I’ve just joined this forum to ask a Q about a small torch I’ve found in the attic.
I’ve put the Q in this section as the others seem to be LED related but this torch appears to be from the 1950’s.
By the looks of it, and a quick Google search, it’s a Pifco Ziplite. I don’t think it works as I have fitted 2 AA batteries and it won’t switch on. It seems to have the original filament which is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.
I’m going to put it on eBay as I have no use for it but I’m just checking in with some experts on what it’s worth before listing.
If this image works, it’s the second from the left at the top.
Pifco were the torches we had in the drawer when I was growing up, lovely chrome plated steel things with clunky sliding switches. We had one of those dualite lanterns too, with a red dome on top. Blast from the past.
No idea on value, it’s one of those things that if the right person saw it and wanted it for the collection it might be worth something.
Isn’t that the type of light where the clip is the sliding switch? It depends upon the circumstances it is kept, but most of the time the residue on the “copper” used for it can be removed by a clean cloth with IPA. You’re lucky Alkaline batteries were not invented yet. The debris of zinc-carbon batteries is just a bit of white powder. Eh …most of the time.
I guess the incandescent bulb itself has no bajonet type fitting, or something like the P13.5S in a Maglite, but an E10 or E11 (as in Edison thread) fitting.
It does have a pocket clip but the switch is at the end. It’s quite a quirky design where the rim of the button just locks under the pen body by spring pressure. The button is released by pressing again and making sure the rim is central to the hole in the pen so it spring back and away from the cell.
I think I’ll just pop it on eBay for £0.99 (I’m UK obviously) and see if it’s any use to anyone.
There doesn’t seem to be any corrosion on the torch at all.
Thanks RichH. I do remember as a child, always trying to find the ‘best’ torch I could buy. I’m talking primary school here (I’m 47 now). At the time, I came across a metal torch with a sliding switch and it had a rotating head for focus. I remember shining it up in to the sky and it cut in to the clouds and beyond. I felt like I was in charge of a Jean Michel Jarre concert. I also felt a bit nervous as I was scared in case the police or air traffic could see what I was doing.
I think if time travel was possible and someone gave me an LED Lenser or equivalent at that age, I would have pooped chocolate buttons .
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