Summary

Cold cathode decade counting tube.
These tubes were designed to be viewed through the top of the bulb where a glow around one of the 10 cathodes would indicate the count held in it. Unlike the majority of dekatrons, the GC10D is filled with a helium/hydrogen mixture and the discharge glow is purple rather than neon orange. Maximum counting rate was 20,000 per second. Used in counters and timers in the 1950s and early 1960s.
The price was £2 in England in 1960.
The inscription, 'VC,' is the date code for manufacture, which designates March 1964.
The inscriptiont 'CV5143' is the type number of the GC10D in the British Common Valve system.
Manufacturer: Ericsson Telephones Limited, Tube Division, Beeston, Nottingham, England.

Physical Description

Tubular bulb with octal base with clear end for viewing of the neon display. The getter has turned white indicating loss of vacuum.

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