ancient capacitor help

[JustinFun]

I just got hold of some ancient 2u2 capacitors which I was thinking of using in some fuzz face builds. I know mojo is bunk but sometimes it's fun to build with smd, and sometimes it's fun to build with stupidly big vintage components.



The text at the top says 'STC' which I assume means they're tants? Trouble is there doesn't seem to be any polarity marking on them. The ends do look different from each other however.





If I was to guess I'd say the blue end was positive (as per the 'pinched' end in an axial electro) but I'm hoping someone here can do better than a guess.

They only cost pence so if general consensus is I'd be better off consigning them to the bin I won't be particularly put out.

[Seljer]

If they're pence each, you can always sacrifice one in a destructive polarity test. In a well ventilated area free of flammable materials of course, electrolytics make a quiet to loud pop depending on the construction (if it's got the safety vent it usually less spectacular) and and your power source, tantulums tend to catch fire. And obviously use alligator clips and safety glasses and stand back...

[digi2t]

By the physical looks of it, I would say a tantalum capacitor.

Some of these could be bipolar, but for all intents and purposes, the end with the wire welded to the case should be considered the negative end.

Here's a guide. Sorry, it's in French, but the polarity symbols are universal.

[JustinFun]

That's really helpful, thanks!

[italianguy63]

The Borne Identity. 

[duck_arse]

stc - standard telephone corp/co/something.

I'd bet against tants, but I don't have any money to bet with.

[wavley]

stc - standard telephone corp/co/something.

I'd bet against tants, but I don't have any money to bet with.

I think they look pretty much just like the Sprague tants I deal with all the time (microwave demands low ESR)

[armdnrdy]

stc - standard telephone corp/co/something.

I'd bet against tants, but I don't have any money to bet with.

STC stands for silver tantalum capacitor

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Silver+Tantalum+Capacitors&_sop=3

[mth5044]

Borne. Borne? Gorge Borne.

[digi2t]

Borne = Terminal in English.

The Borne Identity. 

[armdnrdy]

Borne = Terminal in English.

Not any English I know!
Bourne in the USA?
Bourne under a bad sign"
Bourne to run?
Bourne to be wild?

Do you mean British English? 

[duck_arse]

silver tantalum capacitors? really? I've always known them as solid tantalums, and now AVX tell me they have a sterling silver jacket.

I have some old solid tants, some branded kemet or cts, and they all have a + marking, unlike our stc.

[digi2t]

Borne = Terminal in English.

Not any English I know!
Bourne in the USA?
Bourne under a bad sign"
Bourne to run?
Bourne to be wild?

Do you mean British English? 

Sorry, should have been more specific... "Borne" (no "u") is French for "Terminal".

I assumed that you read my original post, apologizing for the charts French terminology.