Basic gear from mid-twentieth-century Italy: Mares and Pirelli

[David Wilson]

4. (1954) One-piece mask with breathing tube fitted in centre

Photograph published on page 70 of in Simon Codrington's 1954 Guide to Underwater Hunting.

5. (1954) The Pirelli

Image appearing on page 140 of Hilbert Schenck and Henry Kendall's 1954 Shallow Water Diving and Spearfishing, whose caption reads: "The most complex swimming mask on today’s market; the Pirelli. The mask covers both mouth and nose, has an integral snorkel with cork float closure, and a comphensating chamber on the back of the head to bleed air into the mask. This mask would be excellent if adapted to use with Aqua-Lung. The mask could be pierced to admit tubes, and a shut off would be needed on the lung for surface breathing. (Courtesy Fenjohn Co.)." Addendum from page 140 of the book: "Several swimmers have taken standard masks and permanently affixed tubes to them, but this means that all breathing is done through the nose, which is tiring as well as conducive to bad swimming habits. A rather interesting mask-snorkel combination is shown in Figure 56. This Pirelli equipment is probably the most elaborate and expensive mask on the market. Instead of using a ping-pong ball to close the tube in rough water, Pirelli uses a cork float arrangement which is more rugged and permanent than the ball. Unlike other masks this one covers the mouth as well as the nose and eyes. The swimmer thus has to depend on the snorkel at all times, and must expel any water that gets into the mask through it. This mask also has a compensating chamber at the back of the head to equalize pressure inside and outside the mask on deep dives. This rig was greeted with mixed emotions, and is probably not suitable for any but experienced gogglers who can spend an hour or so without needing to take the mask off."

6. (1954) Nereide Pirelli

The image above from the 1954 edition of the Rex-Hevea S.P.A. "La Squala" Vademecum del cacciatore subacqueo. Its caption follows in Italian, English and in what I consider a better translation:
Italian: "NEREIDE PIRELLI: la più «tranquilla» di tutte le maschere: cristallo grande tondo, racchiuso da ghiera: carcassa rigida, ampia e con bordo facciale morbido a perfetta adesione: shnorkel a gran sezione, centrale rispetto la carcassa, con chiusura ermetica «a scorrimento» sistema che garantisce assoluta impermeabilità: è costruita in misura unica grande e può essere usata includendo od escludendo la bocca: colori varii. (MAPIMI) Lit. 5.000]. (MANELU) con elem. di contropressione Lit. 6.000. (TUPINE) dispositivo shnorkel Lit. 1.700.
English: "The most dependable of all the masks: a large round crystal with blocking ring; an ample rigid frame with soft facial border perfectly water-tight; large section snorkel in center of the frame, hermetically closed by a «sliding» system which guarantees it proof against leakage: it is made in one size only, large, and may be used either covering the mouth or leaving it free; in various colors."
My translation: "NEREIDE PIRELLI: the “quietest” of all the masks: large round lens with retaining band: wide rigid body with a soft, perfectly adhering facial edge: large-bore snorkel at centre of body, with “sliding” seal system guaranteeing absolute watertightness: large size only and may be used with the mouth covered or uncovered: various colours."

We'll continue at the weekend with this timeline of Pirelli Nereide snorkel-mask related text and image sources. In the meantime, stay safe and well.

 

[Popgun Pete]

I'm grateful for the "likes", guys. And now we move on to Pirelli masks with built-in snorkels.
View attachment 638818
We are going to jump in at the deep end with what is perhaps Pirelli's most famous snorkel-mask, the Nereide. "Nereide" is Italian for "Nereid". In Greek mythology, the Nereids (Greek: Νηρηΐδες Nereides, singular Νηρηΐς Nereis) are sea nymphs (female spirits of sea waters), the 50 daughters of Nereus and Doris, sisters to their brother Nerites. They are the subject of Gaston Bussière's 1927 painting "The Nereids" above. They often accompany Poseidon, the god of the sea, and can be friendly and helpful to sailors (such as the Argonauts in their search for the Golden Fleece). For more information, access their Wikipedia article at Nereid - Wikipedia.

Having researched this mask thoroughly, I have managed to create a timeline of online and printed sources documenting the artefact.

1. (1940?) The photograph Spear Fishing Snorkelers in the Water. Two snorkelers carry their spear guns as they float on their backs in a shallow bay on Jamaica. (Photo by © Bradley Smith/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) posted at Two snorkelers carry their spear guns as they float on their backs in... News Photo - Getty Images:
View attachment 638819
According to the Getty Images page, the above is a Corbis Historical Collection photograph created on 1 January 1940. Personally, I remain somewhat sceptical about this early date.

