RARE MAGLITES

[willrx]

I'll start with a 3D Mag made in March 1981. Notice "PATEN PENDING" stamped on the barrel.

[will]

Interesting - I wonder if anyone out there collects 'rare' Maglites. The 2AA group tends to be mostly color, and color variations, collectors. There are a few who go after the old Ontario stamp on the bezel. Maglite does not keep records of all the variations they have manufactured over the years.

[swampgator]

One of these came up for sale on the 'bay recently, no bids with a $19.99 BIN. I saw the old box in the picture and emailed the seller regarding the serial number. The said it was a no "D" serial number. Mysteriously the price jumped up to a $29.99 BIN. While it would have been nice to have a pre-D, I just couldn't justify that much for another 3D Mag.

Interestingly, that a 3/81 3D is marked "PATENT PENDING". My 2C manufactured in July 81, according to Maglite, is stamped "PATENTED MADE IN THE U.S.A." I wonder when that changed? The bezel is stamped identically to the 3D you posted.

[ABTOMAT]

The non-D models were from before 1990.

The "Paten pending" models were from before early 1981.

I have one of the very first designs from January of 1980, with a large bulbous switch cover. You don't see many of those.

Also have a 7D from the mid '80s, and a couple of Vari-Beams (sold to auto garages and inustrial outlets) from the mid '80s.

[willrx]

That's the kind of interesting information that makes these threads fun.

swampgator, let's see your 2C. Maybe the cutoff was between March and July '81. Or maybe the C and D cell lights were issued patents at different times?

ABTOMAT, a fresh set of pictures of your bulbous Mag would suit this thread well. I received a new Vari-Beam bezel recently. Now to search for the rest of it.

Mag doesn't have as extensive a line up or as many variations as Surefire for example, but enough to make it interesting. Keep 'em coming folks. All Mag products welcome.

[ABTOMAT]

I don't know about the actual patent times/dates, but the C and D cell lights used different tooling for the markings. I have a 3C from February 1981 that says "PATENTED MADE IN THE U.S.A."

[swampgator]

swampgator, let's see your 2C. Maybe the cutoff was between March and July '81. Or maybe the C and D cell lights were issued patents at different times?

As soon as I get time to take some!

[rockz4532]

Interesting - I wonder if anyone out there collects 'rare' Maglites. The 2AA group tends to be mostly color, and color variations, collectors. There are a few who go after the old Ontario stamp on the bezel. Maglite does not keep records of all the variations they have manufactured over the years.

the ontario stamp is rare? all three of my mags have them

[donn_]

Here's another very rare finish on a Mag:



It's called "Merlot!"

[willrx]

Great, I remember that one from a while back. HA right?

[donn_]

Yep. Mil-Spec HAIII.

[Pontiaker]

Here's another very rare finish on a Mag:



It's called "Merlot!"

That looks like a csrewed up black coating:~) All my old Streamlights used to look like that!

[willrx]

Matt,
Thanks for sharing the old 4D. There are some stories engraved in that one I can tell.

[vestureofblood]

Hey all,

Just wandering if this qualifies? I recently purchase a new Rebel Magled. I opened the light (now I wish I hadent) and upon futher inspection I noticed that there was somthing missing..


The serial numbers... Not sure how rare this is though maybe I could get some feed back here?

[Toohotruk]

That's cool! I wonder how many of them escaped stamping?

[willrx]

Interesting. I wonder if they've stopped numbering them all together?

[merrimac]

where did you buy Mag, would like to check them out ?

[vestureofblood]

That's cool! I wonder how many of them escaped stamping?

That's why I decided to post here, I wish I would have realized this sooner so I could have checked for more.

Interesting. I wonder if they've stopped numbering them all together?

No they did not stop all together, I thought that may be the case, but I have since seen several of the new version with numbers, and so far no others without.

where did you buy Mag, would like to check them out ?

I picked this up at Loews on black Friday.

[Black Rose]

Interesting. I wonder if they've stopped numbering them all together?

I received a 2D Rebel Mag over the Christmas holidays that has a DL2 serial number on it.

[Toohotruk]

The 2D I got at Lowes BF sale has a serial on it. I'm tempted to go there and see if I can find one with no number.

[Black Rose]

Is there anything special about 2C Mags without a C in the serial number (other than that they are older ones)?

[willrx]

A color other than black might spark some additional interest.

[Black Rose]

Not looking to sell it or anything, was just curious if the lack of a C in the serial (8-digit) was special.

It's Gray according to the insert. Model: S2C096.

Apparently the Malkoff Mag Drop-ins won't work with it, but I wasn't planning on using them in this one anyway.

[ElectronGuru]

Is there anything special about 2C Mags without a C in the serial number?

When Mag added letters to their serial numbers, they also implemented several design improvements at the same time. Among them is a new switch design, a slightly narrower inside diameter (larger cells work better in the older design), and most significantly, changing how the threads work connecting the head to the body. C's have the O ring on the body, pre-C's have the ring on the inside of the head. The first is an easier design for taking the head on and off.

You'll see many parts and upgrades listed as being compatible with one or the other. Including Malkoff drop ins.

[Black Rose]

Response removed.

Toohotruk's response below clarified things.

[Toohotruk]

...Pre-C's have the O ring on the body, C's have the ring on the inside of the head. The later is an easier design for taking the head on and off...

Actually, it's the other way around...newer lights with the "C" have the o-ring on the body instead of inside the head like the older ones with just numbers in the serial.

[ElectronGuru]

Actually, it's the other way around...

Corrected, thanks!

[Toohotruk]

No problem. The reason I know this, is I bought a newer pewter 2C a year or so ago, hoping to mix the parts around, like swapping the head and tailcap from my older black 2C with the body and bezel of the new pewter. This combo produces a surprisingly classy looking pair of lights, but unfortunately, not an option with those two lights due to the change in o-ring position. I wound up buying another new 2C (black), and making the swap.

[vlister]

Is there anything special about 2C Mags without a C in the serial number (other than that they are older ones)?

My favorite MagLite, the one I carry (along with a 2AA in my pocket), is my 2C Black with a 'Chevy Trucks' logo. 'Patented Made in USA' and 23097328 on the barrel. I think it is the best 'large' size MagLite, just short of being "security" or "weapons" grade. Those 7C Mags are like carrying a baseball bat! I upgraded my 'Chevy' with a 140 lumens Terralux bulb.

[Toohotruk]

My favorite MagLite, the one I carry (along with a 2AA in my pocket), is my 2C Black with a 'Chevy Trucks' logo...upgraded my 'Chevy' with a 140 lumens Terralux bulb.

I have that same light! It was the first "C" mag I got, and I punched it up with 3XCR123s and a 6D Magnum star bulb. Not sure where it is...I haven't even thought about it for a long time.