[Boatanchors] unknown octal device

[Gerry Steffens]

While going through and cataloging my tube supply I came across three
identical devices I cannot identify.  I assume they are ballast tubes.  Are
they?

They are black metal cylinders about 1.375 inches in diameter and about 3
inches tall with effectively an octal tube base on one end with 5 pins and a
with a small narrowing of the cylinder to a lesser diameter for the last
quarter of an inch at the top or other end.  They are marked (actually
stamped into the metal) TRIAD with 10A below the name.  There is a 3/8 inch
wide band of knurling around the cylinder about 3/4 inch down from the top.

I have executed quite a few Google searches in attempting to ID these
things.  Everything TRIAD comes up with fluorescent light ballasts.  Also
checked out the Playthings of the Past website's Ballast Tube listings - no
10A and no mention of TRIAD.

Anyone have an idea what these critters are or who might need (or want)
them?  Since they don't appear to be gold, platinum or silver they are
probably available for postage, 'cause I really don't suspect they are like
that Picasso painting I had always hoped to find stashed in a house I
bought.  But, I really hate to toss out stuff that someone might be looking
for to do restorations.  I think I have had them for 50 or more years.  I
believe they arrived in some boxes of stuff given away when the Jamestown,
North Dakota Ham club went inactive back in the early 1960s.  Besides,
dragging them across a number of states over the years, I suspect they are
tired of hiding and might appreciate a good home where they are needed or
wanted.

Cheers,

Gerry

Gerald Steffens P.E.
Radio Historian, collecting & restoring
E.H. Scott, McMurdo Silver, Hallicrafters,
National, Zenith Transoceanics & any other
interesting radios & classic Oldsmobiles