RCA - customers advice wanted

[überfuzz]

I was offered to buy a used RCA ECC81 tube. I've never tried this brand, but 10$ seems fair, if the tube is ok.

Yes or no..?

[pdf64]

It may be the photo angle, but the plate looks like the smaller, folded over design. Not (to my knowledge) used in USA / UK / Western Europe manufactured tubes. Ask for another photo, rolled around a few degrees, to see the plate face on. Pete.

[überfuzz]

What would I be looking for? I can ask the seller, no problem.

[pdf64]

Need to see the main surface of a plate.

[überfuzz]

Yes, I meant, what would I be looking for on the plate? I'll see if I can get some pictures of the plate...

[pdf64]

Is the plate made from 2 pieces, crimped together at both sides http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/thetubestore_2143_16820509 (Western) or 1 piece, crimped one side, wrapped round the other http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/thetubestore_2141_11457145 (Eastern)?
Linked tube pics are to show the design types I'm trying to describe.

[überfuzz]

The dude selling the tube said: Looks as if each plate is made out of one piece.

[pdf64]

In that case I think that it's probably just branded RCA but was made in Eastern Europe. It may be fine ($10 is cheap enough), just don't count on it being a USA made tube, that the RCA brand might lead you to.

[überfuzz]

Thanks!

[Pedro Vecino]

In what is seen, the shape of the bulb is typically RCA (USA). Looks as an older model than the "traditional" with two straight cuts in the micas. It´s more commonly seen with round getter but also exist with square getter.
Perhaps this photo will help identify:
http://tubesky.3hksky.com/Pre-Amp%20...-274R2-RCA.jpg

[überfuzz]

The tube is dandy, thanks for helping out!