Hi John,
The Tesla spark procedure is a hand held HIgh frequency high voltage generator. It has a metal probe about 4 inches long by 1/2" diameter and tapered to apoint.
The probe is placed against the neck of the tube, and if the tube is gassy, the neck of the tube will fluoresce. No fluorescence=good vacuum
Crude, but for crt quality purposes, it is good enough.
This is what it looks like
http://sciencekit.com/high-frequency...l/p/IG0024295/
Bob