[Milsurplus] 813's

[CL in NC]

Many moons ago, I heard that the seals around the pins of 813's would eventually allow air in and if you fired the tubes up now and then, this would preserve their longevity.  I have been searching for my 4 NOS 813's I have around here somewhere, but I may have to activate plan B, buy a new one.  Antique Radio has NOS US made 813's, and an email inquiry about issues reported back they have had none, tubes as good as the day they were made.  I am a bit skeptical of those on Epay, and the Chinese copies at places like Tubedepot are out of stock.  So, is that an old wives tale about firing up you spare 813's that are sitting on a shelf?  I found 3 pulls I had, 2 have not been lit  in  50 years, and I know one has not been on in over 60 because I remember the day an Elmer gave me one telling me to one day  build an amp around it.  I tried them each in turn in my ART13 and all seemed to be fine, but wanted to try a new one to see if I get any more power out.  In my search I did find 2 brand new US made VT4C/211's, and for what they go for on epay wanted by audiophiles, that's a small fortune.  But I use a BC375 so holding on to those. Never did build that amp around that 813, but did with a pair of 811's and later 4-125's, guess that 813 I got handed when I was 11,  was destined for the ART13 sometime in the future.

Charlie, W4MEC in NC