Basic gear from mid-twentieth-century Italy: Other manufacturers

[WeRtheOcean]

a South American bird famed for its large colourful bill

"Just follow your nose! It always knows!"
That's the famous line of another toucan in advertising from way back:

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks, WeRtheOcean, for the further example of the use of the toucan in advertising. I don't think "froot loops" ever made it to the cereal bowls of the UK. We tend to associate Kellogg's corn flakes with the stylised rooster above.

Today's subject is the Mordem range of breathing tubes. There were five models:

The above from the 1972 Mordem catalogue. The names will already be familiar as they have all been used to name Polimare snorkels, which we reviewed earlier in this thread.

The word Grus is Latin both for the bird we know as the crane and the name of a constellation in the southern sky (see above). The Polimare "Grus" snorkel was described as having a "tubo ricurvo", which roughly translates to "curved tube." The Mordem Grus was also a simple "J-shaped tube.

Algol (above) is the name of a bright multiple star in the constellation of Perseus. The Polimare Algol model was an L-shaped breathing tube, which is supposed to be more effective than a traditional J-shaped one in minimising the amount of residual water in the bend when submerged. The Mordem Algol was similar in shape.

The Mordem Air differed from substantially the other models in morphology and is the most original design. For a fuller explanation, see the description of this breathing tube in the 1973 and 1974 catalogues to be reviewed in the next message.

Alcor is the name of a binary star system in the constellation of Ursa Major (above). While the Polimare Alcor was a conventional J-shaped snorkel, the Mordem Alcor was anpther L-shaped design.

Cetus is the name of a constellation (above) that is sometimes called "The Whale" in English. The Polimare Cetus snorkel was a flexible-hose breathing tube of the kind where the soft corrugated rubber mouthpiece drops out of the way when it is no longer in use. This type of snorkel is claimed to be popular with scuba divers because of this feature. The Mordem Cetus was also a flex-hose design.

 

[David Wilson]

Mordem's 1973 and 1974 catalogues complemented the product images with decriptions.

1973

Italian: "BOCCAGLI. Mod. 20278/100 - GRUS. Tubo curvo, terminale fluorescente. Mod. 20278 - ALGOL. Tubo diritto, terminale fluorescente. Mod. 20277 - AIR. E' il boccaglio studiato per i subacquei esperti che ne possono apprezzare la funzionalità. Infatti è realizzato in modo da renderlo comodo e funzionale: la gomma è morbida. la sagoma del boccaglio è relativamente piccola, segue la curvatura dei denti ed ha bordi lisci ed arrotondati; la sezione interna del tubo è costante e liscia per cui non si verificano vortici nel flusso d'aria; la parte centrale è rigida in modo che la cinghietta della maschera non la schiaccia: l'estremità è in gomma flessibile in modo da non fare male ai compagni vicini e a non far rumore dentro le tane. Mod. 20279 - ALCOR. Tubo flessibile in gomma, boccaglio orientabile. Mod. 20278.101 - CETUS. È Tubo diritto, boccaglio corrugato."
Rough translation: "SNORKELS. Model 20278/100 - GRUS. Curved tube, fluorescent top. Model 20278 - ALGOL. Straight tube, fluorescent top. Model 20277 - AIR. It is the mouthpiece designed for expert divers who can appreciate its functionality. In fact, it is made in such a way as to make it comfortable and functional: the rubber is soft. the shape of the mouthpiece is relatively small, follows the curvature of the teeth and has smooth and rounded edges; the internal section of the tube is constant and smooth so that there are no eddies in the air flow; the central part is rigid so that the strap of the mask does not crush it: the end is made of flexible rubber so as not to hurt nearby companions and not to make noise inside burrows. Model 20279 - ALCOR. Flexible rubber hose, adjustable mouthpiece. Model 20278/101 - CETUS. It is a straight pipe, corrugated mouthpiece."

1974

Italian: "BOCCAGLI. Mod. 20278-100 - GRUS. Tubo curvo, terminale fluorescente. Mod. 20278 - ALGOL. Tubo diritto, terminale fluorescente. Mod. 20277 - AIR. E' il boccaglio studiato per i subacquei esperti che ne possano apprezzare la funzionalità. Infatti è realizzato in modo da renderlo comodo e funzionale: la gomma è morbida: la sagoma del boccaglio è relativamente piccola, segue la curvatura dei denti ed ha bordi lisci ed arrotondati; la sezione interna del tubo è costante e liscia per cui non si verificano vortici nel flusso d'aria: la parte centrale è rigida in modo che la cinghietta della maschera non la schiaccia: l'estremità è in gomma flessibile in modo da non fare male ni compagni vicini e a non far rumore dentro le tane. Mod. 20279 - ALCOR. Tubo flessibile in gomma, boccaglio orientabile. Mod. 20278/101 - CETUS. Tubo diritto, boccaglio corrugato.
Rough translation: "SNORKELS. Model 20278-100 - GRUS. Curved tube, fluorescent top. Model 20278 - ALGOL. Straight tube, fluorescent top. Model 20277 - AIR. It is the mouthpiece designed for expert divers who can appreciate its functionality. In fact it is made in such a way as to make it comfortable and functional: the rubber is soft: the shape of the mouthpiece is relatively small, it follows the curvature of the teeth and has smooth and rounded edges; the internal section of the tube is constant and smooth so there are no swirls in the air flow: the central part is rigid so that the strap of the mask does not crush it: the end is made of flexible rubber so as not to hurt nearby close companions and not to make noise inside burrows. Model 20279 - ALCOR. Flexible rubber hose, adjustable mouthpiece. Model 20278/101 - CETUS. Straight tube, corrugated mouthpiece."

