DIVING EQUIPMENT & SALVAGE Co.
(Known as DESCO)
“Agar”
Sponge Diver’s Helmet
STAND
NOT INCLUDED
Presented is an “AGAR” Diver Helmet. This helmet, constructed by the Diving Equipment & Supply Co., Inc. (DESCO), was made explicitly for Harry Garman. The helmet’s manufacturer date is 04-17-07, and its serial number is 459. The serial number is present on the neck rings on the bonnet and breastplate.
Dimensions:18″ Ht x 16″ L x 11 ½” W Weight: 31.5 Lbs.
This fine “Agar” dive helmet was made for Harry Garman by Desco in 2007. Harry was a Navy Diver – serving as a DC3 Damage Control Officer 3rd Class, Deep Sea Diver aboard the USS Kidd, a Fletcher Class Destroyer. He was also a master skydiver and self-taught machinist and eventually pursued an aviation career, becoming a captain for Eastern Airlines. During his flying career in the 1980s, he was responsible for returning his crew and passengers safely to the States after a hijacking to Cuba.
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3/4 View Right & Left
The Agar helmet is a variant of the Sponge helmet. DESCO makes Sponge, Abalone, and Agar versions on the same lightweight helmet base. All three of these helmets debuted in the 1945 DESCO catalog. At the time, sponge, abalone, and agar fishing were booming industries. Divers requested some variations depending on the type of industry use.
This Sponge helmet is the classic stripped-down model Sponge divers preferred. It has a non-adjustable rear exhaust valve. The window rims thread into the frames. The Agar helmet uses its own type of exhaust valve, which is rear mounted and single spring type. The valve assembly is fitted with a vertical exhaust tube. The bonnet has screwed-on rims retaining the windows, similar to the Abalone helmet, except there are no guard bars.
(Agar is a substance derived from red algae harvested from the ocean. It was used as a food source in Southeast Asia for centuries. In modern times, agar is used as a medium to grow bacteria cultures in laboratories.)
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Back View
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Serial Number on Neck Rings
