Obsolete old batteries

[Arran]

Ever Ready No. 8 (IEC 2R10) was a 3V battery that first appeared some time in the early 20th century (1912 ish) and was the most popular battery for torches during the mid 20th century. It was also known as Bijou or Duplex because it contained two 1.5V cells.

[Arran]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

Ever Ready 126 (IEC 3R20) was a 4.5V battery with screw terminals and the big brother of the 1289 (IEC 3R12) with blade terminals. It was mainly used in doorbells but was also used to power motorised toys and train sets.

[George 1978]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

Seeing the word "bijou" on the battery in the first post reminded me of that "compact and bijou" phrase in that 1990s Alliance and Leicester advert.

Interesting to see that the price stickers were on the individual batteries back then. I assume that they weren't sold in packaging then.

[Arran]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

This is well and truly extinct. Every Ready No. 800. A 3V battery comprised of two 1.5V cells used almost exclusively for bike lights. The legend goes that they were discontinued in the late 1970s because they were too expensive to make.

[Arran]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

Every Ready Van from the 1970s.

[Twocky61]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

That brings back the memories Arran; thanks for posting

[George 1978]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

It would be great if we saw some old Duracell ones - but then again, they haven't changed much over the years, and they are still going. Literally, in my transistor radio.

[Arran]

Re: Obsolete old batteries

Mercury (oxide) batteries. Once highly prized by photographers for their light meters. Their output voltage was almost completely stable until the battery ran out along with a higher energy capacity than an alkaline battery and a lower cost than a silver oxide battery. They were mainly produced in the form of button or coin cells with a 1.35V output but battery packs were available with higher voltages that were a multiple of 1.35V.

Production of mercury batteries ended in the 1990s due to environmental reasons restricting the use of mercury.

[marc]

Re: Obsolete old batteries



I don't know if this brand is still going, but they were often found in shops that sold cheaper than normal products. I remember buying a pack of two, they lasted barely a week.