[broadgage]

The 126 "bell battery" did of course have other uses.
Three in series to power a small model railway in the absence of the more usual transformer.
Three in series to power a small 12 volt fluorescent light for camping or in a caravan.

96 or 100 in series to provide the emergency HT supply of about 400 volts to the radio transmitter on board a ship.

During the 1970s power cuts torch batteries were in very short supply as were candles and torches. I purchased a large number of bell batteries to make very basic lights for relatives.
An MES bulbholder attached to the top of the battery with two short pieces of wire and a 3.5 volt 0.25a or 0.3a bulb. Gave enough light for safe movement and was portable.