US torch, military?

[1stSSLSSAHTexas]

What is this? I know it is a flashlight, but is it military of some sort? I am completely lost.

[SHINDENKAI]

Never seen an orange colored one before.

I am positive that's U.S. military, probably the 40's.

I have two examples that are black and engraved one with USN and the other has RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) on.

Nice !

Cheers!
Taka

[Wagriff]

No mystery about it-it was from the United States Bureau of Mines and bears their seal right on it. Not totally military, but a neat collectable in any case. They were for use around explosive gaseous environments. Does it still work?

[SHINDENKAI]

This is an identical one that I have.





However, I have not yet seen any other example with RCAF other than mine.

Here is an orange example that was sold on x-bay.

WWII Military Safety Flashlight Bakelite Stewart Browne Complete Model F 81X | eBay

Regards,
Taka

[Wagriff]

I believe the Stewart Browne flashlights were also used on ships such as tankers and the like. I do know that Merchant Marine vessels quite often had them on board.