BLF is probably the only place in the universe that can begin to appreciate the inner cartwheels of delight I experienced upon the arrival of a very special package this morning. Four months ago, ruffles, and because of his vast generosity, henceforth knighted Sir ruffles, presented myself and I believe one other person (possibly 2) the opportunity to purchase a rare Mag-Lite 7C . . .
For those unable to appreciate the scope and scale of this, simply do an eBay search for 7C Mag-Lites and click completed/sold. Scratched, beat-all-to-hell 7Cs are snapped up instantly for serious cash - when they are offered for sale, which is almost never.
This example is flawless.
The folks at Mag Instruments told ruffles this pristine specimen was manufactured in January, 1989 and was among a dozen he was lucky enough to buy from a camping store in the UK . . .
He believes they remained in storage for over 20 years. ruffles posted a group shot of his original purchase on CPF . . .
(batteries shown for size - did not mix these in use)
Not sure which one is Foy's but I do believe this is the only dozen 7Cs you likely will ever see pictured together . . .
7C pictured with an early '90s 2C I bought on eBay a couple of years ago from a hillbilly in Tennessee. That light arrived in its original, unopened package. Several days passed before Foy gave up his attempt to leave it in its factory-sealed box, thus ending two decades of hibernation in the volunteer state.
7C (top) with a 6D.
After a minor redesign (early '90s?) Mag-Lite serial numbers have the cell size, how many cells and then a sequential number. Lights made prior to this contain no cell size letter. The above picture from top to bottom are the serial number for my new 7C prize, an early '90s 2C (no C prefix) and a current model 3C with its "C3" prefix.
Sir ruffles; Foy praises your generosity and applauds your giving back to the flashlight community. The 7C Mag is among a handful of rare, vintage LEO lights I covet. Now, if I could just find a decent Kel-Lite that didn't cost in the hundreds of dollars.
lovethescottishFoy
