Watch these fascinating vintage Youtube videos (many made before or during WWII) from the companies that made and perfected vacuum tubes. Excellent source information.
RCA: Electrons on Parade (Part 1)
1942 factory promo for RCA vacuum tubes. Shows how they made the metal-can octal base tubes.
RCA: Electrons on Parade (Part 2)
1942 factory promo for RCA vacuum tubes. Shows how they made transmitting tubes, and many applications from television to Tommy guns.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
Works History (Part 1)
Covers the history and functions of Mullard’s Blackburn Works.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
Parts of a Valve (Part 2)
Covers all the parts that make up a valve.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
How a Valve is Manufactured (Part 3)
Covers assembly of a valve up to the cage stage: mica, cathode, grids and anode.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
How a Valve is Manufactured (Part 4)
Continues coverage of the assembly of a valve: pins, heaters and base.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
How a Valve is Manufactured (Part 5)
Covers the final assembly of a valve, treatment and vacuum.
Mullard Valves: The Blackburn Story
How a Valve is Manufactured (Part 6)
Covers the final inspection of the finished valves.
Source: https://mercurymagnetics.com/pages/SSN/pages/tube-history.htm
