English Diver's Helmet From The End Of The XIXth / Beginning Of The XXth

This is a rare Pearler model, 12 bolts, square plastron by the famous British manufacturer Heinke and Co. The marking engraved on the plastron indicates a manufacture between 1878 and 1922.

The very used condition of the helmet and the presence of 'an “A” engraved on the breastplate suggests that it was first used in England, then consigned to Australia to be reused for pearl fishing.

This fishing method uses the helmet without a drysuit: it is connected to a compressor and simply placed on the diver's head to create an air bubble around his head. This extremely dangerous method was often used to fish for pearls up to 70 - 80 meters deep. She is responsible for numerous accidents and deaths in diving.

The hundreds of hours spent underwater have created a wonderful and rare patina for this privileged witness object of ancient explorations and deep-sea fishing.

Dimensions: 44.7 x 38 x 37 cm / Height with base: 64.5 cm