493 valves. Value?

[azzab90]

Hi, new to the forum. azza, from Cambridgeshire. I'm getting straight to it, signed up for some insider expertise so to speak.

So I saved a large container full of valves of sorts (bagged but not really labelled). I've spent the better part of a week sorting them all and listing what I have. I was hoping someone could either tell me some sort of value? (bulk, individual, I've no idea).

It's been really interesting looking up each valve and what its purpose is. I even found some really cool nixie tubes! were my soldering skills up to par, I'd have made a clock with one of those kits you can buy online! I know that someone somewhere will need these pieces and I'm glad i found this forum. I'm also happy I saved it from going in a skip if someone can use them! Find below the incredibly long list of random valves.

Bag Valve Quantity
7 12AT7 BRIMAR 1
CV133 BRIMAR 1
CV138 BRIMAR 1
13D3 BRIMAR 2
6BW6 BRIMAR 4
6AM6/8D3 BRIMAR 1
EF91 MULLARD 3
12AU7 HL 1
CV284 DE 2
CV371 EA 2
CV138 HC 1
AI PL81 BRIMAR 2
AL81 ? 1
EL81 MULLARD 2
PY82 MULLARD 2
12 PL504 MULLARD 1
PCF80 MULLARD 1
EBC 41 MULLARD 1
EL81 MULLARD 1
PY81 MULLARD 1
PFL200 MULLARD 1
EF184 MULLARD 1
CL84 MAZDA 1
PCL85 MAZDA 1
7044 ZAEUX 1
CV286 FL 1
DL96 ? 1
XC12T ? 1
?? 1
PFL200 ? 1
QS1207 MARCONI 1
PCF80 PINNACLE 1
AJ ECC81 MARCONI 2
ECC88 MARCONI 1
ECC83 MARCONI 2
ECC81 MULLARD 10
ECC83 MULLARD 8
ECC88 MULLARD 3
AB 39 ? 1
2152 ? 1
CV856 ? 1
U191 MAZDA 1
ECL80 MAZDA 1
30L1 MAZDA 2
7AN7 COSSOR 1
6AB8 COSSOR 1
8A8 COSSOR 1
ECL80 MULLARD 5
PCF80 MULLARD 3
PCC84 MULLARD 1
EH90 MULLARD 1
PFL200 MULLARD 1
EFL82 MULLARD 1
PL81 MULLARD 1
PL80 MULLARD 1
EF80 MULLARD 2
6AU6 BRIMAR 1
PCC84 OSRAN 1
PCF80 OSRAN 1
6AT61/ DH77 OSRAN 1
P??34 OSRAN 1
6DK6 RCA 2
VL5631 STC 1
PCC84 GEC 1
U45 GEC 1
A2134 GEC 1
A2293 1
AC/ 11 GL2D21 GE 1
CV136 HJ 1
CV329 HJ 4
CV797 HJ 1
CV136/ 6AM5 HJ 1
6J6 RCA 1
2D21 RCA 1
2U21/ JRC 2D2 RCA 1
6J6/ J4 SYLVANIA USA 5
316 BRIMAR 1
317 BRIMAR 1
CV131 BRIMAR 6
6BA6 BRIMAR 3
8D3/ 6AM6 BRIMAR 1
CV136 BRIMAR 2
20C? BRIMAR 2
6X4 BRIMAR 3
6BE6 BRIMAR 1
PL81 BRIMAR 1
6BE6 BRITISHMADE 1
W77 OSRAM 1
EF92 MULLARD 1
2D21 MULLARD 1
