Re: Old torches - anyone here collect them?
Old batteries were almost certainly a nominal 1.5 volts per cell, and were of the dry Leclanche type as still used today.
The voltage would drop on load, but due to the relatively primitive design of the cell, this drop in voltage was greater than that occurring with a modern dry cell.
As a CRUDE guide, modern dry Leclanche cells average about 1.4 volts per cell on slow discharge (note 1.4 volt heaters for battery valves) and about 1.2 or 1.25 volts per cell on faster discharge (note 3.6 or 3.8 volt torch bulbs for 3 cells, or 4.75 volt or 5 volt for four cells)
Older types averaged about 1.1 volts per cell, though no accuracy may be claimed.
A very few older torches used a "semi sealed" lead acid cell. This was sealed in use by a screw in plug, which had to be removed for charging.
LED torch bulbs that give a good light from a single cell are readily available, my favourite supplier is "the torch site" but many others exist.
The bulbs contain a boost converter.
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