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26th Nov 2021, 3:27 pm | #1 |
Triode
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, UK.
Posts: 32
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Mullard valve genuine?
I purchased a "Mullard PL36", but I don't think it is a genuine Mullard. Before I complain to the seller, I'd just like to check my reasoning:
Although the box is Mullard, the valve has no Mullard logo (just a worn"PL36"mark", nor any visible etch codes on the glass. Am I correct in assuming it is not a Mullard? Last edited by Cobaltblue; 27th Nov 2021 at 12:35 pm. Reason: to comply with rules |
27th Nov 2021, 1:06 pm | #2 |
Pentode
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Reigate, Surrey, UK.
Posts: 130
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
Hi,
Difficult to be absolutely sure, but the font doesn't look correct. Does the box say 'Made in Great Britain' or 'Foreign'. If MiGB then there should be a lot more writing on the valve ie 'BVA Made in Great Britain', (google Mullard PL36 valve museum). If the box says 'Foreign' then it could be genuine, either way it might not be the original box for that valve. Have you tried the valve? It looks quite clean with no blackening. Good luck. |
27th Nov 2021, 2:43 pm | #3 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Lynton, N. Devon, UK.
Posts: 7,061
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
It doesn't look like Mullard's printing.
But what's 'genuine' anyway? I have a DF1 pentode, Mullard red print, 'pentone' trademark, in a Mullard box, but... the base is screen-printed 'Made in USA.' Since when did Mullard have a factory in America? The answer of course, is that it's a (probably) Sylvania-produced 1N5, bought-in by Mullard during the early years of the War when their own production was maxed-out; tested by Mullard; labelled by Mullard; and despatched by Mullard in a Mullard box. So if Mullard give it their blessing, is it genuine or not? |
27th Nov 2021, 2:46 pm | #4 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK
Posts: 5,185
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
Quote:
The fact the writing on the valve is worn away, could indicate a used valve, it was quite common for engineers to put a used valve back in the box after replacing it. If you have access to a valve tester, I would check it's emission. Mark |
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27th Nov 2021, 3:04 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Near Swindon, North Wiltshire, UK.
Posts: 3,596
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
Here are two Mullard PL36 valves. Yellow is circa 1963-4 with old Mullard shield logo. White is early 1970s with new Mullard shield logo.
I’m sceptical that your valve is one originally branded and sold by Mullard, even if they didn’t actually make it themselves. Last edited by dazzlevision; 27th Nov 2021 at 3:06 pm. Reason: I’m sceptical that your valve is one originally sold by Mullard. |
27th Nov 2021, 3:53 pm | #6 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
I ask why are you bothered? If it works that will do in my book.
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27th Nov 2021, 4:23 pm | #7 |
Heptode
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Leven, Fife, Scotland
Posts: 823
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
To be fair, the seller probably knows little or nothing about the valve. They may have inherited a collection and believe it to be Mullard because of the box. I wouldn’t think the intention was to deceive. Mullard aren’t the be all and end all in valves and as merlinmaxwell says, as long as it works.
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27th Nov 2021, 4:33 pm | #8 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
The 'etch' codes are painted and can also suffer from age and cleaning, but the remaining PL36 doesn't look genuine at a glance. Valves were often multi sourced and rebranded, even by the major manufacturers, the logo and type just added at the point of sale. Whether or not it works is the important fact, but if it was specifically bought on brand it does seem dodgy.
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27th Nov 2021, 5:24 pm | #9 |
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Exeter, Devon and Poole, Dorset UK.
Posts: 6,824
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Re: Mullard valve genuine?
I think there is a consensus about this valve it is of course up to the OP what he does next.
This is a good time to wind this one up Cheers Mike T
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