Sussex Police issue belt loop for Maglite torch c1995
Name/Title
Sussex Police issue belt loop for Maglite torch c1995
Entry/Object ID
621
Description
Black leather belt loop with large black plastic ring and black painted metal stud. Marked at rear "MAGR".
Use
To allow a Maglite torch to be carried on a belt.
Context
In the 1970s and 1980s Sussex Police issued military style plastic torches with 90 degree lenses that could be clipped onto clothing. However from the 1980s it became increasingly common for officers to privately purchase torches made by the American company "Maglite". These came in a variety of "D" and "C" cell lengths and were made of machined aluminium. They were popular amongst police officers as they were robust and could in an emergency be used for protection. They also had an adjustable beam and halogen bulbs. Eventually in the 1990s Sussex Police began to officially issue two "D" cell size Maglite torches and with them a purpose made belt loop for carrying them on a trouser bel, such as the one pictured. Over time these torches were replaced with much smaller two "AA" sized Mini Maglites, also supplied with purpose made belt holders.
