Swiss Headlamp, Surplus

23,99 €
Out of Stock
5(2)
Product description

In the old days everything was better, expect for the light output! From the country of clocksmiths and goldstashers, we have a proper vintage headlamp for ore prospecting and other spelunking on your claims, or a work light for a home-gynecologist. One-off lot – as these always are.

Headlights now and then: an objective analysis

If we begin to think if they really had it better in the old days through this headlamp, the answer is a resounding "yes indeed!" in a gentlemanly accent.

  • First off, today it's nearly impossible to find good materials like steel, leather or bakelite for that matter.
  • Second, the reliability and simplicity of these old things is superb. You can just about fix this with a pair of pliers or something if some problem arises.
  • With the large battery these will run a long time. While LED lights certainly have their merits, the soft light of the old bulbs doesn't cut to your eye.
  • Now ask yourself, how much light output would you honestly need? What's the light for? Do you have to cast a searchlight over the whole forest, or is it enough to see what's in front of you and possibly more importantly, to let others see you? This lamp is also a very polite choice for cycling use due to its modest beam.
  • Made in Switzerland. This just can't be emphasized enough.

Price comparable to most supermarket headlamps which are all made in China. We also sell those, but they are naturally better.

Features

These also have a couple of features, i.e. you can put them on your head and turn them on. And off too! Also:

  • Adjustable leather headband
  • Sponge-like cushion for forehead
  • Corded, greenish gray metal box for the battery
  • Box has a clip to hang it from your hard hat etc.
  • Place for a spare bulb inside the box (spare bulb might not be included)
  • Uses 4.5V flat battery

Not intrinsically safe

The electronics in this thing have not been insulated from the outside world. So if you walk into a methane cloud in your mine, you may blow up before you suffocate. However there's no reason to panic, we haven't heard of anyone dying using one of this kind of old school lamps. After all, this one is made for field use as well.

Swiss surplus

These lamps have not been used, but they might have some scuffs from decades-long storage. The lamps are from the country where one of its cantons refused women’s voting rights until the 1990s.

Reviews
5(2)

David G.

12.07.2024
Bought one so long ago I can't remember if I got it from here or somewhere else, as yet not actually had cause to use it outside of a functions test once it arrived after purchase and getting my hands on a 4.5v battery. Not sure whether the Swiss had their own swanky 4.5v batteries made to dimensions that fit or if 4.5v battery dimensions have changed since the dark age but had to improvise padding in the battery compartment in order to maintain the contact on the terminal connections as the batteries available today are a touch short. To look at, once power is applied, the bulbs are certainly fairly bright to look at, so if I ever venture into the dark with it I have no fear about it being as much use as a candle in monsoon. The lens cap can to a degree be used as a rudimentary focus adjuster (all the way tight narrow focus / long beam, loosened up wider focus / shorter beam) although playing with the lens cap isn't particularly tactical, if mines anything to go by, as the lens cap is so snug on the threads that it sounds like a rodent or bat being handled in an uncivilised manner. The rudimentary headband is surprisingly comfortable, and being leather isn't likely to suffer the failings of these modern newfangled elastic bands. The cushioning on the head band might, but I'm sure should that deteriorate or get manky in anyway, could be easily replaced.

Sean D.

29.11.2023
Great for lending to your buddy who always steals your headlamp.