Antonios Avgerinos Sponge Diving Helmet Ca 1911

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ANTONIOS AVGERINOS
SPONGE DIVING HELMET
CA 1911

DIMENSIONS OF HELMET: 19” H x 13” W x 13 1/2″ D WEIGHT 32 lbs

STAND NOT INCLUDED

Presented is a 4 light, 12 bolt sponge diving helmet by Antonios Avgerinos. This helmet is of particular interest because of the makers tag which appears to be in Greek lettering even though Tarpon is also clearly on the tag. Most examples of this helmet by this maker have this tag in English. Were drawing the conclusion that this is probably a helmet made in his earliest years in Tarpon Springs.

Antonios (Anthony) Avgerinos

Originally from Symi island (b.1860), he appears to have studied helmet making in France. It is reported that he was responsible for innovations in helmet airflow and design, which he incorporated into his quality helmets. At some point, he set up and operated a successful machine shop in Aegina, and island not far from Athens and the Piraeus harbor. He would spend spring and summer working in Aegina and retreat to his home island for winter. In late 1911, he was invited Tarpon Springs to work as a consultant and train new helmet makers. Avgerinos was preparing to travel back to Greece in spring of 1912, as the First Balkan War erupted so he decided to stay on, with his family. Over time he built the reputation of best master helmet maker in the area. Young Anthony Lerios allegedly became his apprentice in 1913, eventually taking over the manufacturing of helmets after the death of Avgerinos in 1930. Lerios passed on the knowledge to his grandson, Nicholas Toth who still builds sponge diving helmets in Florida.

Right & Lefts side of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

Like all used diving gear, this is being sold for DISPLAY ONLY. It should not be dived without having passed inspection by a certified dive shop.

Back of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

CONDITION: The helmet shows its age with a fine green patina and the usual dents indicating many years of use. The brails and windows appear to be original. The air passages are all intact. There are two small tubes soldered onto the shoulders on the breast plate which appear to be there for a lines to pass through. From their aged condition, it appears that his was done at the time the helmet was in regular use. There is a hole under the front window, and we are not aware of why this is present.

Maker’s tag of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

MARKINGS: The makers tag is in Greek lettering indicating that this was probably a very early helmet after his immigration to Tarpon Springs.

Inside bonnet showing the vents

Details of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

Details of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

Details of the Avgerinos Dive Helmet

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