Abstract: The present invention concerns an electric lantern preferably of the flashlight type. The lantern uses batteries for a power source, and a switch for selectively activating the lantern. The lantern also has an optical system which includes a bulb and reflector for directing the light in a relatively narrow beam of light. A motor contained in the lantern is used to bring about oscillating movement of the bulb and reflector. This oscillating movement is activated by the switch which can be selectively operated to cause the beam of light to scan a wide, horizontal area. Alternatively, the switch can be activated to power the lamp bulb only-as in a conventional flashlight.