Do any of you collect vintage torches? I didn't until I was reminded last week of a gorgeous chrome XL flashlight I won in a raffle at the Hudson, Wisconsin Centennial in 1957. I was a mere lad of nine at the time, and this huge Centennial was offering 2-3 dozen prizes through raffles. Like a true WIS, I glued my eyes to this shiny tool and thought I MUST have it. I entered the raffle and, astonishingly, I won it. Of course, I was thrilled to possess this gleaming example of function and beauty. It was either a Ray-O-Vac or an Everready, I'm not sure.
So, I bought one of each. This is the Everready model, 9-1/2 inches in length, made in the 1950s or 1960s. The Ray-O-Vac should arrive by Friday. I also picked up a fine Everready Captain in the 7-1/4 inch size. Here are the two Everreadys, both of which still function fine. I bought extra bulbs (including a few LED types) to ensure they would continue to work.
Last edited by pacifichrono; 18th April 2025 at 19:54.
They look pretty cool! - I inherited a very similar looking but far more utilitarian torch from my grandfather - I kept all his tools when he passed away. He was an engineer and had a lot of very old beautiful stuff, if old tools can be beautiful?! I must look it out - it has a thick grille across the bulb end and a military broad arrow marking, I’m guessing it’s dated from WW2. If I find it I’ll put up a pic
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Last edited by RobDad; 17th April 2025 at 08:24.
They're lovely Tom.
I recall having those chrome Ever Ready type torches as a lad but unfortunately they always suffered as those old carboard covered batteries at the time always leaked.
Cheers,
Neil.
Now that’s an unusual collection but fantastic looking.
Jim
Thanks, mates!
Takes me back to my childhood days. Ever Ready and Pifco chrome plated torches, playing Jack Shinylight in the squares and gennels of our local village. Great fun as there was very little street lighting at the time. Laying on our backs in the local park looking up at the countless stars in the inky black sky. Happy days.
Best Regards - Peter
I'd hate to be with you when you're on your own.
There is something so nostalgic about a torch. On the face of it , its a tool to illuminate an area. But to a kid, they a morse lamps, light guns, search lights etc. i used to covet the Pifco dome car torch. A front facing chrome lens and a red domed plastic top that flashed in the event of a breakdown. My parents never had one though.
Lastly anyone remember the early rubber “ waterproof “ torches. With thick rubber buttons that were so stiff you struggled to switch the torch on then if successful off !
Steve
Hey Steve, yes I remember those. I later had a waterproof torch as you described...a killer to turn on!Originally Posted by higham5
In the early 70's I had an Ever Ready rechargeable torch, Flat shape with a double prong under the end cap so it could be charged from a razor point.
Also had the old ER Motor Mate in car boots for years. Would stand flat on the ground with a white light at front and red flashing top.
Saved me on a few flat tyre jobs!
Cheers,
Neil.
I only have one interesting torch, its got military markings and a protected lens, someone suggested a ships torch?
Cheers..
Jase
Deleted
That's interesting Jason. WWII?I only have one interesting torch, its got military markings and a protected lens, someone suggested a ships torch?
Cheers,
Neil.
Not too sure Neil, Ill have to dig it out and have another look, haven't studied it in a while and can't remember!
Cheers..
Jase
Probably a torch made for a warplane.I only have one interesting torch, its got military markings and a protected lens, someone suggested a ships torch?
Made by Oldham & Sons, Denton, Manchester.
http://www.pittdixon.go-plus.net/denton/oldham.htm
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Oldham_and_Son
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1939_S...aft_Industry#O
Last edited by jwg663; 18th April 2025 at 16:00.
______
Jim.
Interesting, thanks, I’ll dig it out and take more photos of the markings.
Cheers..
Jase
Just now received this NOS Ray-O-Vac 9-1/2" Sportsman Searchlight made in the 1960s - - just like the one that I won at raffle in 1957.
Looks very similar to the one I own - will have a look for it in the garage tomorrow!
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Looks great Tom!Just now received this NOS Ray-O-Vac 9-1/2" Sportsman Searchlight made in the 1960s - - just like the one that I won at raffle in 1957.
Love a bit of NOS.
Cheers,
Neil.
They look great, strike me as examples of classic Americana design: Airstream, roadside diners, big finned cars, jukeboxes, shirt pocket transistors....
I looked in my box of bits and just have this old shirt pocket EverReady. Turns on by pressing and keeping down the pocket clip. The bulb looks an unusual and interesting shape to me.
Always liked a torch for Christmas when I was little.
Ps. Just closely looked at the ball at the end of the clip. It turns, lovely bit of detail, quality Made in USA!
Last edited by BillyCasper; 19th April 2025 at 16:26.
Wow! I really like that little one...very unique.They look great, strike me as examples of classic Americana design: Airstream, roadside diners, big finned cars, jukeboxes, shirt pocket transistors....
I looked in my box of bits and just have this old shirt pocket EverReady. Turns on by pressing and keeping down the pocket clip. The bulb looks an unusual and interesting shape to me.
Always liked a torch for Christmas when I was little.
Ps. Just closely looked at the ball at the end of the clip. It turns, lovely bit of detail, quality Made in USA!
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