[Arran]

I think that maybe 1933 may have been the last year for globe/balloon types, my Philco 60L has a balloon 42 in it and it's a 1933 model. I agree about the globe/balloon designs being more trouble prone, especially audio output tubes, more microphonics, more shorted elements. Why the audiophools, who claim high fidelity as the highest calling, would pay a premium for these makes little sense to me. I have noticed that the new production globe/balloon 2A3s and #50s have larger micas insulators at the top so the elements aren't just free standing like the old ones, some even use porcelain insulators.
Regards
Arran