The first battery-operated lights touted safety and convenience over total light output. The batteries were weak and short-lived (how about a 100 day guarantee from date of manufacture) and the bulbs were inefficient. These two things, along with poor reflectors and "floodlight" lenses worked against a long-range beam. However, these early lights were much safer than a candle or kerosene lantern when looking through a clothes closet or other small space with flammable materials nearby. Also, there were no matches needed; just push a button and you got light! Light that didn't blow out in the wind. Light that didn't drip hot wax on your hand or clothes or floor. Light that didn't create smoke. Totally amazing!
The centerpiece of my collection (figuratively and literally) is an Eveready "Iron Candle". Figuratively because it is by far the most valuable in my collection. And literally because you can use it as a centerpiece on your dining room table, if so inclined. This lamp was made between 1898 and 1913. The base is oak, the holder appears to be cast iron, and the "candle" is made of "milk glass" molded with a twist to it. It originally used a paper-covered battery consisting of 3 cells for a total of 4.5 volts and probably a carbon-filament bulb. This combination would give a 1-2 candlepower glow for maybe 4-5 hours before the battery wore out. Since these batteries haven't been made in probably 60 years, I use 2 D cells and a 2.5 volt candlelabra bulb. This is brighter than the original, but it is more useful as a light.
This lamp cost about $3.00 when new, with batteries costing about $1.00. When you stop and think that the normal wages of 1910 were maybe $3-5 per day, this was an expensive "toy"! The equivalent in today's dollars would be about $50.00. I like to think of this lamp as yesterday's hot new electronic gizmo; something to wow the neighbors with.
Please look at the photos and enjoy. E-mail me with any questions or comments.
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I collect anything that catches my eye from "electric candles" to pocket lights to big "sealed-beam" lanterns. I have lights that date from the 1910s to the present. I showcase my antiques and actually use my modern lights. No sense taking chances dropping a 75 year old light!
I have learned much from 2 excellent books on flashlight collecting: Bill Utley's "Flashlights, with Rarity & Value Guide (Early Flashlight Makers & the 1st 100 Years of Eveready)" and Stuart Schneider's "Collecting Flashlights". I recommend these books to anybody interested in flashlights and the history of battery-operated portable lighting.
