Bugle Boy 12AU7 tube ID?

[geph0007]

Any idea what year or era this BB is? Thanks

 

[Dswankey]

Late 50's

57-59 era is my guess

Towards the bottom of the glass you should see some etch codes similar to the ones in the pic of an Amperex 12AU7

They will give you the info you're looking for using the info from the link below.

Tube Classics - Philips Audio Tubes

In this example the codes are,

k63
⊿7D

k6 = change code for 12AU7/ECC82, the 3 is if I'm not mistaken the 3 iteration of that type

⊿ means manufactured at Philips's Heerlen Netherlands plant, 7 is for 1957 D is For April

 

[geph0007]

Cannot see any engraving

 

[Dswankey]

It's acid etched so it wouldn't of smudged off

Looks like a 7 to me so maybe hone in on that using a magnifier or a bright light

 

[geph0007]

OK thanks. Legally blind guy so that doesn’t help. Wife is out of town. I did try to blow it up with the phone but to blurry. Not a big deal. Just curious.

 

[Dswankey]

Was not aware of your vision issue if anything I posted came off as insensitive then you have my apologies.

Fwiw

I'm of the belief that back in the late 50's they weren't counterfeiting Amperex tubes. So I'm pretty certain that what you have in your possession is indeed an original more then likely made at their main plant in Heerlen.

Should be a nice sounding tube!

 

[Dswankey]

If interested here's some variations on the "Bugle Boy" himself. I never found out at what point in time did they change design



Treble Clef version

 

[geph0007]

Thanks Never took it that way at all so no worries.

 

[Mr Boochie]

If interested here's some variations on the "Bugle Boy" himself. I never found out at what point in time did they change design

View attachment 3034014

Treble Clef version

View attachment 3034016


View attachment 3034015

I believe that the top Bugle Boy logo was the earliest (1950-60s). The bottom one is the latest (1970-80s).

I don't remember when the treble clef was added.

 

[Dswankey]

I believe that the top Bugle Boy logo was the earliest (1950-60s). The bottom one is the latest (1970-80s).

The bottom one is one of mine and I'm pretty sure it's 1957 based on

k63
⊿7H



Hadn't they already transition away from the Bugle Boy to the Globe logo prior to 1970-80's

I have this one which 1969

 

[Mr Boochie]

The bottom one is one of mine and I'm pretty sure it's 1957 based on

k63
⊿7H

View attachment 3036272

Hadn't they already transition away from the Bugle Boy to the Globe logo prior to 1970-80's

I have this one which 1969

View attachment 3036274

View attachment 3036275

Yes, you are prolly correct. There was a lot of overlap of logos and font styles in the mid 1960s to late 1970s.

I kinda remember Richardson bought that thin Bugle Boy logo from Philips (your third photo) --- for some of their relabeled tubes in the 1990-2000s. That's why I thought that was the last of Amperex BB logos.

 

[Mr Boochie]

The bottom one is one of mine and I'm pretty sure it's 1957 based on

k63
⊿7H

View attachment 3036272

Hadn't they already transition away from the Bugle Boy to the Globe logo prior to 1970-80's

I have this one which 1969

View attachment 3036274

View attachment 3036275

Bugle Boys and Telefunken 9-pin minis were the first "hot" items I remember both audio and guitar guys lusted after. This is back in the 1980-90s. I didn't buy many BB tubes. More TFK.

I really like the Amperex BB EL34. Somehow, their prices didn't go through the roof, like xf 1 and 2 Mullards (Blackburn made).

 

[Dswankey]

@Mr Boochie

I stumbled on this the other day and if you haven't read it I'm thinking you'll enjoy it

Wayback Machine

 

[Mr Boochie]

@Mr Boochie

I stumbled on this the other day and if you haven't read it I'm thinking you'll enjoy it

Wayback Machine

I have all the original copies.

I really like Eric Barbour's articles.