French speakers will know that ‘pile’ means battery in French and Pile Wonder (battery wonder) is a French company that makes batteries and torches, many of which have found their way into British mountaineers’ rucksacks over the years; particularly the head torch version which you’ll find elsewhere in the collection.

Mick Tighe bought this mint condition torch in Bødo, North Norway, for £5.00 in 2013 and was very pleased at that. It probably dates from around 1980 and doesn’t look like it’s ever been used. He got the ‘CAHIER’ text book cover off the internet for £1.00. Great advertising idea.