So we have now covered the Mordem breathing tube range. Some time midweek we shall tackle a snorkel-mask and a pair of fins made by Mordem. Stay well and keep safe until then.

 

[David Wilson]

I'm grateful for the likes, Jale. And now on to the Mordem snorkel-mask.

1972

1973

Italian: "Mod. 20245/001 - SOMBRERO. Colore nero, cerchietto plastica giallo. Completa di respiratore - adatta per brevi immersioni. Dimensioni cm. 15×13. Mod. 20248/001 - SOMBRERO BABY. Identiche caratteristiche del Sombrero. Dimensioni cm. 14×12."
Rough translation: "Model 20245/001 - SOMBRERO. Black colour, yellow plastic rim. Complete with breathing tube - suitable for short dives. Dimensions cm. 15 × 13. Model 20248/001 - SOMBRERO BABY. Characteristics Identical to the Sombrero. Dimensions cm. 14 × 12."

1974

Ditto description.

So the mask portion of the Sombrero snorkel-mask resembles the Mordem Carina, which we reviewed earlier. Yellow plastic rim, black rubber skirt, oval window, no compensator bosses:

As for the single snorkel, this tube emerges from the top right of the mask and terminates in a hinge-style float valve often called a "Gamma" valve in acknowledgement of the Luigi Ferraro patent.

The snorkel-mask's name "Sombrero" recalls the wide-brimmed hat from Mexico, used to shield from the sun and famously worn by Mexican revolutionary general Sancho Villa in the image below:

Let us not forget, however, about the "Sombrero Galaxy", which is thematically consistent with the naming of other Mordem products after constellations. The Sombrero Galaxy (also known as Messier Object 104, M104 or NGC 4594) is a spiral galaxy in the constellation borders of Virgo and Corvus, being about 31.1 million light-years from our galaxy, within the local supercluster. Image below.

 

[David Wilson]

Our final artefact for review is the Mordem Antares diving fin, which appears to have been introduced in 1966. Here is a sneak preview of the design from 1965 in monochrome:

Italian: "MORDEM presenta la nuova pinna linea 1966... "MORDEM". La pinna Mordem è formata da una pala ondulata con cinque canali inferiori e quattro superiori. La pinna non ha perciò coste di irrigidimento ai lati rendendo così agevole il movimento del piede. I canali oltre a dare stabilità alla pinna orientano il flusso dell'acqua provocando una maggiore spinta con minor impiego d'energia. La Mordem è una pinna d'avanguardia studiata e realizzata dalla Mordem seguendo principi tecnici nuovi convalidati dal maggiori esperti del nuoto pinnato e della caccia subacquea.
Rough translation: "MORDEM presents the new 1966 line fin ... the "MORDEM". The Mordem fin comes with an undulating blade with five lower and four upper channels. So the fin has no ribs for reinforcement on the sides, thus making the movement of the foot easier. In addition to giving stability to the fin, the channels guide the flow of water, generating greater thrust with less energy expenditure. The Mordem is an avant-garde fin designed and built by Mordem following new technical principles validated by the leading finswimming and underwater hunting experts."

So a fin with an unique appearance claiming superior hydrodynamics and a scientific rationale. Here it is in full colour:

1969

Italian: "Dal n. 36 ai n. 45 una nuova pinna dalla linea originale e tecnicamente funzionale."
Rough translation: "From size 36 to size 45 a new fin from the original and technically functional line."

So there we have it as far as Mordem basic gear is concerned. Next time we shall review a different Italian diving manufacturer from the vintage era, probably Tigullio. Until then, keep well and stay safe.

 

[WeRtheOcean]

The snorkel-mask's name "Sombrero" recalls the wide-brimmed hat from Mexico,

Presumably, the galaxy is named for its similar shape. And since, in Spanish, "sombra" means shade or shadow, the hat's name refers quite simply to its purpose in shading the wearer from the sun.

