RARE BRASS CYLINDERS & LEVER

Construction Iron & brass                          Made Early 20th Century
Overall Dimension Pump 35” H x 12 1/4” W x 6 1/2” D
Single Cylinder                5 1/2“ H x 4“ Dia       
Lever 20“ L x 1” W x 1/2” D                         Markings Miller Dunn, Miami, Fl
Shipping Weight 34 lbs                                                No 1

 

FLAT RATE SHIPPING AND HANDLING to 48 contiguous States, $75.00 

Presented is an example of the original Number 1 Miller - Dunn shallow water dive pump that was used primarily with the Style 1 and Style 2 “Divinhood“ brand dive helmets before they were modified for use by the U.S. Navy in the Number 1 A.

The major difference is the expensive brass cylinders and lever, and the cast iron base having twin pivot points that allowed the cylinders to rock back and forth when the lever was moved from side-to-side. In other words, there is no “rocking beam“ as in the 1A.

This version also has special cast brass supply and return fittings with a barbed end standing proud while the fitting's ends are threaded to accept a 3/4” hose on one end and a plug on the other. Consequently, there seems to be no reason for the barbed fitting. If anyone thinks of a reason, please let us know.

The hand hand operated Number 1 diving pump was operated by a single person and was used in no more than thirty feet of water or one atmosphere of pressure. The cylinders have pistons which have leather washers which provide a flow of air to the diver when the lever is exercised in each direction. Both the lever and cylinders of this version are made of brass and the frame is iron. The iron base was fitted to a wood platform when used. The brass work on this pump has varnish over which has darkened with age and is felt to be original. There are special hose connectors fitted to the cylinders which may not be complete. We have rocked the handle back and forth, but do not feel any air pressure coming out of the supply side. This may be due to the leather washers needing to be replaced. If the pump is intended for use, this best be left to the dive shop which will certify it ready for service.

The pump is being sold for display only and should be sent to a dive shop for certification..

Cylinder tops. Miller-Dunn, Miami, FL, No. 1

BRIEF HISTORY OF MILLER - DUNN DIVING: The Miami, FL. company was founded around 1914 with a focus on shallow water diving using helmets and simple equipment that did not require special training. Its first helmet of consequence, was the No 1 Divinhood first introduced around 1915 which was quickly  adopted for use in all forms of shallow water work. We have sold all versions of these helmets. The original design was simplicity in its most fundamental sense. This was followed by the No. 2 Divinhood which became the U.S. navy's official shallow water diving apparatus, and was part of the ships gear on many naval vessels.

 

In 1939, just before the onslaught of WW II, the No. 3 Divinhood was introduced. It was used by commercial and navy divers worldwide for shallow water work.

 

During the the first days of World War Two only Morse and then Schrader were making dive helmets for the navy. DESCO and Miller-Dunn went into production around 1943 with DESCO becoming the number one producer, and Miller-Dunn making the least. In total only about 7,000 MK V helmets were produced by all four companies during the war years.

 

After the war, the need for helmets decreased dramatically due in part to the large surplus of helmets finding there way to the salvage equipment market. The business of Miller-Dunn was adversely affected and the company ceased operations sometime in the 1960's.

 

CONDITION and MARKINGS:  Marked on cylinder heads in relief, Miller Dunn, Miami, FL, Model 1. Except for some hose adapter parts, and a wood platform, the pump appears to be complete and in excellent condition exclusive of it piston's leather washers.
 
It is being offered as a display item only, and should not be used for any other purpose unless certified by a competent diving shop.

A great addition to a dive collection or to be put back in service after inspection by a certified dive shop.

STANDARD FLAT RATE SHIPPING, INSURANCE & PACKING to 48 contiguous States, $75.00

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if the error is due to our fault.  

International buyers welcome, but must inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nigeria, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

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