6F33 COSSOR 2
10 VALVE ADAPTOR? 1
EF72 MULLARD 2
EF73 MULLARD 4
EA50 MULLARD 2
EA76 MULLARD 1
1790 BAL 1
JAN-957 RCA 1
D1C WEHRMACHT 1
6B7C ?? 1
2-OLG ?? 2
2-CLG ?? 1
CV466 ?? 1
CVX466/ 1481 ?? 2
CVX465/ 1476 ?? 3
XC12 ?? 1
CV1092 ?? 1
CVX469 ?? 2
AD UU9 MAZDA 1
PCF802 MAZDA 1
10C2 MAZDA 1
10C2 MAZDA 1
2OF2 MAZDA 3
1OF1 MAZDA 5
20L1 MAZDA 2
ECC40 MULLARD (BBC) 1
EF42 MULLARD (BBC) 1
ECH42 MULLARD 1
EL41 MULLARD 1
EBC41 MULLARD 1
EY51 MULLARD 1
EZ41 MULLARD 1
ECL80 MULLARD 1
UBC41 MULLARD 1
UCH42 MULLARD 1
EF80 MULLARD 2
EF183 MULLARD 1
PL82 MULLARD 1
PY81 MULLARD 1
PY80 MULLARD 1
UY41 MULLARD 1
EF42 MULLARD 7
EF40 MULLARD 3
6CL6 ?? 1
12AX7 JHS 1
60-39 WESTINGHOUSE 1
?? GEC 1
6AL5/ D77 GEC 1
UL84 VALVO 1
A2134 OSRAN 1
PY88 SALUS 1
PY80 PHILIPS 1
CV830 HE 1
CF82 ZAEUX 1
6DK6 RCA 2
IRC-5696/ 60-32 RCA 1
6AT6 BRIMAR 1
CV850 MG 1
6 3OL2 MAZDA 1
6AU6/ EF94 ZAEUX 1
N37 OSRAM 1
EF41 BRIMAR 1
12AU7 BRIMAR 1
EBF80 MULLARD 1
EF86 MULLARD 1
PCC84 MULLARD 1
EBC41 MULLARD 1
ECL80 MULLARD 1
ECF80 MULLARD 1
2 EF91 MARCONI 4
EF86 MARCONI 3
M8033/CV4014 MARCONI 1
6ANBA RCA 1
AE 12AT7 BRIMAR 7
12AX7 BRIMAR 1
12AX7 ?? 2
12AT7 MULLARD 1
12AU7 TELEFUNKEN 2
12AX7 JHS 1
13/TEK 5651 EE 1
6197 RCA 1
12AL5 RCA 1
12BZ7 GE 1
154-051 ?? 1
5642 ?? 1
5879 ?? 2
12AU6 ?? 8
5 6X4 BRIMAR 1
6BW6 BRIMAR 1
ECF80 BRIMAR 2
90AV MULLARD 1
PCF80 MULLARD 1
B319 OSRAM 1
PL81 ?? 1
CV133 ?? 1
12AT6 ?? 1
AF PCL82 MULLARD 2
FCL 805/ 85 MULLARD 1
ECF80 MULLARD 1
ECC88 MULLARD 7
ECC82 MULLARD 1
ECC84 MULLARD 1
ECC86 ZAEUX 3
ECC88 ZAEUX 1
6DJ8 ZAEUX 1
16 EF95 MULLARD 10
EL84 MULLARD 1
EF91 MARCONI 3
EF86 MARCONI 1
U26 MAZDA 1
6F23 MAZDA 2
UF19 MAZDA 1
13D3 BRIMAR 1
2D21W GE 1
N2293 GE 1
?? 3
CV850 ?? 1
6AN8A ?? 1
6A2WA ?? 1
CV2901 ?? 1
30PL13 ?? 1
6F23 ?? 1
JRC-5696 RCA 1
AG EL84 MULLARD 1
EL41 MULLARD 1
EF95 MULLARD 3
UL44 MULLARD 1
PC900 MULLARD 1
E180F MULLARD 1
EF80 MULLARD 1
UF41 MULLARD 1
PY80 MULLARD 1
PCF801 MULLARD 1
EF184 MULLARD 1
6AU6 BRIMAR 1
EZ40 BRIMAR 1
X79 OSRAM 1
VLS-631 STC 1
OA2WA ?? 1
N78 ?? 1
6DK6 RCA 1
6AB8 COSSOR 1
A2134 ?? 1
14 NIXI CV9732 GN4 STC 5
6132 BRIMAR 3
EZ81 ZAEUX 1
EL84 ZAEUX 1
EF184 ZAEUX 1
ECF80 ZAEUX 1
ECF82/ 6UB ZAUEX 1
6D4 JRS 1

