Maglite Serial Number Location; On Monday, March 12, 2001, a U.S. Federal trademark registration was filed for MAGLITE by, Ontario, CA 917611083. The USPTO has given the MAGLITE trademark serial number of 76223778. The current federal status of this trademark filing is REGISTERED AND RENEWED. The correspondent listed for MAGLITE is of Mag. Classic Maglite engineering and quality, nice feel in the hand and easy to use and carry. It’s the first torch where I’ve had to read the instructions to make it work. There are four modes, normal, outdoors, law enforcement and tactical. Between 1 to 3 clicks of the button selects high power, low power and strobe. Madrid History Events: Date: Code: Description: 2014-06-26: RENWL: INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION RENEWED: 2014-06-12: ADDCH: CHANGE OF ADDRESS RECEIVED FROM IB: 2010-09-20. Yes, it is definitely a maglite or a maglite fake. (Your thinking of Kel-Lite) The serial number is 'D' and on the bezel it says 'MAG-LITE MAG INSTRUMENTS-ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA, USA' My LED comparison thread with links.
I mainly collect 'non-letter serial' D cell Maglites. What does this mean? Maglites without a D in the serial number are from before 1992. These lights are quite a bit different from the later 'letter serials'. The biggest difference is the size of the light. Non-letter serials have a much thicker body and weigh much more. This gives them the feel of a much more sturdy, durable light. If you've never held one I highly recommend it versus a new Maglite as it feel like a different light entirely. See below for an example of a letter serial versus a non-letter serial.Shown in the above pic is a 3D letter serial (bottom) from around 2000 and a non-letter serial 3D from around 1980 (top). The leading digit, 3, specifies the cell size in the non-letter and the leading D and 3 in the letter serial specifies the cell type and number of cells. The rest of the digits specify the number of the light in the production sequence. All lights started at number 1 and worked their way up. So, the earliest 3 cell light would be 30000001. The non-letter light on top is 30051558 so it is the 51,558th 3D cell light produced. This numbering carried over in 1992 and did not reset when the letter serials came out. Older lights did not differentiate between the cell type in the serial. Newer LED lights will also have other letters on the prefix side as well. This blog is specifically about incandescent lights.
Shown below is a new (1992+) end cap threaded into an old (1990) barrel to show the difference in size. The red barrel is an old production non-letter and the jade end cap from a new production letter serial.
The secondary update was to the switch. From 1979 until 1992 Mag Instrument used a retaining ring switch. The retaining ring was made out of aluminum early on but was changed in 1990 to plastic. The aluminum ring resulted in more difficult maintenance because the retaining ring gets stuck when dirt or corrosion get into it. The aluminum ring also resulted in higher production costs because the aluminum is more expensive to produce than the plastic. The 1992+ letter serial switches use a snap ring instead of a retaining ring which also results in less machining and a lower production cost.
Shown below is a 1979 to 1989 aluminum retaining ring switch on the left, a 1990 to 1991 plastic retaining ring switch in the center, and a 1992+ retaining clip switch on the right. The retaining clip is difficult to remove from the barrel and removal is not needed for most maintenance. It should be noted that Maglite still sells retaining ring replacement switch for older lights but they are now all of the plastic ring variety. The aluminum ring has been discontinued since 1989.
These non-letter serial lights are far less common than the later lights. A new 3D is around a 48,000,000 serial which means Maglite has produced around 48,000,000 3Ds as of this post date. Mag Instrument will actually tell you the date a light was produced based on this serial number although I have a Quick Dating Guide that will give you a rough idea without having to go through Mag.
It's interesting to note that when 1992 rolled around only 4,000,000 of each model, and sometimes many less, were produced when the lights changed to the currently available models. Currently Mag Instrument will sometimes sell 4,000,000 lights of each model a year so non-letter serials are much more rare due to their low production numbers and age.
Check Maglite Serial Number
The variations on the standard black model are also much more rare on the earlier lights. Lights came in far fewer colors and there were far fewer special editions than there are on the newer style lights. I've detailed these here.
Another easy way to tell the difference is the addition of the panther logo on the bezel of the new style lights. According to Mag Instrument a panther represents a creature of the night and was added when the models changed in 1992. Shown below is a new style letter serial with the panther logo on the bezel on the bottom and the older style bezel on top.
Most of us probably have a Maglite of some sort sitting around the house. Known for their superior build quality and durability, Maglite is considered to be the everyday premium flashlight. We will be taking a look at Maglite’s LED line of flashlights featuring the latest Luxeon Rebel LED.
Form Factors
The LED Maglite is available in several form factors and with two kinds of LEDs, and the type of LED is something that should be given some thought as there is a significant difference.
