[Milsurplus] Tube id

[Mike Morrow]

> I have an 838 and a Navy tube, so marked as U.S.N., CUE 38111.
> They appear identical from what i can see.

Doesn't it *also* look like a 211 or VT-4C?  This web site seems to
think so:  https://www.tubeworld.com/211.htm

> However the Navy tube does not say 838 anyplace.  I'm thinking
> that the "38" in the tube number 38111 is the hint that its
> really an 838.

Definitely not.  The "38" is part of the old pre-JAN Navy component
designation system for a vacuum tube...like the 38233 tube in a RU-*
receiver, or even like 46105 for a receiver (46) number 105 
(ARA 3 to 6 MHz).

So you have a tube (38) number 111, which seems to be a US Navy
name for a 211, which IIRC looks visually like an 838 as well.

Mike / KK5F