Non-Letter Serial Colors

Since 1980 Maglites have been available in different colors. 1979 lights were done in colors but only as small, test runs. The colors on the non-letter serial lights are rare though especially from the early days. Colors are increasingly rare on larger lights. Early Maglite packaging makes reference to black, red, and blue. Silver lights started in the mid 80s and were available from then on. I've also covered colors on the later, letter serial Panther lights.

Shown below is an insert from a 1983 to 1988 light. Even though certain options appear not to be available in certain sizes Mag Instrument did produce them. It's just that they were not available to order through their parts department because certain size/color combinations were done in small batches to gauge desirability among customers. Also note the 7C cell which has been long discontinued. The insert makes no mention to a 7D because they were discontinued in 1982. Please find the Mag Instruments Parts List below that show the colors and parts that are available to order. Earlier inserts varied somewhat and they are available here. I've also detailed C cells colors which are even rarer than their D cell counterparts.

All colors were anodized and they were produced in small batches. Silver, red, and blue appear to have been produced equally. About 10% total of the non-letter serial Maglites produced were colors based on all of the lights I've seen. There were two special colors done, that are not listed that I'm aware of. They are gold and camo. I have both and I've detailed the camo lights here and the gold lights here.

Please see below for a full range of the finishes done by Maglite on the old style non-letter serial lights on a variety of different size lights. The black light is your standard variety 1980 3D "Paten Pending" Maglite. The silver and blue one is a 1983 3D Vari-Beam, a re-branded Maglite, which you can find a ton of info on here. The blue light is a 1980 3D "Paten Pending" model which I'll give some additional info about below. The red light is a 1982 2D model. The silver light is a 1989 2D model. Starting in 1987 the bezel was also changed to reflect a registered trademark. The camo and gold lights are both 1989 3D models.

Here's a very early example of the 3D blue. It's a "Paten Pending" light from before Maglite's patent was approved in late 1981 but lacks the features of a 1979 light. It is a ~129,000 serial which puts it at early 1981. It's likely from the 2nd batch of lights Mag had anodized in blue. I don't own, but have seen, a ~50,000 serial anodized blue also. If you're interested in how to date these lights as I have here please see my Maglite D Cell Quick Dating Guide.

This one came from the original owner in California. Most early Maglites were distributed close to the factory. This one was in great condition and needed no work other than a new bulb. Additionally I also have a very early, 1983 light that was done in an Olive Green / Bronze as a special order for a catalog retailer. It is not standard so I haven't shown it here.

As always I'm looking to buy Vari-Beams and Vintage/Rare Mags. Please let me know if you have any, top dollar paid.