SIEMENS 115V 500W EDISWAN PROJECTOR LAMP

8 524G ZAEUX 1
CV2127 BRIMAR 3
6CH8 BRIMAR 2
12AT7 BRIMAR 1
CV286 MARCONI 2
CV287 MARCONI 2
CV140 ?? 1
90C1 MULLARD 1
EF86 MULLARD 2
EC91 MULLARD 1
FCC81 MULLARD 1
150B2 MULLARD 1
85A2 MULLARD 4
I0824/1 ECF80 MULLARD 4
85A2 MULLARD 2
EF91 MULLARD 1
EY51 MULLARD 2
EL81 ?? 1
CV138 ?HK 1
6132 BRIMAR 2
6064 BRIMAR 1
18D3 BRIMAR 1
4 PCC84 MULLARD 1
6BQ7A ?? 1
6AU6 BRIMAR 2
6DK6 RCA 1
17 Z329 GEC 7
W729 GEC 1
N319 GEC 1
N369 GEC 2
U339 GEC 1
30.P4 XN MAZDA 1
9 V888B MAZDA 2
V888 MAZDA 2
PCL83 MULLARD 1
EB91 MULLARD 1
20D1 MAZDA 2
2001 MAZDA 1
V8 -- ? 1
CV329 ?KA 1
CV329 ?HF 1
CV138 ?HD 1
6BW7 BRIMAR 6
6AL5 BRIMAR 3
EF91 GEC 1
6F33 COSSOR 1
CV140 BRIMAR 2
CV138 BRIMAR 1
8D3/ 6AM6 BRIMAR 1
12AX7 ?? 1
JRC-6C4 ?? 1
13 EY51 ZAEUX 2
6BN6 ZAEUX 1
ECF80 MULLARD 1
N78 GEC 3
AA EF91 MULLARD 3
ECF80 MULLARD 1
EF41 MULLARD 1
ECL82 MULLARD 1
EF80 MULLARD 1
M8083 MULLARD 1
EF85 MULLARD 1
EF41 BRIMAR 1
6132 BRIMAR 1
6AU6 BRIMAR 1
EF86 PINNACLE 1
E80CC PHILIPS 1
EF184 ZAEUX 1
CF82/ 6U8 ZAEUX 1
CV4014 ?? 1
ECC88 ?? 1
ECF80 SOLUS 1
EF91 GEC 1
JG-5751WA GEC 1
493

[paulsherwin]

It isn't completely clear if these are new old stock or are an ex equipment valve hoard, often called 'pulls'. Most untested pulls don't have a lot of value, maybe £1 each. I can't see anything mega valuable there and the most desirable ones are the Mullard audio valves - ECC81/2/3, EF86 - but they will fetch much better prices if you have them tested. Some of these in good tested condition can fetch well over £50 each.

You will get the best prices if you sell them individually or in small quantities on eBay, and are prepared to sell to foreign customers, particularly in China.

[azzab90]

Some are obviously salvaged or pulls as you say. Otjers are far too good condition so id lean more towards new old stock. The nixies are in boxes. Thats some cracking advice. No idea how you test any suggestions on how id go about testing 500 valves hah

I'm also happy I saved it from going in a skip if someone can use them!

So am I, as Paul said stick 'em on eBay someone will want/need them (much better than a skip). I never believe "tested" on an auction, worst case I get a duffer and get a refund and keep the valve for decoration. Mind you it will take a while to list all of those, best (I mistyped 'beast' it may be more appropriate) of luck!

[azzab90]

Originally Posted by merlinmaxwell

....stick 'em on eBay someone will want/need them (much better than a skip). ... Mind you it will take a while to list all of those...

493 listings? Thatll take a while

[paulsherwin]

You can put them all on in one go, in which case they will probably be bought by a valve dealer who will have the facilities to test them all (you need a valve tester, and they're not cheap). You will get a lot less selling them that way though, maybe £100 for the lot.

If you wanted to sell them individually yourself and wanted to test them, you could pay somebody with a valve tester to do it at say £1 per valve, or rent a tester if you think your skills are up to it. It takes 5-10 minutes to test a valve properly and record the results, depending on the valve and the complexity of the tester.

[Al (astral highway)]

Originally Posted by azzab90

Some are obviously salvaged or pulls as you say Otjers are far too good condition so id lean more towards new old stock.

New old stock is usually 'proven' to some extent by the valve being in obviously unused condition in the box of its original manufacture.

Originally Posted by azzab90

The nixies are in boxes...

Nixie tubes aren't inherently valuable or collectible. I've made a couple of Nixie tube clocks over the years and the best tubes by far are made by Siemens and are in very short supply and cost around £80 each now. Some are practically worthless.

