This is a multi chip LED - in fact, there are 4 die cubes on the end of this baby. They were supplied with little diffusing lenses (not shown) - again I would think that they pre-date high brightness LEDs.
They look a litte different to the average LED, with round pins and a formed plastic base, as opposed to the regular stamped legs with the moulded base of a standard LED. Looking into the end of the LED, you can clearly see the structure of the element.
Here I have two LEDs running - you can clearly see the fine wire running from die to die within the body of the LED. These are running at about 12ma and have a very warm red/orage colour.
