RAF Heavy Duty Safety Torch Type TD3A

Made by Oldham & Son Ltd of Denton, Manchester. Established in 1865 by Joseph Oldham as engine and machine manufacturers, this developed into batteries and equipment for collieries. In 1939, with war looming, they expanded further and started supplying equipment to the aircraft industry, including the RAF and this torch is just one example of their product range.

Stamped with RAF stores reference code 5A/4190, the 5A designation confirming this would have been issued under the 'Ground Lighting and Miscellaneous' classification. Finished in its original military grey paint, that shows minor wear commensurate with age and is also stamped with a military Broad Arrow property mark plus other approval markings including instructions on correct bulb type. The screw bezel features a removeable safety bar to prevent unauthorised removal of the lens, thus confirming this was a safety issue torch that would be used around explosives. In service the torch would have been fitted with x3 U2 batteries. These are absent but we see no reason if modern hp2 batteries were fitted it would still work as intended. The final picture attached confirms all the internal parts are present (other than the batteries).

Measures 12" long (including the hanging loop) and 2 1/2" maximum diameter (31 cm long and a maximum 6 cm diameter)