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Object Timeline

1950

  • Work on this object began.

2008

  • We acquired this object.

2009

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Pilot Star Flashlight

This is a flashlight. It is dated 1950 and we acquired it in 2008. Its medium is chrome-plated metal, glass. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This flashlight has a convex magnifying lens. Some models came with an attachment for holding various screwdriver heads. Its date makes this an early example of a multitasking tool that combines functions for maximum efficiency.
The museum actively collects in the area of personal electronic devices. The collection includes an impressive group of flashlights, many of which were on display in the museum’s exhibition, IDEO Selects: Works from the Permanent Collection. This flashlight is part of a group of electronics proposed for acquisition that would augment the museum’s consumer product design collection.

This object was donated by Max Pine. It is credited Gift of Max Pine and Lois Mander.

Cite this object as

Pilot Star Flashlight; Japan; chrome-plated metal, glass; Gift of Max Pine and Lois Mander; 2008-9-9

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18715199/ |title=Pilot Star Flashlight |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>