Lot 217B
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Western Europe, Italy, La Spezia, ca. late 1930s to 1950s CE. An incredible early brass, copper, and glass helmet for deep sea diving made by the famous Galeazzi company. This model is the Marina used by the Italian Navy from WWII until the invention and widespread use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) in the 1950s. This was and still is a prized piece of equipment with great charm and superb craftsmanship, these Galeazzi helmets are highly sought after today and scarce to find. This is the 12 bolt Marina with 3 light windows and the verso collar is stamped with the serial number: "33. 7322" and the manufacturer name plaque is on the center front Size: 15" L x 13" W x 19" H (38.1 cm x 33 cm x 48.3 cm); 21" H (53.3 cm) on included custom stand.
Prior to WWII, English made diving equipment had been used by the Italian Navy, however the Italian alliance with Axis powers ended that supply abruptly. The Galeazzi company founder, Roberto Galeazzi had been experimenting with underwater technology for some time in the town of La Spezia, which was a naval arsenal, building and developing devices in his workshop since the 1920s. He had gained attention with his patent for a butoscopic turret structure for submarines in 1926. The Galeazzi company was officially created in 1938 and began producing diving equipment and research systems- including three styles of diving helmets: the Marina, the Grand Luz, and the Titano - the Marina was the standard helmet used by the Italian navy. Roberto Galeazzi was so sure of the quality of his suits that he supposedly remarked: "
if you want to go deeper than a Galeazzi diving equipment you have to dig a hole in the seabed."
Provenance: private Sunset Beach, California, USA collection
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#175548
- Condition: Surface wear commensurate with age and use, minor indentations, abrasions, and areas of green and dark patina. Overall great and scarce condition. Serial numbers and manufacture marks are clear and legible.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |