[Collins] Peculiar Request - 872A

[Zap (Chris)]

Greetings to the list,

(My apologies if this hits twice, I sent to the old list address by
accident!)

I had a few questions concerning where I might be able to find some Collins
or look-alike parts for a small project I am working on.  For a while now I
have had the desire to create a unique lamp for the shack, and I finally
found the right part - a 872A mercury rectifier tube, which will emit a
purpleish-blue color when the mercury is vaporized.  I have also seen a
tube-lamp done somewhere that was in a small cabinet that was designed
awefully similar to a Collins chassis (with the side vents and the crackle
paint, too).  (I do have a picture for those interested in seeing it.)  I
wanted to recreate something somewhat like that, possibly using a Collins
A-line knob or replica to adjust the load and thus the brightness of the
tube as well.  I also thought it would be unique if I could find the jewels
used on the KW-1 or KWS-1 for the plate and filament lamps to indicate the
"status" of the lamp, whether vaporizing mercury or fully operating.  Any
help with finding these unique items, or any suggestions for the circuit to
power the tube would be greatly appreciated! :)

The tube specs, for anyone interested, are as follows:

heater 5V / 7.5A
1250mA rated anode
4-pin socket, capped top.

Thanks and 73,
Chris, N9WIV