2. (1949) Nerino Bedini's US patent for a submarine mask for atmospheric and automatic breathing originally filed on 12 September 1947
You can read US patent 2,488,261 for yourself at US2488261A - Submarine mask for atmospheric and autonomous breathing - Google Patents. According to The Pirelli patents: a tale of invention and creativity, "Nerino Bedini patented a “submarine mask for atmospheric and autonomous breathing” in 1947. It was good-looking, comfortable and functional and it appeared in Ian Fleming’s Octopussy of the 007 series. 'You know what?' said Major Dexter Smythe to the octopus. 'You’re going to have a real treat today if I can manage it.' He had spoken aloud, and his breath had steamed up the glass of his Pirelli mask. He put his feet down to the sand beside the coral boulder and stood up. The water reached to his armpits. He took off the mask and spat into it, rubbed the spit round the glass, rinsed it clean, and pulled the rubber band of the mask back over his head. He bent down again.”
View attachment 638820
So there we have a James Bond connection for the Nereide snorkel-mask. And the inventor's first name is "Nerino", which may have prompted the eventual product name "Nereide". Strictly speaking, the patent shows the design of what became a different Pirelli snorkel-mask, the "Oceanina", but the Nereide is still clearly a derivative of this design.

3. (1950) US patent for a submarine mask originally filed by Nerino Bedini and others on 27 August 1947
View attachment 638821
The full US patent 2,534,568 of 19 December 1950 can be accessed at US2534568A - Submarine mask - Google Patents.

Arbaletes are post war, the earliest would be 1943 and these look later guns anyway. The 1940 date is wrong as you say, band ferrules were not invented till later. Divers in 1940 were using spring guns. Quality of the photo is too sharp for 1940.

 

[lowwall]

Did anyone ever state concerns about CO2 buildup in these snorkel masks? It looks like every breath is going to start with a pint or so of your last exhalation.

 

[David Wilson]

Did anyone ever state concerns about CO2 buildup in these snorkel masks? It looks like every breath is going to start with a pint or so of your last exhalation.

From what I've read, most respiratory concerns arising emerged later, during the 1960s when snorkel masks, or "underwater breathing masks", as they were sometimes described in patent titles, were in decline. From what I can gather - and I've never engaged in underwater hunting - spearfishers valued the hands-free advantage that snorkel-masks provided, enabling them to spend most of their time lying on the surface with their eyes peeled for prey without having a sometimes roughly cut snorkel mouthpiece constantly rubbing their gums. Some too preferred nasal breathing to mouth breathing, and the Nereide offered the option of the former with eyes and nose coverage only, allowing the user to keep their mouth closed and outside the mask.

As a rule, underwater products come with both advantages and disadvantages. When I read about modern inventions lacking any drawbacks, I get very sceptical. A few years ago on this forum when they were first introduced, somebody waxed lyrical about dry suit silicone seals, declaring that they would make latex ones obsolete. It didn't take long for the disavantages of the material to emerge after these seals were tested to the limits during ordinary use. While snorkel-masks met the needs of many underwater hunters during the 1950s, many others in the worldwide subaquatic community back then shunned their use. The price and sophisticated gadgetry of the high-end models suggest that professional spearfishermen and the affluent people who spearfished recreationally in the Med and other fashionable spots were prepared to dig deep in their already deep pockets.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks for the responses to my postings about the early days of the Pirelli Nereide snorkel-mask, guys. Today's contribution will continue to chart the fortunes of this product from the mid-1950s based on the historical sources I have at my disposal.

7. (1955) Mask snorkel

The above from Albert VanderKogel with Rex Lardner: (1955) Underwater Sport, p. 23. Also from the tome: "Mask-type snorkels, which allow the diver a choice of how he wishes to breathe, don’t permit the versatile underwater movement that the pipe-types do. When the diver goes under, water is very likely to leak into the mask through the tube and if this happens, he cannot see. Also, unless the face-plate is coated with an antifog compound, warm air from his nose or mouth will condense on it, clouding it. These masks are fine for watching the depths from the surface, but not very handy for diving. Pipe-type snorkels range in price from two to five dollars; mask-type snorkels are from five to fifteen. After being used in salt water, the snorkel, mask, and fins should be rinsed in fresh. Fins and masks should be kept out of the sun." So the author was no fan of what he called "mask snorkels" to distinguish them from what he called "pipe snorkels".

