Who made these 6BM8 tubes from Griffin SA-601?

[prww]

Here are the 4 6BM8's and 5AR4 from Griffin sa601 amp. Sylvania branded, 3 say made in Great Britain one says made in Germany. All say tested in USA. 5AR4 is National brand. Who made these? I have complete confidence you guys will figure this out. Thanks, Paul.

 

[gadget73]

Need to see the Grey numbers near the bottom. I see B6 on one, which I think is a partial indicating Blackburn production. Normally its 2 groups of 3 symbols


I think in another thread it was mentioned that National was a brand of Matsushita

 

[Dswankey]

Made in Great Britain usually denotes Mullard

For example this tube is Sylvania branded Mullard manufactured

The red arrow is pointing to the factory codes

 

[Dswankey]

Made in Germany can be several manufacturers, Lorenz, Siemens etc

For example this is a Sylvania branded German manufactured tube

What does it say on the glass?

 

[Dswankey]

.... 5AR4 is National brand. Who made these?

As noted in your other thread, same theory on the National tubes, Matsushita

Post in thread 'National 12AX7, Who made these?'

Dec 6, 2025

^ Luvs me some Wyoming Skiing!!!!! rompin stompin Jackson Hole is outstanding

• Dswankey

• 

 

[prww]

The 3 made in England, at the bottom, og2,B6L2 : og2,B6J1 : B5E5 The b5e5 is the white lettered one. The German one After yellow made in Germany, Has "KAV". Under the bottom mica, in white says made in w. germany. After the yellow Sylvania 6BM*/ECL82 is the letters cg. No other codes seen. Will add more pictures if requested. Thanks, Paul.

 

[gadget73]

It doesn't have numbers stamped into that metal tab on the German tube by any chance?

 

[prww]

It doesn't have numbers stamped into that metal tab on the German tube by any chance?

I looked it over with a flashlight, and do not see any internal numbers or letters.

 

[Sam Cogley]

Once again, that’s the old National Panasonic logo…I.e. Matsushita.

 

[gadget73]

The only German manufacturer that comes to mind that didn't typically use etch codes is Telefunken. Diamond between the tube pins on the bottom is their usual tell-tale. If no etch codes, no diamond, and no internal metal tag, then I have no clue.

 

[ceylon]

matsushita logo—does it have a simgle seam across the top?

 

[ceylon]

mullard blackburn, UK

 

[ceylon]

Made in Germany can be several manufacturers, Lorenz, Siemens etc

For example this is a Sylvania branded German manufactured tube

What does it say on the glass?

View attachment 3658095

made in germany also means not made in germany, esp if its made in hungary and yugoslavia. “made in western germany” often means RFT east germany.

 

[ceylon]

if it does
not have a diamond outline embedded on the base between the pins,
will you please
post several photos of the “made in germany” tube —full shots going all around?
lets also get a good look at this previously -mentioned tag here

 

[prww]

Thanks for the responses. Ceylon, here are more pictures of the German made tube. If you need more, let me know. White lettering under lower mica says made in W. Germany Paul.

 

[prww]

ceylon 5AR4, no seam across the top. Smooth as can be. Paul.

 

[ceylon]

ceylon 5AR4, no seam across the top. Smooth as can be. Paul.

not all of em have that seam, but that does mean it may not be matsushita but rebranded by matsushita. i can not answer for sure and do not know the internal structures well enough to discern.

may i have one more photo showing the top of the 6BM8, somewhat from the side?

 

[ceylon]

Thanks for the responses. Ceylon, here are more pictures of the German made tube. If you need more, let me know. White lettering under lower mica says made in W. Germany Paul.




View attachment 3659530
View attachment 3659532View attachment 3659533View attachment 3659534View attachment 3659535View attachment 3659536View attachment 3659537

im stumped.

 

[prww]

im stumped.

I won't tell anyone!! Thanks for trying. One more picture. Paul