David Wilson
Contributor
As promised, on to a review of Jopen-Marseille Match fins. We'll start with the Match Standard, which was what I have previous called a "semi-open-heel" fin in this thread.
Match Standard fin
Image 1 above derives from the Lillywhites catalogues of 1959 and 1960. Lillywhites of London was a stockist of Match diving gear. The catalogue description and pricing was as follows: "Match Standard Fins. Floating rubber fin with adjustable heel strap and with heel plate. Extremely comfortable to wear. Colours include blue and black. Four sizes.
Size No. 0 (Baby: EU 26-30). Size No. 1 (Small): £1 17s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960). Size No. 2 (Medium): £2 2s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960). Size No. 3 (Large: EU 42-46): £2 6s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960).
Images 2 and 3 above derive from the fin collection page at ENSEMBLE ENFANT JOPEN MATCH. The site is well worth a visit and includes pictures of regulators as well as basic underwater swimming equipment. As for the provenance of Image 4, it's the Musée Dumas, whose excellent diving museum site can be found at http://museedumas.fr/.
So here we have an entry-level fin in a full range of child and adults sizes with a heel strap and an extended heel plate for added sole protection. The blades are reinforced with tall side rails and one centre rib.
Match Standard fin
Image 1 above derives from the Lillywhites catalogues of 1959 and 1960. Lillywhites of London was a stockist of Match diving gear. The catalogue description and pricing was as follows: "Match Standard Fins. Floating rubber fin with adjustable heel strap and with heel plate. Extremely comfortable to wear. Colours include blue and black. Four sizes.
Size No. 0 (Baby: EU 26-30). Size No. 1 (Small): £1 17s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960). Size No. 2 (Medium): £2 2s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960). Size No. 3 (Large: EU 42-46): £2 6s 6d (Lillywhites, 1959-1960).
Images 2 and 3 above derive from the fin collection page at ENSEMBLE ENFANT JOPEN MATCH. The site is well worth a visit and includes pictures of regulators as well as basic underwater swimming equipment. As for the provenance of Image 4, it's the Musée Dumas, whose excellent diving museum site can be found at http://museedumas.fr/.
So here we have an entry-level fin in a full range of child and adults sizes with a heel strap and an extended heel plate for added sole protection. The blades are reinforced with tall side rails and one centre rib.