8. (1955) Pirelli “Nereide” Mask

From the Lillywhites of Piccadilly catalogue of the same year: "Pirelli “Nereide” Mask. Famous Italian model for either nose and mouth breathing. Encloses nose and mouth. £7.2.6 inc. 17/6 P.T." P.T. is purchase tax, a precursor of value added tax.

9. (1956) The author in his element

"The author in his element" is the caption to this picture in Cornel Lumière (1956): Beneath the Seven Seas. By way of contrast, Lumière is a snorkel-mask spearfishing enthusiast: "The latest kind of mask is the full-face type, covering eyes, nose and mouth, with a snorkel built into the mask. This breathing device consists of a small, generally plastic, tube leading from the mask to above the head. When the face is in the water, looking down from the surface, one may still comfortably breathe through the tube. A valve attachment closes the tube the moment one dives under and opens immediately upon emerging. This mask is ideal for the beginner and much liked by many experts. First of all, it gives the largest possible field of vision. Secondly, as it covers also the nose and mouth, it is a must for those who have sinus trouble. Thirdly, and this is important, it enables the wearer to keep his face in the water as long as he likes. One breathes through the snorkel and never has to look up or take one’s face out of the water for breathing. This makes it possible to keep both eyes on the target without interruption. It tends to give a feeling of security to know at all times what is going on below. Finally, and this is what counts most, it reduces fatigue by at least 75 per cent. With all the smaller masks and goggles used without oxygen or compressed-air supply, one’s breath must be held every time one looks down into the water. This is rather tiresome, possibly because after a while a slight oxygen starvation may occur. With the snorkel mask, one’s breath is held only when actually diving down. As this is a relatively small part of the time one is spearfishing, a great amount of energy is saved for when it is most needed. The smaller mask and goggles may be used with a loose snorkel, the end of which is held in the mouth. Many swimmers do not like the loose snorkel mouthpiece and prefer the all-in-one full automatic snorkel mask. Here is a tip for the user of the full automatic type, diving for the first time. Naturally, the first impulse upon emerging is to inhale. With a snorkel mask, it is essential to exhale first, when rising to the surface in order to open the snorkel valve. Otherwise one will get a feeling of claustrophobia. There is absolutely nothing to it, provided one knows how to go about it. When you buy, be sure to CHOOSE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT: and remember: I. The very best equipment is a minimum requirement. 2. A reputable dealer will advise you what to buy. 3. Watch out for second-hand bargains. Remember it is your life that may be involved. 4. Built-in snorkel masks are the best. 5. Double rubber-strap guns are the best for general use. 6. Fins must be roomy, neither too stiff nor too supple."

 

[David Wilson]

10. (1957) Pirelli S

From 1957 catalogue of International Divers Corporation based in Canada: "Snorkelmask, ideal for surface swimming or exploring, $16.95." So the mask was exported to North America.

11. (1957) Nereide

From 1957 Lillywhites catalogue: "Famous Italian model for either nose or mouth breathing. Rigid frame with soft facial border, perfectly watertight. Snorkel in centre of frame closes hermetically and guarantees proof against leakage. 90/- inc. 13/1 P.T."

12. (1958) Pirelli

From 1958 catalogue of International Divers Corporation: "Full face mask with single snorkel, $16.95."

13. (1958) Nereide

From 1958 Lillywhites catalogue: "Famous Italian model for either nose or mouth breathing. Rigid frame with soft facial border, perfectly watertight. Snorkel in centre of frame closes hermetically and guarantees proof against leakage. £3. 16. 6 inc. 11/- P.T." Note the large price drop from 90/- (£4 10s) in 1957 to 76/- in 1958.

