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From: tomb@hplsla.HP.COM (Tom Bruhns)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: old part identification
Message-ID: <5170064@hplsla.HP.COM>
Date: 19 Dec 89 19:29:53 GMT
References: <983@ux.acss.umn.edu>
Organization: HP Lake Stevens, WA
Lines: 11

keith@ux.acss.umn.edu (Keith MaloneyHuss) writes:
>While rumaging in a collection of old electronics parts (1940's-70's)
>I found a device that is interesting and I wondered if it could be
>identified.
...

You characterized it pretty well mechanically -- how about electrically?
Did you try to measure resistances both directions?  How about reverse
voltage (assuming it really is a rectifier...).
Based on your description, I would _guess_ it is a high voltage, low
current rectifier (e.g., for a CRT anode supply).  Perhaps selenium?