GE 250w MH lamp date???

[gmercury2000]

Im trying to get a rough idea for a GE multivapor lamp I found for sale. It is labeled as a MV250/U as opposed to MVR250/U. When did GE add the R to the label? The sleeve is the red white and black and the date code looks to be either 35 or 85, not sure! and has the older style etch where it says General Electric across the top of the etch! Just wanna see if it's worth buying or not! Thanks for any help!!!!!

[Silverliner14B]

hey dude!

This is a pre 80 lamp! '80 was when the R appeared on USA lamps. 35 would mean November '74 which is too early for this lamp (at the time GE MH lamps only came in 400w, 1000w and 1500w) so it has to be 85, which is 11/78. Go for it!

[gmercury2000]

Thanks Dave! This nice lamp is now in my collection!