Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay

158.252.217.49

Posted by Charlie Kittleson on December 5, 1999 at 21:54:45

Just a note to fellow tubeheads out there. I recently purchased some tubes from a dealer on Ebay. After I received them, I determined that they were rebranded fakes! These tubes were marked Mullard, Amperex, Brimar, Telefunken and RCA. However, they were re-branded Chinese, Tesla or Sovteks.

The boxes they were in appeared to be original boxes, but after closer examination, I noted that they were fakes ,re-printed on glossy cardboard stock and had fake scratches on the printing to make them look old.

Apparently a few either unknowing or dishonest dealers are listing these rebranded fake tubes on Ebay and selling them to unsuspecting buyers who think they are getting the real thing.

I called the seller and informed him that he sold me fakes. I sent them back and he returned my money. However, he may have just put them back on Ebay.

I noted about two years ago in an issue of VTV that someone in Hong Kong was reprinting old Mullard,Telefunken, Amperex, etc tube boxes and trying to sell them to tube dealers, etc. Apparently, some dealer either in Hong Kong or in the US bought a large quantity of these boxes, made several stamps to re-label cheap tubes with Mullard, Tele, etc and put the fake tubes in the fake boxes. Lots of these rebanded fakes somehow wound up being sold to other dealers who have been pawning them of on Ebay.

Before you buy NOS tubes on Ebay or from other sellers on the web do the following:

1. Try to get the seller to send you a JPEG of the tubes and or tube boxes. If you have seen the real thing, you will probably be able to identify a fake.

2. Always have the seller agree to refund your money if you are dissatisfied with your purchase.

3. Above all, beware of who you are dealing with. Check seller feedback comments on Ebay or ask for opinions about dealers on tube newsgroups such as this one.

Charlie Kittleson
Vacuum Tube Valley Magazine

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Topic - Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Charlie Kittleson 21:54:45 12/05/99 (24)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Daryl 09:47:31 12/06/99 (1)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Mike Craig 12:38:59 12/06/99 (0)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Mike Craig 08:30:02 12/06/99 (3)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - RIATLA 09:29:37 12/08/99 (0)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Dave V 14:36:16 12/06/99 (0)

The 6CG7 may well be boxeed by Amperex...so - Kevin at Upscale Audio 08:42:25 12/06/99 (0)

Did you leave feedback? - mds 08:11:05 12/06/99 (0)

Excellent advice... - Joe S 06:08:15 12/06/99 (7)

Re: Excellent advice...and I 2nd that. - BillC 06:31:43 12/06/99 (6)

Re: I disagree -- high reserve unnecessary - Paul K. 09:33:28 12/06/99 (5)

Re: I disagree -- high reserve unnecessary - BillC 09:54:39 12/06/99 (4)

shrill bidders - Chris W 10:01:42 12/06/99 (3)

Re: shrill bidders - robert 11:16:09 12/06/99 (1)

We always called them "shills" - Broman 09:18:42 12/07/99 (0)

Re: shrill bidders - Paul K. 11:10:54 12/06/99 (0)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Kevin at Upscale Audio 04:43:17 12/06/99 (1)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Chief 09:29:02 12/06/99 (0)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - DK 00:11:44 12/06/99 (6)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Paul K. 11:31:45 12/06/99 (4)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Charlie Kittleson 17:17:45 12/06/99 (3)

Very damaging allegation - DannyB 14:12:31 12/07/99 (1)

Re: Very damaging allegation - Kevin at Upscale Audio 07:59:49 12/10/99 (0)

Re: Fake NOS Tubes on Ebay - Joe S 21:03:41 12/06/99 (0)

Defense of Ebay - sort of - Robert 09:16:48 12/06/99 (0)

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