The Thorn Alpha 5 lantern was originally popular, being Thorn's SLI/H lantern of choice. However, with the advent of SOX, and the gradual disappearance of SLI, the Thorn Alpha 5 gradually disappeared as well. Either the lanterns were replaced with SON, or converted to SOX.

However, this lantern managed to escape the purge, and is still wired as an SLI lantern with bulb connectors at both end of the lantern. It also features the slimline bowl, which in my eyes, is the correct, and classic, version of this lantern.

It was obtained as a swap with collector John Thompson.