Diving Helmet
Production date
1945
Country
Australia
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Object detail
Description
Robinson 'Pearler' Diving Helmet, c.1945 (Australia)
12 bolt, 3 light (window) with square corselet based on the Heinke pattern. Manufactured in Melbourne for the WWII Agency - Commonwealth Savage Board.
12 bolt, 3 light (window) with square corselet based on the Heinke pattern. Manufactured in Melbourne for the WWII Agency - Commonwealth Savage Board.
Classification
MARITIME TECHNOLOGY Diving Diver's helmet
Production date
1945
Production place
Measurements
H495mm x W350mm x D400mm
Media/Materials description
chrome plated copper, brass, glass, leather
Signature/Marks
Moulded manufacturer's insignia (centre front of corselet):
ROBINSON BROS
MELBOURNE
1945
Serial number 46
Serial number to front light (port) No H 2 E
Front and back of corselet is stamped with D↑D
ROBINSON BROS
MELBOURNE
1945
Serial number 46
Serial number to front light (port) No H 2 E
Front and back of corselet is stamped with D↑D
History and use
The Robinson Brothers helmets (manufactured from 1943-1945) were the only Australian made production standard dress diving helmet. Only fifty six (56) Robinson Helmets were made (fifty for the Commonwealth Salvage Board). This helmet was manufactured in 1945 with the serial number forty six (46). The production was subject to a low run, which makes this one of the rarest diving helmets world wide. The unusual clip that tethers the front light (viewing window) is known as a 'monkey puzzle' clip.
Established in 1854, Robinson Bros & Co. Pty Ltd manufacturing engineers, brass founders and coppersmiths manufactured machinery used in the food industry in Melbourne. Founded by James McFarlane Robinson and his brothers in 1854 the firm steadily expanded from plumbering and copper smithing into general engineering. As one of Melbourne's most important engineering companies Robinson Bros constructed railway bridges, gold mining equipment, abattoir machinery and many other diverse pieces of equipment (including the first turnstiles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). The company crashed with the collapse of the land boom and was reconstructed in 1888-94 on a reduced scale. Alfred Deakin was Chairman of Directors during this period. In 1935, Robinson Bros (in liquidation) was purchased by Valentine Henderson of Henderson's Federal Spring Works and operated as Robinson Bros and Co (1935) Pty Ltd until if finally closed in 1973.
Established in 1854, Robinson Bros & Co. Pty Ltd manufacturing engineers, brass founders and coppersmiths manufactured machinery used in the food industry in Melbourne. Founded by James McFarlane Robinson and his brothers in 1854 the firm steadily expanded from plumbering and copper smithing into general engineering. As one of Melbourne's most important engineering companies Robinson Bros constructed railway bridges, gold mining equipment, abattoir machinery and many other diverse pieces of equipment (including the first turnstiles at the Melbourne Cricket Ground). The company crashed with the collapse of the land boom and was reconstructed in 1888-94 on a reduced scale. Alfred Deakin was Chairman of Directors during this period. In 1935, Robinson Bros (in liquidation) was purchased by Valentine Henderson of Henderson's Federal Spring Works and operated as Robinson Bros and Co (1935) Pty Ltd until if finally closed in 1973.
Associated person
Registration number
H3892
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