Lights similar to that were used in the Kodak factory to get from machine to machine and to thread machines or deal with jams and misfeeds. Still enough light to do something with if you've been in the dark for a couple hours, but so dim it won't fog film noticeably at reasonable distance and with short exposure.
It might also have been made for ortho or blue-sensitive film in process shops or X-ray labs.
Originally for loading X-ray cassettes with film, now used with B&W paper. I made one and would be lost or fall on something without it. Pretty essential as I keep my darkroom pretty dim.
It might be useful to find things in the darkroom as long as unexposed and undeveloped films or color paper are not out. There is an exception for orthographic film.
It appears to have lived and worked in a darkroom from those stains, I've never seen one of these. Like Sirus said, it would be dandy for finding things in the darkroom w/o turning on all the lights. Assuming you could first find the flashlight in the low light/darkness :]
It might be useful to find things in the darkroom as long as unexposed and undeveloped films or color paper are not out. There is an exception for orthographic film.
Safelight is often dim enough that significant dark adaptation is required to see well. This light would add a little light in the search area without dazzling and without resetting the 15-20 minute time it takes to readapt.
I keep an small amber LED thumb-light (e.g., Photon) in my darkroom apron pocket. Comes in handy for reading my (usually) copious and complicated notes for burning when I forget what I'm doing halfway through... I just switch off the enlarger light, get my LED light out, read my notes and then go back to work where I left off.
Thanks all for info. The light comes with Red, Green and Amber filters. Unfortunately the switch is corroded and non-functional. If anyone wants this let me know.