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Object Timeline

1941

  • Work on this object began.

1999

  • We acquired this object.

2006

2007

2013

2015

2025

  • You found it!

USALite Swivel-Head Flashlight, 1941

This is a flashlight. It is dated 1941 and we acquired it in 1999. Its medium is plastic, metal. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This object was featured in our Object of the Week series in a post titled A handheld light.

This object was donated by Max Pine. It is credited Gift of Max Pine.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 20.5 x 5.9 x 5cm (8 1/16 x 2 5/16 x 1 15/16in.)

It has the following markings

Molded in battery compartment cap: "USALITE/MADE IN U.S.A."

Cite this object as

USALite Swivel-Head Flashlight, 1941; USA; plastic, metal; H x W x D: 20.5 x 5.9 x 5cm (8 1/16 x 2 5/16 x 1 15/16in.); Gift of Max Pine; 1999-53-12-a,b

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition IDEO Selects: Works from the Permanent Collection.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

For higher resolution or commercial use contact ArtResource.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18678409/ |title=USALite Swivel-Head Flashlight, 1941 |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=4 November 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>