Basic gear of the 1950s

[DavidRitchieWilson]

While researching my answer to the Pirelli thread, I chanced upon two Italian-language documents by Fabio Vitale of the Historical Diving Society of Italy describing and illustrating masks, fins and knives of the 1950s. Here are the web addresses:

26 examples of early masks, including 9 with integrated snorkels (Cressi, Mares, Bucher, Savas, Pirelli, Hans Hass, Squale etc)
www.hdsitalia.com/articoli/20_attrezzature.pdf
22 examples of early fins & knives (Pirelli, Mares, Champion, Hans Hass, Cressi, Salvas etc)
www.hdsitalia.com/articoli/21_attrezzature.pdf

Hope this is of interest.

David

[seakrakken]

How cool! ;D I've got a modern black silicone mask that looks just like the Cressi Pinnochio mask from back then. It has the tear drop shaped lenses and all. It's my favorite mask ever. I didn't realize it was retro.

[DavidRitchieWilson]

>I didn't realize it was retro. <

Indeed. As the French say, "plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose", i.e. the more things change, the more they stay the same!

It's amazing what a variety of masks there was back then, several of them with modern-looking designs, others ingenious inventions that didn't pass the test of time. The colour range was broad too. The masks came with white, red, green or blue rubber skirts as well as black. The Cressi Pinocchio was light blue. Nowadays the only choices seems to be black and transparent.

David

[seakrakken]

I took the liberty of grabbing a couple of pics just for illustrative purposes. First the mask I bought which I think looks very similar and then the Cressi Pinnochio mask in the article.





I got this mask because, a friend of mine at work had recommended it for Spear-fishing and snorkleing. I think this mask was made by OceanReef and it's called simply a reef mask. I don't even know if they make it any more. It's recommended for people with wide faces. I've taken to using this mask almost exclusively in the last year.

[nemrod]

I have a Cressi mask just like that. These were made well into the 80s. It is no longer servieable.

Yes, I lament the disapperance of colors other than black and transparent in masks and fins as well. I have owned various mask in blue, yellow, orange, white etc. Like I have asked before--what is wrong with the dive equipment companies today--are they on drugs or something?! You cannot get a wet suit that is not 50 different bizzare colors with logos everywhere but a mask in something other than black or clear---nope. Nemrod

[seakrakken]

;D I guess I just a sicko! I actually like black gear. The local LDS's all push clear silicone which turns yellow after only a few dives. I found that a good rinse in 10% bleach water brightens it back up.

[1969ivan1]

I am with you searakken! I hate those freaky coloured suits. I have to hunt high and low to find a regular basic black wetsuit anymore. My 3mm shorty is getting a little threadbare and I will be having to look all over for a replacement, as I bought the orig from the now defunct performance diver. They had a lot of basic black suits of very high quality and low prices.
BUMMER!

[Bryan]

This mask has also been a favorite of Navy SPECWAR divers since the 60's. To the best of my knowlege Oceanways is their current supplier. The OceanReef mask is identical..... It's my personal choice as well.

seakrakken said:

I took the liberty of grabbing a couple of pics just for illustrative purposes. First the mask I bought which I think looks very similar and then the Cressi Pinnochio mask in the article.





I got this mask because, a friend of mine at work had recommended it for Spear-fishing and snorkleing. I think this mask was made by OceanReef and it's called simply a reef mask. I don't even know if they make it any more. It's recommended for people with wide faces. I've taken to using this mask almost exclusively in the last year.

[Kemps cow]

Bryan,
Cressi still makes the Pinnocio mask.
Maybe the Kemp's cow will get one for the cattle boats in Mexico!
Jl