How long have flashlights been around?

jw2n

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
68
I have used flashlights since the mid-60s. Despite this I am always suprised to learn that flahlights have existed earlier than I had thought. When were flashlights introduced? When did they become commonplace? Did the early ones utilze the cell size we are familiar with now i.e. D cells?
 

HotWire

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 9, 2011
Messages
1,651
On 10 January 1899, American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company obtained U.S. Patent No. 617,592 (filed 12 March 1898) from David Misell, an inventor. This "electric device" designed by Misell was powered by "D" batteries laid front to back in a paper tube with the light bulb and a rough brass reflector at the end. These "electric devices" ran on carbon-zinc batteries and used bulbs with less than efficient carbon filaments. They could only be used for a very short time. Hence the name *flashlight.*


 
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