Abstract: A discardable flashlight comprises a housing provided at one end with a lampholder assembly and containing a forward battery, which is disposed adjacent to and electrically connected to said lampholder assembly, and a rear battery, which is remote from said lampholder assembly and adapted to be electrically connected in series with said forward battery and said lampholder assembly. Spring means are provided for laterally urging the forward portion of the rear battery to a break position in which it is electrically disconnected from the forward battery. A fingerpiece is provided, which laterally engages the rear battery at said forward portion opposite to said spring means and is manually depressible to push the rear battery to a position in which it is electrically connected to said forward battery.