14. (1958) Nereide

The image above from the 1958 edition of the Rex-Hevea S.P.A. "La Squala" Vademecum del cacciatore subacqueo. Its caption follows in Italian, English and in what I consider a better translation:
Italian: "NEREIDE PIRELLI: particolarmente adatta per chi vuole tranquillamente godersi il panorama subacqueo standosene a pelo d’acqua. Grande cristallo tondo racchiuso da ghiera inossidabile; carcassa rigida, ampia ma con bordo facciale morbido e che aderisce perfettamente al volto; snorkel sistemato nella parte alta e centrale della carcassa e con tubo di presa d’aria a gran sezione; chiusura brevettata «a scorrimento » che garantisce una impermeabilità assoluta. E’ costruita in un’unica misura grande e può essere usata sia includendo che escludendo la bocca."
English: "Particularly adapted for those who wish to quietly enjoy the underwater view remaining on the surface. A large robust glass blocked by an inoxidable ring; rigid frame, an ample but soft facial border which adheres perfectly; snorkel with large section air-tube centrally placed in the upper part of the frame; patented sliding shutter which makes it absolutely water-tight. This comes only in one large size and may either cover the mouth or leave it uncovered."
My translation: "NEREIDE PIRELLI: particularly suitable for those wanting to enjoy the underwater panorama quietly while staying on the surface. Large round lens enclosed by a stainless steel band; rigid body, wide but with a soft facial border and which adheres perfectly to the face; snorkel placed in the upper and central part of the body and with a large-bore air intake tube; patented “sliding” shut-off that guarantees absolute watertightness. Large size only and can be used with the mouth covered or uncovered."

That's plenty for today and I'll continue from 1959 next time, which will be midweek. In the meantime, stay well and safe. My age group has qualified for the vaccine and I received mine yesterday here in the UK after being summoned by a phone call to attend for a first dose at 30 minutes' notice.

 

[Popgun Pete]

As an underwater hunter from the start I can tell you a separate mask and snorkel is the best set up. The snorkel equipped masks have more drag and the mask can be moved around by the drag on the snorkel and valve body in rough surface conditions. Also with separate mask and snorkel you don't have all your eggs in the one basket. You can yell out to someone after spitting your snorkel out and with the snorkel attached with the right type of keeper it will not pull your mask off. Snorkel tubes need to be firm but slightly flexible to give a little if caught on something underwater. Alloy tube snorkels are no good in that respect. If you dive in mill pond conditions then the snorkel masks may be OK, but with crests coming through as surface conditions change you want something that offers the least drag.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks, everybody, for the feedback.

By the late 1950s, the Pirelli Nereide was a familiar presence not only in Italy, where it was made, but elsewhere in Europe and in North America too. At the same time, this snorkel-mask turned out to be a divider of opinion across the worldwide underwater hunting community, as witness Soviet spearfishing writer and practitioner Ol'ga Zhukova in her 1959 opus Подводная Охота (Underwater Hunting):

15. (1959) A "uncorn mask"

Russian: "Маска «единорог», неудобная для охоты и ныряния"
Rough translation: "'Unicorn' mask, neither hunting- nor diving-friendly."
Once again we have some evidence that the diving authorities of the USSR knew what underwater swimming equipment was being manufactured and distributed in the West, while there is no evidence that such gear was ever imported from there to the Soviet Union or anywhere else in Eastern Europe. Ever since Russian and Ukrainian plants began making fins, masks, snorkels, suits and breathing apparatus in the late 1950s, in fact, they refrained from manufacturing either snorkels with valves or swim masks with built-in snorkels. As you have seen, spearfishing pioneer Ol'ga Zhukova dismissed single-snorkel masks as "unicorn masks", even ones as sophisticated as the Pirelli Nereide, and twin-snorkel models as "bicorn masks". This said, many Soviet diving manuals contain images of masks with built-in snorkels to illustrate the complete range of diving masks worldwide. If you want to read more of what Zhukova had to say in her "Снаряжение для охоты под водой" (Underwater hunting equipment) chapter, you can always view the text and images at Снаряжение для охоты под водой. Do not let the language barrier prevent you from doing so: copy and paste the text into Google Translate, which is now much better than it used to be.

16. (1959) Nereide

From Pirelli's 1959 diving equipment catalogue: image above, caption below.
Italian: "MASCHERE PER L’OSSERVAZIONE E LA CACCIA SUBACQUEA, nei colori blu, verde, rosso, come disponibili. 6057/0710* « NEREIDE » (brev.), L. 4.650. 6057/0711* « NEREIDE » (brev.) con elemento di contropressione, L. 5.650. 6097/0712* « NEREIDE » (brev.) con vetro giallo, L. 5.550.6657/0510 Dispositivo di respirazione per maschere « NEREIDE », L. 1.000."
Rough translation: "OBSERVATION AND UNDERWATER HUNTING MASKS, in blue, green, red, as available. 6057/0710 * “NEREIDE” (pat.), L. 4,650. 6057/0711 * “NEREIDE” (pat.) with counterpressure device, L. 5,650. 6097/0712 * “NEREIDE” (pat.) with yellow glass, L. 5,550. 6657/0510 Breathing device for “NEREIDE” masks, L. 1,000."

