I think that Hickok made the best quality test equipment from the 40s to the 60s. I have found that if you are dealing with early radio and TV and your interests span into the 1960s or 70s, then you will need more than one tester to accommodate the design changes that went on through the years. My favorite is an early 50s Sylvania Electric (unknown model), but it will not test TV tubes from the 60s like compactrons. I have to break out the most practical tester that I have ever found for that which is an Accurate Instrument Model 257, which handles anything that the older one will not as well as crt testing including the large adapters for early color sets.
One nice thing about the Hickoks that I have is that they measure the dynamic mutual conductance of tubes which seems to be a little mentioned factor in tube testing as of late, but according to older electronics publications is nearly as important a factor as shorts and emission tests. For the record I have a Hickok Model 6000A in near mint condition that I may part with. It has the capability of testing the later tube styles. Supposedly those are pretty pricey these days. For a beginner, someone on a budget, or someone dealing primarily with older radio tubes, I have a 1947 Hickok that is in a bit rougher cosmetic condition, but seems to work ok. It came with scroll updates I believe going up to about 1960, so it may have the data needed for all of the 50s television tubes. Finally, I have a commercial tube tester like we used to see in stores. Luckily this one is a table top model! It needs electronic work, but is all there. I would give that one to anyone who would pick it up and give it a good home!
