FORSTER POLICE LAMP - BATTERY

[Mike Ricketts]

I have recently acquired a "Forster" lamp isuued to Kent Constabulary (No 3164).

I am assuming that the battery that it took is obsolete, and wondered whether there is any suitable modern replacement? 

Also, is it possible to tell, from the lamp's number, to which station it was issued?

I'd be grateful for any information

 

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Contact Kent Police Museum. They may be able to answer your second question.

Dave.

[Mike Ricketts]

Dave,

Thank you.

I hadn't thought of the the Museum!

Mike

[Jane B]

Hi Mike,

 

The Forster Guardian Hand lamp was used by many constabularies and Fire Services and each had their own divisional badge on the front.  They took two standard D Cell batteries and the on off switch was on a spring to allow it to be used to send Morse code or, if rotated, locked on.  Depending on the model it had coloured lenses that slid over the front (Red and/or Green) to allow traffic to be controlled at night, front or rear lights to be temporarily replaced on a bicycle and two ports to allow it to be used as a continuity tester. I'm afraid the company records did not show the dates for issue by serial number.  I hope this helps a little. Kind regards, Jane Bowland (nee Forster)