Spotlight with interchangeable handle

An electric lantern having a detachable handle, said lantern comprising:

• a first handle including a manually actuated latching mechanism capable of selectively holding a magnet in a first or a second position, and a coupling member;
• and
• a beam enclosure physically separate from the handle and including an external coupling member capable of detachably mating with the coupling member on the handle, an internal magnetic switch located proximate the external coupling member so that the switch is closed when the magnet in the handle is in the first position, a battery-powered light circuit electrically connected to the switch, and reflector and lens means, said beam enclosure remaining sealed when said handle is removed.

An electric lantern as in claimm 6, further comprising a second detachable handle including a manually actuated latching mechanism capable of selectively holding a magnet in a first or a second position and a coupling member, said first and second handles having different configurations but each being capable of attachment to the external coupling member on the beam enclosure.