It can be very hit and miss, trying to sell valves on EBay. I have had to let some really nice items go for a song. The corollary is that I have also picked up some beautiful and collectable valves for virtually nothing. You will often sell something for 99p in my experience. Since postage and packing materials are expensive, only a valve that is worth rather more than that is worth buying, even at that price. A valve that is nominally 'worth' £1 won't cut it.

[Bazz4CQJ]

Originally Posted by paulsherwin

You will get the best prices if you sell them individually or in small quantities on eBay, and are prepared to sell to foreign customers, particularly in China.

Being a hoarder rather than a trader, I've only just made my first few valve sales on eBay. In my ads, I said specifically I didn't want to ship overseas. No matter, this was ignored and Chinese and Russian buyers won, paying daft prices - though winners never paid. As I'm not in BVWS and don't know anyone who is, the options seem limited!

B

[dseymo1]

It's entirely up to you, of course, but I'm interested in why you don't want to ship overseas. It's not much harder these days than UK postage, and you're likely to get much better prices.

[HamishBoxer]

BVWS is certainly worth joining without even selling stuff.Better not discuss Ebay any further here,There are of course other auctions inc Radiophile around the country.

Must admit I look at my valves and while they will make a good price,the question is what happens after if I need one for my stuff or a repair?

[azzab90]

Id much rather sell them as a bulk because individually packaging almost 500 valves is going to be... entertaining? Then theres the hassle of waiting and messing about posting them all. People hate paying reasonable postage on ebay also. I got them for nowt so minus the man hours (about 5) ive spent going through them all, im not necessarily making anything but profit. This being said id still rather make something from my efforts and make sure they go to use. Bit torn as to what to do with them hah.

I appreciate the replies, thank you for helping.

[azzab90]

Originally Posted by HamishBoxer

BVWS is certainly worth joining without even selling stuff.Better not discuss Ebay any further here,There are of course other auctions inc Radiophile around the country.

i dont know what these are, could yoy explain?

[HamishBoxer]

First thing put the tv only type together as a job lot where ever you decide to sell.

[mole42uk]

I'd say put them in a few boxes at the next BVWS swapmeet and sell for whatever someone wants to put in the honesty box.

Let's face it, any valve with Mullard writ upon it will excite the fools on the auction sites and without testing every one, you can't offer any sort of warranty. So you got them for nowt, pass them on to people who might need them for restorations and make a donation to your favourite charity with the proceeds.

[azzab90]

Thats a good idea, thanks! Id have to figure out which ones are tv only again. I know some of the ones with the metal cap tops are but i cant recall what numbers they are without looking them up again.

[paulsherwin]

As a very rough guide:

Anything starting with P or 20, EF80, EF91, EF183, ECL80 are TV valves. There are a few others in your list and some types I don't recognise, but that will catch most of them.

[Radio Wrangler]

A lot of those valves are really the same types, just numbered differently by different makers.

ECC81=12AT7 and is somewhat sought after
ECC82=12AU7 and is more sought after
ECC83=12AX7 and is even more sought after.

EF91=CV138=6AM6, and isn't of much value. CV prefix is a military numbering scheme.

The higher prices are for types preferred by the nutty end of hifi enthusiasts, and also by guitarists trying to recreate the original sound of someone famous' equipment.

The audiophiles are terribly interested in batch codes and slight changes made during manufacture even from the same manufacturer. They have assigned specific sound characteristics to all of these things and they have pushed the prices of their favoured parts up a long way. I may think of emperor's new clothes, but their money spends just like any one else's They even get excited over the colour the type number is printed in.


As said, you might get a hundred quid as a lot, but they'd still need wrapping individually to stop them rattling against each other and breaking. You could get appreciably more money, but it would take more work. It depends on how you assign relative worth to your time and money. It could make a nice donation to a charity, or fund something you're more interested in.

David

[azzab90]

Id happily split them if i knew its be worth my time. Im aware how nutty audiophiles are hence why i saved them from being skipped. Would be a shame to bin them if i could find someone willing to pay for them or better yet help someone replace old bits.

If someone bought a ajob lot id be looking at collection or meeting to exchange

[crackle]

If you were selling as a job lot you would still have to wrap each separately, if they are loose.

Mike

[azzab90]

I'd be looking st meeting or delivering these myself ideally.