It's a phantom! Good thing it's encased in the plastic so it can't escape and get someone. Can't sell souls on ebay any more, but items containing ghosts, spirits, and the like are apparently "legit" if sold as "haunted".
http://shop.ebay.com/items/?_nkw=haunted+items"old mercury vapor vacuum tube haunted by dead radioman helps you communicate with the other world.."
Instructions:
1. place in microwave on high to awaken spirit.
2. sit closely before microwave and concentrate on object until message received.