A wonderfully sculptural survivor from the early years of home radio.
This vintage Silvertone Type 226 vacuum tube dates to the late 1920s to early 1930s and carries the SILVERTONE 226 designation directly on its black base.
The Type 226, also known as the UX-226, was introduced in 1927 and was used as an early radio-frequency and audio-frequency triode in radio receivers. Silvertone-branded versions were offered through Sears, Roebuck & Co. by 1929.
The clear glass envelope beautifully exposes the architectural-looking internal metal structure, while the black base and four substantial pins give it that unmistakable early-electronics appearance.
At approximately 4¼” high × 1¾” wide, it is a striking little piece of industrial history that works just as beautifully as a decorative object.
Display it in a curiosity cabinet, collected vignette, shelf display, printer tray, shadow box or among old radios, cameras, scientific objects and other remnants of early technology.
And as your Halloween vignette photo shows, these old tubes also look fantastic worked into darker seasonal displays — almost like miniature laboratory apparatus.
Details
Brand: Silvertone
Retail Brand: Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Tube Type: 226 / UX-226
Tube Style: Triode vacuum tube
Era: Circa late 1920s–early 1930s
Approximate Date: Circa 1929–1932
Base: UX 4-pin base
Approx. Size: About 4¼” H × 1¾” W
Weight: Approx. 1.7 oz
Materials: Glass, metal and molded base material
Country: United States
The UX-226 specification used a 1.5-volt filament and a four-pin UX base.
Condition
Vintage condition with age-related surface wear, discoloration, dust and minor marks consistent with age and previous use.
The Silvertone 226 lettering remains visible on the base, although it has some age-related fading.
The internal structure appears intact from visual inspection.
This tube has not been electrically tested by us and is sold as an untested vintage collectible/display piece. Electronic functionality is not guaranteed.
Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the description.
