To view our current inventory of fine vintage dive helmets, click here!

This Fine Vintage Dive Helmet Has Been Sold. Thank you! SNEAD SHALLOW WATER  DIVING HELMET STYLE 2 DIMENSIONS OF HELMET: 21 3/4” H x 11 1/2” W  x 11 1/2” D   WEIGHT 56 pounds   Presented is a Snead shallow water helmet of the style that became the most popular of this company's four styles. It is in its near original condition, and has only the scrapes and blemishes of its years of underwater service, but its overall silver finish is in excellent condition. The helmet is cast in one piece of corrosion resistant iron, and was originally painted yellow. It has a single large front port light which is a recent replacement. In the rear, behind the handle is a small screw bicycle tire type fitting which accepts a hose from a bicycle air pump.  According to the company, this system was effective in shallow water up to 18 feet. It was used for underwater work on vessel's bottoms and in various forms of under water light construction.    Like all vintage dive helmets, it is being offered for display only, and should not be used for any other purpose unless certified by a competent diving shop.  PROVENANCE: From the estate of a second generation hard hat diver, and the son of a member of the salvage team of the 17 month project to refloat the French ocean liner Normandie on the Hudson River that completed in 1947. Not only did the deceased have an incredible hard helmet and diving equipment collection, he also, in his lifetime, managed to assemble an amazing collection of anything related to diving.  The features for the Style 2, as recommended by Dr. William Beebe, esteemed deep sea diver, include: Air intake placed in back of top to remove draft of air on face A baffle plate cast in top to deflect air stream in such a manner as to prevent fogging Shoulder support widened so as to be more comfortable Center of gravity lowered so as to rest more securely Lower portion widened and deepened so as to be more comfortable Vision plate has been raised so as to give larger field of vision     The arrow points to printing on the top of the helmet which has been painted over.  We think it maybe "ELIRO".     HISTORY OF SNEAD: Little is known of this single style dive helmet manufacturer other then Snead helmets were made in Jersey City, New Jersey from as far back as the early 1900's until around 1940. They are made of corrosion resistant cast iron and weigh about 60 pounds depending on style. Over the years, four models were made the last of which was cast in bronze and weighed 71 pounds.   CONDITION and MARKINGS:  Being made of cast iron, it is indestructible except for it plastic face plate which is frequently missing. This one has a newly replaced lens. This helmet, except for some scuffing of it silver paint, looks like when it was last dived. The helmet has not been pressure tested. Cast on the chest, SNEAD. Co., Jersey City, NJ, Pat. Pending. At the top is a name that has been painted over as seen in the picture above.   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 refundable if due to our error within the continental United States. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of 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, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Hebrides (Vanuatu), New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI, Vanuatu (New Hebrides) and the Eastern Caribbean. SHIPPING & PACKING: In the United States a helmet such as this will ship for $135.00 to the 48 contiguous Sates. STANDARD FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.  Copyright 2014 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved