A remarkable survivor from the earliest years of radio technology.
This antique De Forest Audion vacuum tube dates to approximately the mid-1920s and appears most consistent with the De Forest DV-5 5-volt amplifier Audion, based on its four-pin Isolantite base, overall dimensions, internal electrode construction, patent markings and bottom number 9146.
The tube features a clear tipped glass envelope with its original internal plate, grid and filament structure still visible. The ceramic base retains substantial original printing, including:
ISOLANTITE
De Forest AUDION
TRADE MARK
Patent dates extending through 5-1-23
“SOLD ONLY FOR AMATEUR AND EXPERIMENTAL…”
The underside is stamped 9146.
Closely related De Forest DV-2 tubes used similar envelopes and bases, so the DV-5 identification is presented as likely rather than absolute in the absence of a surviving model designation.
Approximately 4” high × 1” wide, this compact piece carries an enormous amount of early technological history. Lee de Forest’s Audion triode became an important part of the development of radio detection, amplification and early broadcasting.
Beyond radio collecting, its wonderfully aged glass, ceramic base and exposed internal components make it a fantastic piece for a curiosity cabinet, vintage scientific collection, industrial display, laboratory vignette or mad-scientist-inspired Halloween display.
It looks especially striking incorporated into a collected shelf vignette among old bottles, scientific objects, inkwells and apothecary-style pieces.
Identification
Maker: De Forest Radio Telephone & Telegraph / De Forest
Type: Audion Triode Vacuum Tube
Probable Model: DV-5
Model identification: Likely; not definitively marked
Base: 4-pin Isolantite ceramic base
Bottom number: 9146
Approximate date: c. 1924–1925
Country: United States
Measurements Approximately:
4” high × 1” wide
Weight shown: approximately 2.1 oz
Condition
Authentic antique condition with considerable age-related character.
Glass shows cloudiness, hole in top interior silvering/residue, spotting and surface wear consistent with its age. The Isolantite base has staining, discoloration, scratches and wear while retaining substantial original printed markings. Metal pins show age-related oxidation and patina.
There is also a small remnant of aged material visible inside the lower glass area.
Electrical functionality has not been tested. This piece is being offered as an antique collectible and display object rather than as a guaranteed functioning electronic component.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the condition description.
Display / Styling
Wonderful for:
Early radio collection • vintage electronics display • scientific collectible • curiosity cabinet • industrial décor • apothecary display • laboratory vignette • oddities collection • mad scientist décor • Halloween shelf styling • collected vignette
Era
1920s
Style
Industrial, Scientific, Early Technology, Antique Radio, Oddities, Curiosity Cabinet
Vin#53: Midnight Mashup Manor / Luna Noire Collection
