tubes to be had they still manufacturer them and you can buy them on line no problem they have some value depending on what there for audio tubes can get costly like I say it depends on what you got