The image of a 19th century deep-sea diver in full dress conjures nostalgic feelings of excitement and wonder, which is why nautical home decorations like replica diving helmets make such excellent center pieces and focal points in any living space.
Of course, if you do have a replica diving helmet in your living room, then your guests are more than likely going to strike up a conversation about it. If you want to impress your friends and guests, then you’re going to need to be able to speak authoritatively on the subject. Here are a few facts to help.
The Deane Brothers Created the First Successful Diving Helmet in the 1820s.
Charles and John Deane produced the first successful diving helmet in the 1820s. Originally, the helm was a “Smoke Helmet” meant for firemen. The apparatus was made from a copper helmet attached to a flexible collar and garment. In the rear, there was a long leather hose attached to supply the helmet with air.
Siebe Perfects the Deane Brothers’ Model.
In 1827, German-born British engineer Augustus Siebe built the first of the Deane brothers’ helmets, and a few years later, the brothers asked Siebe to improve their device. The closed diving suit Siebe designed became the first effective standard diving dress, and the prototype of the hard-hat rigs divers still use today. Most of the replica diving helmets available for purchase are replicas of Siebe’s design.
Later Models Looked Like Robots.
Over the course of the next couple decades, inventors and engineers continued to modify the design, or invent their own type of diving suit. Many of these suits that were built in the early 20th century looked a lot like the robots sci-fi writers and artists would imagine and likely inspired them.
Replica diving helmets are some of the most visually-striking nautical decorations around. Using one as a center-piece in any living room will definitely make a huge impression with any visitor, and will more than likely become a topic of conversation. By dropping these neat facts, you’ll be able to impress anyone who asks about your replica diving helmets.
If you know of any other neat facts to mention when talking about replica diving helmets, feel free to share in the comments. See more.