What a lovely rare old example! Easily over 40 years old!! The brass caps on these come up a treat with a dab of Brasso!

NICE what are the 2 digits just under the philips logo? Looks like 3G

Thanks for your comments, @Went to try the Brasso but can't find it and it would make it look new I'l try some T-cut. @ Kev I've just had a look at those digits it is either 3G or 39

Wow! Never seen one of these before, warm white as well! 5 Stars!

Hmmm thats weird 3G would be July 1973 but what i dont understand is that the Reflectalite lamps i have are 1971 but they have the normal crimpped metal end caps not brass???Maybe is because this is MCFA?

kev thanks for dating another tube I thought it might be older because it's 80w Bi-pin and brass end cap rather than 65/80w as you say it could be because its MCFA I do'nt know.

I see there's no '29' for warm white on this either!! Must be early or pre 60s! Definitely a real treasure of a tube there Simon!

1973 is too late for this lamp. It will instead be March 1953 or 1961. The earlier option of 1945 would pre-date the opening of Hamilton factory in 1947, and by the later option of 1969, this tube would probably have been re-rated to 65/80W. Meanwhile in 1953, Philips UK was only listing 5' tubes with BC caps, G13 had not yet been introduced. So in conclusion I think this tube will be from March 1961.

Very interesting James,thank-you for your comment. 1961 sounds about right I bought the tube back in the 1970s it was NOS.

And the Philips etches never really changed much over the years until recently!

Yes the digits are "39" which would defo suit 3/61 with that cap. I believe a different cap was used on 50s lamps.