This is the first Pirelli catalogue I have access to in terms of dating and it is worth noting which end-users the manufacturer identified: underwater observers and hunters, hence shallow-water diving enthusiasts. The "counterpressure" device mentioned in the product description refers to the option of a rubber receptacle located on the mask strap at the back of the head and containing a small air supply dispatched by external water pressure into the mask cavity for compensation purposes.

17. (1959) Pirelli "Nereide" Mask

From Lillywhites 1959 catalogue: "Famous Italian model for either nose or mouth breathing. Rigid frame with soft facial border, perfectly watertight. Snorkel in centre of frame closes hermetically and guarantees proof against leakage. £3. 16. 6 inc. 9/2 P.T." No price rise from 1958.

 

[David Wilson]

Several sources from 1960.

18. (1960) Nereide)

From Pirelli's 1960 catalogue:
Italian: "MASCHERE PER L’OSSERVAZIONE E LA CACCIA SUBACQUEA, nei colori blu, verde, rosso, come disponibili (imballo unitario in scatole di cartone). 6057/0710* « NEREIDE » (brev.), L. 4.650. 6057/0711* « NEREIDE » (brev.) con elemento di contropressione, L. 5.650. 6097/0712* « NEREIDE » (brev.) con vetro giallo, L. 5.550. 6657/0510 Dispositivo di respirazione per maschere « NEREIDE », L. 1.000."
Rough translation: "OBSERVATION AND UNDERWATER FISHING MASKS, in blue, green, red, as available (units packaged in cardboard boxes). 6057/0710 * “NEREIDE” (pat.), L. 4,650. 6057/0711 * “NEREIDE” (pat.) with counterpressure device, L. 5,650. 6097/0712 * “NEREIDE” (pat.) with yellow glass, L. 5,550. 6657/0510 Breathing device for “NEREIDE” masks, L. 1,000."
No change there.

19. (1960) Pirelli Full-Face Snorkel Mask

From 1960 International Divers Corporation (Canada) catalogue: "Pirelli full-face snorkel-mask. Absolutely the best mask of its type. $16.95." High praise indeed. Note the transparent breathing tube and the Pirelli logo printed on the valve.

20. (1960) Pirelli

From 1960 Lillywhites catalogue: "Famous Italian model for either nose or mouth breathing. Rigid frame with soft facial border, perfectly watertight. Snorkel in centre of frame closes hermetically and guarantees proof against leakage. £3. 16. 6 inc. 9/2 P.T." No change.

 

[David Wilson]

Fewer sources as the early 1960s elapse...

21. (1961) Nereide

From a 1961 Pirelli flyer, accessible at atrezzature subacquee d'epoca.
Italian: "Nereide. Maschera a gran facciale con ghiera metallica e speciale dispositivo di respirazione. L. 4.650."
Rough translation: "Nereide. Full face mask with metal band and special breathing device. L. 4,650."

22. (1963) Nereide

From Pirelli's 1963 catalogue.
Italian: "NEREIDE. Circolare, con ghiera metallica e speciale dispositivo di respirazione L. 4.650. NEREIDE con elemento di contropressione L. 5.650. NEREIDE con vetro giallo L. 5.550."
Rough translation: "NEREIDE. Circular, with metal band and special breathing device L. 4,650. NEREIDE with counterpressure device L. 5,650. NEREIDE with yellow glass L. 5,550."

23. (1964) Nereide

From Pirelli's 1964 catalogue.
Italian: "NEREIDE®. Con facciale circolare e ghiera metallica; apposita orlatura per una perfetta tenuta e aderenza al viso. Dispostivo con valvola cilindrica a tampone che consente, con eccezionale facilità, la respirazione fisiologica. L. 4.650. NEREIDE con elemento di contropressione L. 5.700. NEREIDE con vetro giallo L. 5.550."
Rough translation: "NEREIDE®. With circular faceplate and metal band; special hem for a perfect seal and grip to the face. Device with cylindrical pad valve which allows physiological respiration with exceptional ease. L. 4,650. NEREIDE with counterpressure device L. 5,700. NEREIDE with yellow glass L. 5,550."

So we have now reached the mid-1960s in the history of the Pirelli Nereide mask with built-in snorkel. We'll move on to 1965 midweek. In the meantime, stay well and safe.