Bianchi B-Lite

[TacLet]

Hi! I am new member looking for info on my 5 D-cell Bianchi B-Lite. I got it back in the early '80's. I kept it in my vehicle for years until a leaky cell corroded the switch. It has been rolling around my office unused for years now until a friend recently got me a cache of new switches and gaskets.

Guess what? The damn thing actually works, and quite well at that. Unfortunately, I collect too much stuff as it is and I have decided to list the unit and replacement parts on eBay. Does anyone know a fair and reasonable price for this stuff?

I haven't gotten anywhere with Bianchi. I found one reference to a 4 cell B-Lite for $50. Is this reasonable? Any info would be appreciated. So far, I have listed both the parts and flashlight but may just keep them since this unit was my best buddy for many years and we all know that parting is such sweet sorrow.

Thanks!

 

[Niteowl]

Value is relative and you'll find out what it's worth through the auction. I personally think your "Buy It Now" price is pretty high, but someone out there may think it's a deal.

I've got a 5-C and I'll never part with it.If the parts package was for a 5-C, I'd be all over it at the "Buy It Now" price.

Good luck with the sale.

 

[ABTOMAT]

Well, I did buy your parts lot on eBay. If you have any questions about about that transaction please email me on that address.

What kind of info are you looking for? As far as values, the parts lot seemed reasonable. For the flashlight, "it's worth whatever someone will pay" as they say. The 5D size with that switch style is probably the most common B-Lite. I'd guess market value somewhere around $20-30 since it seems in good shape. I've never spent more than $10-20 on any of mine on the 'bay, but you might find someone who woke up today with a mission to buy one.

Am I correct in assuming the $50 reference you found is the Super B-Lite on Flashlight museum? The Super is the rarest type, and the "values" listed there are just arbitrary guesses.

To put the history in a nutshell, they started making ones similar to yours in 1974. The original switches fell apart so they replaced them with a heavier style in '75/76. In 1983/84 the Super was introduced and then the company stopped making flashlights. Sales weren't enough to compete with players with better lights or more market coverage like Streamlight and Mag-Lite. The second digit of your serial number is the fourth number of the year of production.

 

[Niteowl]

Well, I did buy your parts lot on eBay..........

.......The second digit of your serial number is the fourth number of the year of production.

ABTOMAT'

I figured you would pop in here. You almost missed those parts. I was quite tempted even though I didn't have a D size. Then I'd have to go buy a few to justify buying the parts!

Didn't know that about the serial number, now I know my light was made in '78 and is 1-2 years newer than I remember, thank-you. Is the third number the month by any chance?

If you come across a spare 2C B-Lite sometime, I'd be interested!

 

[TacLet]

Hi everyone! Thank you for all your contributions to my questions.

As for the parts I listed on eBay, I will ship them out today. I am not sure if they all match my B-Lite. The slider switches are the same (even though I didn't need of them) but the gaskets are of 2 or 3 varying sizes. The gaskets on my light are all good and did not need replacing.

The serial number info was very informative and confirmed that my light was a 5 (D) cell and manufactured in 1980 (I acquired it in the early 80's).

Please feel free to check out my auction for the light (even though I am having some second thoughts about selling it)

Thanks again!