Check out my other flashlight blog at: http://otherflashlights.blogspot.com/ More content coming soon.

Sunday, August 6, 2017

D Cell Quick Dating Guide

This guide is specifically for incandescent D cells. For C cells go here. For Mini Maglites go here.

How old is my Maglite?

For a while I've been saying I would put together a quick dating guide for Maglites for those with this very question. You can always e-mail Mag Instrument to determine the month, year, and sometimes day your light was produced but from my experience they have no records for 1979 and 1980 lights. This guide also helps in determining the age of Maglites seen online for sale where the serial number is not often advertised. I'll keep it short and sweet instead of my long winded posts. My contact information is on the right if anyone needs assistance too. Parts are sometimes switched making the lights difficult to identify.

Below is a checklist of which features are found on which age range lights. Below this checklist I'll go into detail and provide pictures of the features in each age range.





1979
1979 Was the first year of manufacture for Maglites. They have some differences from all the rest of the Maglites as the design was still a work in progress. Please see my post, here, for a detailed explanation of 1979 lights. These lights were produced only in black.

Low Focus Grip
There is a 1/4" gap between the top of the head and the focus grip. 1979 light (right) vs. standard focus grip location (left).



Large Switch Cover & Paten Pending Stamped Barrel
The switch hole is larger and the cover more bulbous. All 1979 lights were stamped "Paten Pending" on the barrel opposite the serial number as the patent wasn't approved until 1981. 1979 light (bottom) vs. 1981 - 1987 (top).



TM Bezel
TM is stamped after the Maglite logo as the trademark was claimed but not registered as shown in the above photo.

Serial Range
2D 1 - 18,000
3D 1 - 22,000
4D 1 - 11,000
5D 1 - 14,000
6D 1 - 5,000
7D 1 - 4,500

1980
In 1980 the focus grip was moved to its standard location and the switch hole and cover were standardized. Red and blue anodizing are introduced at this time.

Paten Pending Stamped Barrel
All 1980 lights were stamped "Paten Pending" on the barrel opposite the serial number as the patent wasn't approved until 1981.



TM Bezel
TM is stamped after the Maglite logo as the trademark was claimed but not registered.



Focus Grip Location Standardized
The focus grip is now located even with the top of the head as in the above photo.

Switch Seal Standardized
The switch hole size and seal type are now standardized.

Serial Range
2D 18,000 - 70,000
3D 35,000 - 130,000
4D 11,000 - 82,000
5D 14,000 - 65,000
6D ???? - ~30,000
7D 4,500- 10,000

1981 - 1986
Lights are almost identical to 1980 lights with the exception of the patent stamping on the barrel. 7Ds are discontinued in early 1982. Polished silver lights are introduced sometime after 1981.

Patented Made in U.S.A. Stamped Barrel
All barrels are now stamped "Patented Made in U.S.A." as the patent for the light is approved.



TM Bezel
TM is stamped after the Maglite logo. The trademark was registered at this point but the bezel wasn't updated until later 1987.



Serial Range
2D 70,000 - 700,000
3D 130,000 - 1,000,000
4D 82,000 - 700,000
5D 65,000 - 300,000
6D ~74,000 - 190,000
7D 10,000 - 19,000 (1982)

1987 - 1989
An R with a circle replaced the TM after the Maglite logo. Camo is introduced in 1989. Gold anodized lights are available for 1989 only.

R Bezel
The Maglite trademark was registered in 1981 but it wasn't until 1987 that Maglite decided to update the bezel and step up enforcement of their trademarks due to competition from other manufacturers.



Serials Range
2D 700,000 - 1,400,000
3D 1,000,000 - 2,000,000
4D 700,000 - 1,000,000
5D 300,000 - ????
6D 190,000 - 300,000


1990 - 1991
1990 marked the beginning of the modernization of Maglites. I've done a post about these Transitional Lights which can be found here.

Reduced Grip Length
In order to save on production costs grip lengths are shortened and standardized. 1989 and prior grip length (top) vs. 1990 and later grip length (bottom).




Laser Etched Bezel
In order to save on production costs bezels are now laser etched. 1987 - 1989 stamped bezel (right) vs. 1990 -1991 laser etched bezel (left).



Plastic Retaining Ring
Around 1990 switches started to use a plastic retaining ring instead of an aluminum one. This made maintenance easier and production costs less. Other parts were also different colors but the basic operation remained the same. 1979 - 1989 switch (left) vs. 1990 - 1991 switch (right). The plastic ring switch is the only one available as a replacement from Mag Instrument.



Serial Range
2D 1,400,000 - 3,000,000
3D 2,000,000 - 4,100,000
4D 1,800,000 - 3,000,000
5D ???? - 800,000
6D 300,000 - 500,000

1992 - 1995
In 1992 the lights were completely re-designed into the model that's currently available today. I've detailed these differences here. These lights are typically referred to as New Maglites, Panther Maglites, or Letter Serials.

