Interesting/unusual Brightstar light I found (and bought)

[Tungsten98]

I found this odd light on ebay, and couldn't find anything about it besides just a couple photos on google, or even a mention of it here.

Most predominantly, it's white. It's not painted white, it's actually molded in white plastic. Note that the switch is a nice chrome color, and it works like you expect it to. Off, signal, and on.
Although it is marked Brightstar, any MX designation is absent. Also absent is any kind of hook or clip on the rear of the body. It also does not have the second bezel ring for filters, nor storage compartment, although there is room for an extra bulb in the base, and a matching chrome/stainless hook on the bottom.

There are some other markings present.
"Floxite mirror lite. Floxite CO. Mahwah N.J."
These are actually molded into the body, which meant they had to modify their mold to accommodate them. Changes like that are usually pretty expensive. Suppose they anticipated selling a lot of these to floxite. Or, perhaps their tool was at end of life and they wanted to squeeze out any more production they could out of it. I work in plastics, so this detail is particularly interesting to me.

If you look up 'floxite', you will find a women's makeup mirror company. And, indeed, if you try to find other images of this light, you will find an unusual mirror attachment that gets fitted to this lamp, which amounts to shining the light directly in your face while looking in a mirror. The floxite website also does not make any mention that this ever existed.

I find it absolutely fascinating how a makeup mirror company wound up asking Brightstar to make their military flashlight in this way. Up until a few days ago, I had no idea these even existed.

Upon disassembly, I found that there is no gasket in the head or tail cap. The lens and reflector assembly will absolutely fall right out happily if you let them. Yes, the lens is plastic.

Here it is, sat next to another brightstar for comparison. An interesting piece and a welcome addition to my small collection.

*Edit for spelling error*

 

[bykfixer]

Thanks for sharing that @Tungsten98.

It has a look similar to the military TL122C from WW2 era, which that and the D were precusors to the military MX series for the Vietnam era.

Bright Star made better lights than the competition back in those days and were handsomely rewarded with a number of private contracts from gas companies, telephone and others (obviously) as well as the US coast guard and navy during peacetime.

 

[ghostguy6]

A quick search shows Floxlite CO. is listed as a medical supply store and not a make up supply store. During war time it was quite common for a manufacturer to re-purpose their tooling to manufacture military supplies. I would guess this is what happened with Floxlite. From the looks of this light with the mirror attachment it seems quite plauseable that this light was issued to medical military units as some sort of "field dental kit".
From what I could find "The flashlight has a special mirror attachment that is for tooth and mouth inspection. The side of the 90 degree flashlight barrel is embossed with "FLOXITE MIRROR LITE - FLOXITE CO. NIAGRA FALLS, N.Y."The back of the white shield is embossed with very light letters "TOOTH FLOX MIRROR FOR CLEAN MOUTH, PATENTED, FLOXITE CO., NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y."

Vintage FLOXITE MIRROR LITE - TOOTH FLOX FOR CLEAN MOUTH - Working Flashlight | #1820285648

FLOXITE MIRROR LITE - TOOTH FLOX FOR CLEAN MOUTH Manufactured for the FLOXITE COMPANY, NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. by the BRIGHT STAR FlASHLIGHT COMPANY - Made In USAUp for auction is a rare, vintage and uniq

www.worthpoint.com

 

[Tungsten98]

I would be interested in seeing any additional resources you found on the topic. I, personally, was not able to find any references relating to anything other than the mirror company past or present outside of the article linked.

I find the speculation interesting, and would make more sense than it being a poorly designed makeup mirror. Although, if true, I'm curious as to why the gaskets were omitted. Field conditions, after all, aren't forgiving for anyone. Although it is possible that on my example, they were simply lost or removed intentionally. Perhaps for repair/replacement on another lamp?

Maybe this is just me, but I find the inclusion of the mirror to strongly imply that it was intended to be used on one's own mouth/face. That size wouldn't exactly be able to fit in a patient's mouth in a field dentist type scenario

PS. No sarcasm / smartassery intended. I have a habit of somehow coming off more abrasive than I mean to.

 

[ghostguy6]

I found several examples of these light on google. Some are in OD green but clearly marked as Tooth Flox Mirrorlite. The white ones seem to all have a description of being marketed as a self examination lights. The OD ones don't have much of a description so that's why I suggested it was a for some sort of medical unit. Being such a unique item I cant really see it being a standard issue item to soldiers. None of them seem to have O rings suggesting they were to be used indoors.

 

[Monocrom]

The OD ones might have been made for certain military units. Perhaps the Medical Corps?

 

[bykfixer]

Rare Vintage BRIGHT STAR FLOXITE Mouth Dental Teeth FLOX LAMP Mirror Flashlight | #1981275393

Rare Vintage Bright Star FLOXITE Mouth Dental Teeth FLOX LAMP Travel Flashlight - Works! EUCWow! You don't see many of these around anymore. Unique item for someone who collects in the dental niche OR

www.worthpoint.com

Here's a full kit

 

[knucklegary]

Wonder if the mirror attachment held a roll of floss 😁