LED
Older lights are frequently still seen on the shelf, so the kind of LED should be noted. The current LED Maglites use the Cree XP-E LED, and previous generation LED Maglites use the Philips Lumileds Luxeon Rebel or Luxeon III LED. The Cree XP-E is brighter and more energy efficient than both Luxeon LEDs, however, older models are often mixed with new stock on retail shelves.
The Luxeon III (left) is larger than the Luxeon Rebel (right). The Cree XP-E is mounted similar to the Luxeon Rebel, and the main difference is the square base of the XP-E. The only way to differentiate between the models is to look down the business end of the light through the clear plastic packaging.
With the D-cell lights, the serial number also indicates the type of LED inside. If the serial number begins with DLXXXXXXXXX, it is either Cree XP-E or Luxeon Rebel. If the serial number begins with DXXXXXXXXXX, it is the Luxeon III. Also, if the packaging mentions interchangeability with incandescent bulbs, then it is the Luxeon III.
Sizes
Here’s the breakdown of the sizes that are available based on LED type:
| Luxeon III | Luxeon Rebel | Cree XP-E |
| 2 AA | 2 AA | 2 AA |
| 3 AA | ||
| 2 D | 2 D | 2 D |
| 3 D | 3 D | 3 D |
| 4 D |
The 2AA light is an exception and is actually available in three different form factors. There are two types of the 2AA with the Luxeon Rebel – one with the flat tail cap (old), and one with the lanyard tail cap (current), similar to the regular 2AA Mini Maglite. The lanyard tail cap is preferable to the flat tail cap due to increased reliability, as well as compatibility with regular Mini Maglite tail caps (making aftermarket accessories such as “clickie” switches usable).
A common question is 2D or 3D? The gist of that decision is personal preference. The 3D is a hefty light, but it has, by far, the longest runtime. The 2D is more compact, but runtime is shorter due to the need for voltage boost. The difference in brightness between the two is not very significant, so considerations should fall on runtime and size.
Pricing & Ordering
Compared to other premium flashlights, Maglites have one major advantage – local availability. At the time of writing, regular price for the 2AA is usually around $20.
Frys and Lowe’s also sell the lights online, but after reading the previous section, you will know that ordering online is not a good idea. I was able to pick up several 2AA lights for about $10 each, at Lowe’s and Home Depot during the year-end holiday sale.
The 2D and 3D models are a little more expensive, at around $30 for either. If you are a Costco member or know someone who is, Costco has a 2AA and 3D twin-pack that is a great deal for $29.99. Again, prices vary by time and location, so this should only be interpreted as an estimate.
In The Box
For the 2AA, included in the blister packaging are: Maglite LED 2AA flashlight, 2 x AA battery, and belt holster.
For the D-cell models, only the light is included.
Batteries
While the 2AA includes two alkaline batteries and the instructions specify that only alkaline batteries should be used, it is not recommended to use alkaline batteries. The reasoning behind this is that no matter the brand, alkaline batteries can and will leak! If the light is stored in extreme conditions, such as in the glove box of a car, the chances of leakage are much higher. Instead, lithium primaries or low self-discharge (LSD) NiMH rechargeable batteries are better alternatives.
Lithium primary batteries, such as Energizer Advanced or Ultimate Lithium, are more expensive, but last longer than alkaline, perform better in cold temperatures, do not leak, and are approximately 1/3 lighter than the average alkaline. The voltages of these batteries are also slightly higher, which leads to increased output compared to alkaline.
LSD NiMH rechargeables, such as the Sanyo Eneloop that popularized low self-discharge, are able to retain charge up to one year. One thing to note about LSD rechargeables is that Duracell Pre-Charged rechargeable batteries that have a white top on the positive end are re-packaged Eneloops, and these are preferred over the black top counterparts. If you’ve ever used rechargeable batteries, you’re probably aware of the extremely high self-discharge rate that could leave the battery half-empty in a short amount of time. LSD rechargeables are an investment that will definitely pay itself off if the light is used frequently.
For D-cell lights, options are more limited, and quality alkaline batteries are a good choice. Rechargeable LSD NiMH D-cells are quiet expensive and difficult to find, though AA to D adapters can be purchased online so that primary or LSD AA’s may be used. Some adapters offer the ability to hold 2 AA’s in parallel, which will greatly increase runtime. In addition, 2 AA’s will be lighter than a D-cell.
The Light
Head
The head features a plastic lens and a smooth reflector. The beam can be focused with a quick turn of the head, and the D-cell models feature continuous cam action so which direction the head is turned will not matter.
For the 2AA model, brightness will decrease beyond a half-turn due to increased distance between the LED and the reflector, but the head can be unscrewed all the way and the light converted into “candle mode”
Body
The entire light is type-II anodized aluminum inside and out. The anodizing helps prevent corrosion, and also electrically insulates the light. (Picture below shows lights with optional anti-roll ring accessory.)