Letter Added to Serial
D was placed at the beginning of serial to designate the cell size and to avoid confusion when ordering parts. 1992+ letter serial (bottom) vs. a 1979 -1989 non-letter serial (top).



Panther Logo Added
The panther logo was added to the bezel. The trademark of the panther logo wasn't approved until late 1995 so 1992 - 1995 models have a TM after the logo.



Barrel Size Reduced
D cells are now produced using extruded aluminum instead of 1.25" aluminum pipe. The barrel OD went from 1.66" to 1.55" and the ID went from 1.38" to 1.35". 1992+ end cap (jade) installed in a 1979 - 1989 barrel (red) to show the barrel change.



Switch Redesigned
The switch was completely redesigned into it's current form. There are several internal differences but the largest difference is external. The switch now uses a retaining clip instead of a retaining ring to simplify maintenance and decrease tooling and production costs. 1979 - 1989 switch (left) vs. 1990-1991 switch (center) vs. 1992+ switch (right).



Serial Range
2D 3,000,000 - ????
3D 4,100,000 - ????
4D 3,000,000 - ????
5D 800,000 - 1,400,000
6D 500,000 - 1,000,000

1996 - 2002
R Panther Bezel
The trademark of the panther logo was registered in late 1995 so starting in 1996 the TM was replaced by an R with a circle after the panther logo.



2003 - 2009
Patented in U.S.A. Stamped Barrel
After 23 years of being "Made in the U.S.A." Maglite could no longer source enough parts made in America to meet the California definition. As such the barrels are stamped "Patented in U.S.A." instead of "Patented Made in U.S.A." as shown below. Please find more info in the following article: http://maglite.com/maglab/made-in-california-but-not-the-usa



R Panther Bezel
The trademark of the panther logo was registered so this carries over from the prior year.



2010 - 2017
The light receives 2 minor updates, removal of  stamping and an update to the switch. All other features of the 2003 to 2009 lights remain.

Patented in U.S.A. Stamping Removed from Barrel
The "Patented in U.S.A." stamping is abandoned all together. Lights now carry no stamping opposite the serial

Switch Screws Changed
Switches now use a proprietary torx screw instead of the standard hex screw. In the picture below is a torx screw (left) vs a hex screw (right). The bulb holder as well as the retaining screw were both changed but on the bulb holder is visible. In order to disassemble these lights you will need a proprietary Maglite torx key which comes with all new switch assemblies.



I also know that there were minor updates to the letter serial switch around 2000 because there are 2 different types of switches. I haven't been able to get an exact date though. The changes are relatively minor.

2018+
The bezel logo is updated to look more like Maglites LED offerings.

2018 Bezel
The Maglite logo on the bezel is updated to conform with Maglite's new lights. The text is now wider to make the branding easier to identify and the dash has been dropped between Mag and Lite. All other features of the 2010-2017 lights remain. All of the 2018+ lights I've seen are now bi-pin bulbs where as 2017 and earlier lights were a mix of bi-pins and PR base.



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

34 comments:

  1. Hi,

    I´m a flashaolic here in Brazil.
    Your blog its amazing.
    I would like, with your permission, to translate and replicate in our forum about lanterns, about the history of Maglite. Or even I would make a video. Always mentioning your blogger or or whatever location you want. I'm waiting.

    http://lanternastaticas.com.br/
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRdYz9TLpk3pWtSuisruKNA?view_as=subscriber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, the kind words are much appreciated! Absolutely! If you need any help on my end like pics or info please let me know. I'm more than happy to help. My e-mail is liftd2001@gmail.com and that's the easiest way to get in touch with me.

      Delete
  2. Why do i have a "purple" maglite. Almost looks black

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's likely the black annodizing has faded. I have several like that. One is pictured on my 1979 Lights page. If you have pics send them to liftd2001@gmail.com and I can give you some more info. Thanks!!

      Delete
  3. What do you know about rechargeable maglites, i have one that has a tm after the panther head, and pat.pend. u.s.a. on the barrel, this maglite is similar in size to a 3d flashlight, any idea how old it is?, I was thinking 92-95, but the pat.pend. u.s.a. on the barrel has confused me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know too much about these. You're correct the bezel appears to be from 1992 to 1995. I'm not certain about the barrel though. It's possible someone swapped a new bezel onto an old light. It's also possible Mag left the "Paten Pending" stamp on the barrels long after the patent was approved. You can always send the serial number to Maglite and they can provide a date the light was produced. All Mag Charger serials start with the number 1.

      Delete
  4. I recently purchased a Classic Maglite, probably 1988, SN# 60211514, 19 1/2" long, I cannot get the tail cap off so I can put batteries in it. How much do you charge to run through a flashlight and make sure everything is in working order?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, please send me an e-mail at liftd2001@gmail.com with a couple pics and I an give you some prices. My prices are fairly low but shipping is usually $12 each way.

