Anthony "Tony" Maglica (Croatian: Ante Maglica) (born 1930) is the owner and founder of Mag Instrument Inc, the company that manufactures the Maglite flashlight which was designed by Maglica.

The Maglite is a powerful and durable flashlight that has become standard issue gear used by police officers in the USA.

Although born in New York City, Maglica grew up on the island of Zlarin, which is off the coast of Croatia. During the Great Depression his family returned to their homeland.

World War II ravaged Croatia, and in 1950 he returned to the United States, settling in Ontario, California. 

Maglica took up a job as a seamster, followed by a job in engineering. He spent all of his free time working on inventions in his garage. Speaking little English he obtained work as a machinist. While working there, he learned that one of his bosses operated a side business machining hydraulic parts. Tony learned of a metal lathe for sale for $1000 and convinced the seller to accept a $125 down payment, most of his money at the time. In 1955, he opened his own engineering business called Mag Instrument, which soon became the official supplier of mechanical parts for the aviation industry and the military. As his business grew, Maglica began to devote more of his time to developing his own products.

He opened a flashlight factory in 1974, and only four years later, he registered the US patent No 4.286.311 for the now legendary flashlight Maglite. Ever since 1979, this product has been an essential piece of equipment for US police and many security, protection and rescue services due to its uncompromising robustness, functionality and durability. It was even used by the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau and many astronauts. A truly magical lamp.

OŠ "Pavao Belas", Croatia

Ante Maglica.pptx