I'll conclude today with the Match combined mask and breathing tube.
Match combined mask and snorkel
The first image derives from a 1959 Lillywhites catalogue. This model appeared in Lillwhites catalogues between 1959 and 1964. A typical caption read: "
Match Combined Mask & Snorkel. Special chin fitting allowing mouth and nose breathing through attached snorkel, with patent valve. Available in white, black and green."
The second image is from a Barakuda catalogue. The snorkel-mask appeared in Barakuda catalogues from 1962 to 1966. Here is a rough translation from the German of the text: "
Combiné-Senior. A full-face mask with a wide, vaulted skirt and very little dead space, providing an excellent, snug fit. A ball valve shuts off the breathing tube when submerged. The headband has a wide adjustment range. The article is fitted with a gold-anodised rim and snorkel-retaining clamp. The unconventional design of the mask, whose skirt also encloses the chin, is an interesting innovation by German standards. Ivory coloured. Safety-glass pane."
And here are some "real-life" pictures of the snorkel-mask:
A few observations on this snorkel-mask:
- It came in two sizes: Junior and Senior.
- It came in a variety of solid colours, including white, black and green.
- It was fitted with a chinpiece enabling it to be used as a full-face mask covering the eyes, nose and mouth.
- It was fitted with a single snorkel opening into the mask at the top centre and terminating at the supply end with a ball valve.
We'll proceed to Match fins in the next posting.