These two are small 2 volt lead acid cells which originally were part of large bank to supply the high tension for a radio.

22 of these all in series would have been needed to supply 45 volts for example.

Originally a switching method would have been employed so the cells would be in seris for H.T or paralled down to say 6 or 12 volts so they could be recharged.

Only a commercial enterprise or a very wealthy enthusiast could afford such a battery bank.

The lead plates and other hardware have long disappeared.

"such a battery bank."

Our language has shifted. Originally, a "battery" meant a bank of cells (usually wet cells) linked in parallel or series. Manufacturers still describe single units as cells - eg "dry cell". The French still keep the distinction between a cell and a battery, but they confuse the picture by also calling a musician's drum kit a "batterie". We've just got used to using "battery" for single or multiple cell packages, though we also use it for a formation of artillery pieces.

Maven

Often have seen single cells such as small watch type cells referred to as a "battery".

There seems now to be no set rules and people refer to them in any way they want.

Don't forget quartz stamping batteries from the gold rush eras.

The gold rush battery still exists. Battery in that context means grouping, as there are several hammers.