Diving Helmet
Production date
1927
Country
USA
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Object detail
Description
Miller & Dunn Divinhood Style No, 2, c. 1927
Shallow water diving helmet. Cylindrical in shape, this helmet is recognisable for its two (2) oblique plate glass windows that make up the front light (window).
Shallow water diving helmet. Cylindrical in shape, this helmet is recognisable for its two (2) oblique plate glass windows that make up the front light (window).
Classification
MARITIME TECHNOLOGY Diving Diver's helmet
Maker
Production date
1927
Production place
Measurements
H620mm x W310mm x D340mm
Media/Materials description
Copper, brass, lead, wicking, glass
Signature/Marks
Manufacturer's name plaque (upper right side of hood):
DUNN DIVINHOOD
Navy Standard
U.S. Pat Aug 1916
Foreign Pats Pending
Miller-Dunn Co Miami Florida
DUNN DIVINHOOD
Navy Standard
U.S. Pat Aug 1916
Foreign Pats Pending
Miller-Dunn Co Miami Florida
History and use
This hood is made of 17 ounce hand rolled copper, cylindrical in shape, domed top, with a rolled edge at the bottom to conform with, and fit comfortably over the diver's shoulders, upper chest and back. A lifting (ducking) handle is riveted to the top of the hood and the front is fitted with a heavy bronze frame in which two (2) plate glass windows (light) are located. The windows are made watertight by being set in soft wicking with white lead.
There is an air inlet valve on the right side of the hood and internally there is a copper baffle plate deflecting air towards the viewing window (light), preventing fogging. Small holes pierced in the bottom of the hood permitted the escape of excess air in addition to that which escaped under the helmet (at the shoulders). Broad copper straps are riveted horizontally to the front and back plates on which four (4) 8.25 pound lead weights were hung.
Miller & Dunn Ocean & Salvage Co. Miami, FL. was founded in 1914 with a focus on shallow water diving helmets (hoods) and simple equipmenment. Divinhood No. 1 was simplicity in its fundaemental sense and was given the slogan 'Divinhoods - so simple anyone can use it'. Most commonly used with hand lever pumps in water less than ten (10) metres deep.
By 1927 the company had introduced its second style of hood, the Divinhood No. 2, which became the US Navy's official shallow water diving apparatus and was included as part of the ship's gear on many naval vessels.
Dinvinhoods were also popular amongst yachties and underwater naturalists.
There is an air inlet valve on the right side of the hood and internally there is a copper baffle plate deflecting air towards the viewing window (light), preventing fogging. Small holes pierced in the bottom of the hood permitted the escape of excess air in addition to that which escaped under the helmet (at the shoulders). Broad copper straps are riveted horizontally to the front and back plates on which four (4) 8.25 pound lead weights were hung.
Miller & Dunn Ocean & Salvage Co. Miami, FL. was founded in 1914 with a focus on shallow water diving helmets (hoods) and simple equipmenment. Divinhood No. 1 was simplicity in its fundaemental sense and was given the slogan 'Divinhoods - so simple anyone can use it'. Most commonly used with hand lever pumps in water less than ten (10) metres deep.
By 1927 the company had introduced its second style of hood, the Divinhood No. 2, which became the US Navy's official shallow water diving apparatus and was included as part of the ship's gear on many naval vessels.
Dinvinhoods were also popular amongst yachties and underwater naturalists.
Associated person
Registration number
H3863
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