The 2AA light sports a multi-mode switch with four modes: 100%, 25%, blink, and SOS. If the light is needed for an extended period of time, one set of batteries will last for more than a day on 25% mode.
The D-cell lights feature a three position on/off switch: momentary, on, and off.
Tail Cap
D-cell lights with the Luxeon III will have a spare incandescent bulb in the tail cap. For the Luxeon Rebel models, the tail cap is not very interesting and consists of only a spring.
Performance
If you’re an incandescent Maglite user, you will certainly be surprised with the output of the LED Maglite. LEDs give off a cool white color, do not generate as much heat, and are brighter. As with incandescent Maglites, the larger models can be used as a baton if needed, although using the head as the striking surface would not be best as the LED cannot be replaced like a bulb! Below are some beamshots of the lights in spot focus:
Below are ANSI technical specifications for most of the Maglite product line.
Mini Maglite Serial Number Location
| Model | Bulb Type | Lumens | Runtime (High) | Runtime (Low) |
| Solitaire (1 AAA) | Krypton (Standard) | 2 | 3h 45m | – |
| XL50 (3 AAA) | LED (Luxeon Rebel) | 104 | 8h 45m | 36h |
| XL100 (3 AAA) | LED (Luxeon Rebel) | 83 | 5h 15m | 201h |
| XL200 (3 AAA) | LED (Cree XP-G) | 172 | 2h 30m | 218h |
| MAG-TAC (2 123A) | LED (Cree XP-G) | 250 | 4h 30m | TBD |
| 2 AAA | Krypton (Standard) | 9 | 2h 30m | – |
| 2 AA | Krypton (Standard) | 12 | 5h 15m | – |
| 2 AA | Xenon (Optional) | 14 | 5h 15m | – |
| 2 AA | LED (Luxeon Rebel) | 69 | 18h | 31h |
| 2 AA | LED (Cree XP-E) | 63 | 9h 30m | 24h |
| 2 AA Pro | LED (Cree XP-G) | TBD | TBD | – |
| 2 AA Pro Plus | LED (Cree XP-G) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| ML100 (2 C) | LED (Cree XP-E) | 119 | 11h | 43h |
| ML100 (3 C) | LED (Cree XP-E) | 101 | 35h | 98h |
| ML125 (3 C or NiMH) | LED (Cree XP-G) | 186 | 8h 30m | 30h |
| 2 D | Krypton (Standard) | 19 | 10h | – |
| 2 D | LED (Luxeon Rebel) | 114 | 9h 15m | – |
| 2 D | LED (Cree XP-E) | 134 | TBD | – |
| 3 D | Krypton (Standard) | 45 | 10h | – |
| 3 D | LED (Luxeon Rebel) | 104 | 72h | – |
| 3 D | LED (Cree XP-E) | 131 | TBD | – |
| 4 D | Krypton (Standard) | 72 | 10h | – |
| 5 D | Krypton (Standard) | 113 | 11h | – |
| 6 D | Krypton (Standard) | 136 | 11h | – |
| MagCharger (NiMH) | Halogen (Standard) | 221 | 3h | – |
All of the LED Maglites are regulated, which means that as the batteries are depleted and voltage drops, more current is drawn from the batteries to offset the lower voltage, resulting in consistent brightness until the batteries are completely depleted.
Runtime
Maglite Serial Number Search
If you haven’t read our article about runtime graphs and the ANSI FL1 Standard, please click here.
Accessories and Upgrades
Maglite offers a decent variety of OEM accessories for their lights, ranging from belt holders to lamps to traffic wands. I purchased a D-cell and an AA accessory pack, which came with a rubber anti-roll ring that also protects the head and lens from scratches when set down head-first, as well as a set of red, blue, and clear lenses. The D-cell accessory pack also came with a pair of mounting brackets, which I found to be convenient for storing the light. The mounting brackets are quite firm and the light snaps in with a solid THUNK.
Mini Maglite Serial Number Location Diagram
For those with incandescent Maglites, Maglite offers a 3W drop-in LED upgrade for the 2-cell, 3-cell, and 4-cell C or D lights, which uses the Luxeon III LED. This upgrade is being discontinued due to the older LED used, but there are aftermarket upgrades (including some with the Luxeon Rebel LED) available from manufacturers such as TerraLUX. For Mini Maglites, there are no OEM upgrades, but TerraLUX and Nite-Ize make 1W LED upgrades that will certainly improve the light’s usefulness.
Conclusion
These lights are certainly quite handy to have around! The size of the 2AA makes a great every-day carry (EDC) light, or could be handy to keep in glove boxes or emergency kits (with lithium batteries installed, of course). Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or just wandering around the house late at night trying to find your bedroom, these lights are great value and will come in handy, ready for action, for years to come.
Maglite Serial Number Breakdown
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