Philips WW2 dynamo torch
Philips WW2 dynamo torch side view
Name/Title
Philips WW2 dynamo torchEntry/Object ID
2025.1.869Description
Small steel case dynamo generator torch to be held in the hand. The black handle to push down and engage the dynamo is ridged. The torch is marked Philips; Made in Holland. Type 7424-03. Importee de Hollande. 2 volt 01A.Context
"The flashlight requires no batteries. It is hand-powered using the press-lever, which runs the generator and produces an electric current to light the bulb. An integral lock ensures the lever will stay flat to the body of the flashlight. When German troops invaded Holland in 1940 they found that the large Dutch firm Philips in Eindhoven had capacity to manufacture something that their soldiers, sailors and airmen needed very badly – a no-batteries-required, squeeze-type pocket-size dynamo flashlight (the bulb remains lit as long as you keep squeezing the spring-loaded hand piece). The production was only during 1943 the Germans put the flashlight into production for the Wehrmacht. It got the nickname knijpkat in the Netherlands, meaning “squeezed cat.” It was produced as Type 7424-03 during the war with a steel case painted an olive green colour". Reference - Global War Museum There is also evidence of USAAF crews using them and the Imperial War Museum suggests use by the SOE.Cataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Tools, Identity, Occupation