Vintage Flashlights
1930's Burgess flashlight ad showing the Burgess flashlight, (the first flashlight in the group of 3) with the black body and the curved watch like lens shown below.
Here's some interesting facts about three different flashlight companies. After doing some research on the May "Baby" torch, I was told that they came with a 9 sided lens and a smooth lens. Could be one way to tell when each one was made. They also had two different style of bodies/cases. One has a scroll design with a smooth body, the other one has a ribbed body and no scroll design. I also found out that May only made the adapter, head and end cap. Blake could have made the bodies/cases which are almost identical to Rayovac, which were also made by Blake, or did Rayovac made the bodies?
Here's a brand name I never heard of. Made by Red Seal. Has a pat. date of 11-4-24 on the end and made in the USA. Dome lens and Bakelite body. The blue dot bulb base is marked... Kwik-Lite 2.5v (check your bulbs!) Works off 2 D cells.
On the left we have the big brother's of the May family flashlights/Torch. The one on top is the 3 D cell model. Below that is a 2 D cell with black body. Both have the ring hanger on the end cap. Has May Lluminating Torch also on the end cap. The two May Baby lights below are C cells.
All you need to do now is move your mouse pointer over a flashlight to view an enlarged photo with a short description on each flashlight.
1928 May Baby Torch w/Ribbed Body (Candle Model)
made by May MGF Company
Glass Globe Lens (6 inches long)
1928 May Baby Torch w/Scroll Design (Candle Model)
Glass Globe (6 inches long)
1938 Burgess Sub Flashlight
(6 inches long)
1920's Sol-Ray Flashlight w/Chrome Body
(6 1/2 inches long)
1922 Niagara Flashlight w/Glass Dome Lens
(71/2 inches long)
Kwiki Silver Body w/Black Lines w/Red Safety Guard
(7 1/4 inches long)
1930 Sol-Ray w/Curved Watch Glass Type of Lens w/Focus
No Roll End (5 1/4 inches long)
* Little is know about this company
1930's Burgess w/Curved Watch Glass Type of Lens w/Focus
No Roll End (5 1/4 inches long)
1950 Homart Machine Age Style Body
3 D Cell (101/2 inches long)
1950 Homart Machine Age Style Body
2 D Cell (8 1/4 inches long)