      Delete
  5. jason i just got a 7 D cell lite where the patent pending line is there is PALCO/ACROBILT

    the. serial no is 70002489 canyou tell me what the palco/acrobilt. is. thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can you send me some pics at liftd2001@gmail.com ? Palco and Acrobilt were both Marketing companies in California in the 70s and 80s. I have seen others with their engraving on them but not in that location. I believe these were marketing samples for them.

      Delete
  6. jason. did u get the photos. of the 7 cell lite i sent you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey thanks, for the message no I didn't. Did you send them to liftd2001@gmail.com ? I am very interested in seeing them. Thanks!!

      Delete
  7. Hello Jason I bought a couple maglites at auction and one did not have the head serial number is 50551243 can you tell anything about it and also I'm looking for a head for it if you know anyone who has one. Thanks Jeff

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, that is likely a TM or R Bezel light form the mid 80s. I have plenty of extra heads for these. Shoot me an e-mail at liftd2001@gmail.com. Thanks!!

      Delete
  8. Jason,
    I have a three D cell light with a serial number 31912780 with the "patented made in u.s.a.". Looking for advice on switch replacement. Old switch out, had metal screw-in ring.

    Thanks
    DD Douglas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, these switches are still readily available on ebay for about $10 or so. If you have trouble finding them shoot me an e-mail at liftd2001@gmail.com. Thanks!!

      Delete
  9. Hey Jason, I have a 3 d cell light with the serial number 32160439 and it says PAT. PEND. U.S.A on the other side and I'm looking to replace the switch and maybe the build but I can't figure out which model it is, do you think you could help me?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the comment! The part number for the switch is 108-000-022. Maglite doesn't sell them anymore but you can find them on ebay. The bulb is a PR-3 or any of the Xenon or Argon equivalents.

      Delete
  10. I have a 1980 3 D cell and need to change the switch, can I use a newer switch from 1992 4 cell D model and how does the 1980 switch remove?, seatwizard58@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The 1992+ switches will not fit the 1979 to 1991 lights so it will not work. The switch removes from the front of the light and I have some instructions on them here:

      http://maglitehistory.blogspot.com/2017/07/switch-removal-and-stuck-switches.html

      Best of luck!

      Delete
  11. Tengo una linterna con la inscripciĆ³n. D2034987898. Necesito bombillas. Y si puedo reemplazarla por bombillas led.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, this is my first time in a place like this. (Came here to check what year my newly bought flashlight was, 1992-1995 apparently)
    My dad has told me that in his work he used rechargeable battery powered maglites that could actually make paper smoke because they were so powerful, do you have any idea if this is true?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting! Yes, that is true. There are some videos on YouTube. The old MagCharger incans through a lot of heat. They even used a glass lens and a metal switch instead of plastic.

      Delete
  13. I have a serial #31970783 rechargeable mag-lite if you can tell me the year and switch,lens, button,and battery pack numbers I would greatly appreciate it

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have a old fat barrel 2 D cell that is in perfect working condition. If you want it. Has some ware on it but still works. Email me.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have a 4 D Cell with the circled R with pat in usa and serial no 41805513 which works great but have no idea of age.Would appreciate an age verification as have had it since new.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have a 4 D Cell Maglite with serial number D4006277243. It has what appears to be a chrome head and chrome screw plug, but the rest of it is black. Is this a rare combination of colors? I have seen lots of all black or all chrome (or silver) colored ones, but not this combination of colors. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi I have a maglite 2D with an adjustable mounting fitted to a Heckler & Koch MP5 fore end. I believe that it was used by the SAS to replace the top mounted flashlight that was used on the Iranian Embassy Op Nimrod.It has a serial number of 20777993.

    ReplyDelete
  18. i had a small maglite about 8 " size and it had a black light beam
    i lost it and dont know the model of it or a way to get the bulds or lens for the black/blue light any info you can share ??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am pretty sure you can buy this lens to fit any C or D cell incandescent Maglite. I think they are called IR lenses or something similar.

      Delete
  19. Great document-thanks.
    I have a DL serial maglite. I have been told you cannot get a replacement switch for these-is that true? seems such a waste of metal!

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly that is correct. The LED light engine is manufactured as part of the switch unlike the incandescent lights where the bulb can come out. Maglite won't sell the light engine switch assembly by itself. I'm uncertain why but I think it's because each generation is different and it's too difficult to tell which is which. I almost always buy an incandescent light and convert it myself to LED. You have more choice on tint and brightness and the light can be serviced.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the information. I picked up a 1979 2D serial number 4952 in great condition for 1 dollar.

      Delete
    3. Nice find!! That's a very low serial!

      Delete