 

[David Wilson]

Presumably, the galaxy is named for its similar shape. And since, in Spanish, "sombra" means shade or shadow, the hat's name refers quite simply to its purpose in shading the wearer from the sun.

Exactly. Spanish "sombrero" is said to be a combination of "sombr-" and "-ero", where "sombra" means "shade" or "shadow" and "-ero" is a suffix possibly indicating "used for". "Sombra" derives from Latin "sub umbra" meaning "in/under the shade".

In English we have through French the word "sombre" (US English: somber) from the same origin and meaning "dark, gloomy".

I agree totally that the Sombrero galaxy is called thus because its shape resembles the very wide brim of a Mexican sombrero hat, whose shape is meant to shield the wearer's head from the intense sun.

In the past, and even currently, we tend to name unfamiliar objects after things that are familiar to us. When potatoes came from the New World to Europe centuries ago, French and German speakers here called them "earth apples" (pommes de terre/Erdäpfel) in acknowledgement of the fact that they looked a bit like misshapen apples and happened to grow beneath the earth.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks for your like, Jale, and for your contribution, WeRtheOcean.

We proceed now to another mid-twentieth-century Italian diving equipment manufacturer: Tigullio. Tigullio sub was headquartered at Via Pisa 79, 16036 Recco (Genova). Recco (image above) is a "comune" in the Metropolitan City of Genoa, region of Liguria, Italy. The company appears to have been named after the traditional region and gulf of Tigullio in the Metropolitan City of Genoa. Part of the Riviera di Levante, it includes the communes of (from West to East) Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Zoagli, Chiavari, Lavagna and Sestri Levante. The name derives from the ancient Ligurian tribe, Tigullii.

The Tigullio advertisements below dating from 1960 are the earliest publicity I have found for the company so far.

As you can see, the company was then based in Santa Margherita Ligure, which was another "comune" (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Genoa in the Italian region of Liguria, located about 35 kilometres (22 mi) southeast of Genoa, in the area traditionally known as Tigullio. So the company was indeed named after its birthplace.

 

[David Wilson]

We shall focus today on one Tigullio mask, the Palomar, pictured thus in the company's 1960 catalogue:

​

And here it is again in some 1960 publicity:

Italian: "'Palomar' la maschera a doppia lastra prismatica in plexiglas che permette di vedere gli oggetti nelle loro esatte dimensioni."
Rough translation: "Palomar' the double prismatic plexiglass mask enabling objects to be seen in their exact dimensions."

So a diving mask permitting nostril-pinching for pressure equalisation and focusing on improved underwater vision. The name "Palomar" means "pigeon roost" or “place of the pigeons” in Spanish.

 

[David Wilson]

In 1962, Italian diving magazine Mondo Sommerso published a review of the Tigullio Palomar mask:

Italian: "Maschera “PALOMAR” TIGULLIO S. Margherita Ligure. Prezzo: con cristallo di sicurezza, lire 1500, con cristallo fucinato, lire 1900. Colore: azzurro, arancione, nero. Volume d’aria: c.c. 180 circa. Visibilità a 5 metri: verticale superiore, m. 3,80; verticale inferiore, m. 1,60 (verticale totale, m. 5,40); orizzontale, m. 14,80; diagonale laterale superiore, m. 4,70; diagonale laterale inferiore, m. 4,30. Zona centrale cieca: insignificante. Descrizione: Maschera in gomma sufficientemente morbida, stampata con alloggiamento esterno per la parte inferiore del naso. Cristallo di forma un po’ squadrata, da 4 mm., foggiato a vaschetta con bordo sagomato che s'innesta in un corrispondente incavo ricavato nella cornice di gomma. E’ trattenuto da quattro morsetti (due superiori e due inferiori molto ravvicinati) di ottone cromato che alloggiano in sedi disegnate. All'altezza del naso, il cristallo presenta una bombatura in continuazione con la sagomatura esterna della gomma. Ai due lati, la maschera presenta due ingrossature sulla costola di rinforzo ove sono agganciate le fibbie per il cinturino. Il cinturino, della stessa gomma della maschera, è sfilabile completamente duale fibbie. Le estremità presentano sulla faccia esterna una serie di rilievi trasversali per evitare che si allentino. La zona centrale del cinturino (quella che appoggia dietro la testa) presenta una lunga fessura per allargare il cintun no stesso e migliorarne l'aderenza. Caratteristiche ed osservazioni. Questa maschera si appoggia al volto con. molta dolcezza, aumentata dalla flangia di tenuta con il volto stesso. La flangia s'interrompe per circa 5 centi metri sotto il naso formando due sacchette vicino ad esso che possono rendere più diflicile l'evacuazione dell’acqua. Comodo l'alloggiamento per il naso, mentre la parte superiore del cristallo può in particolari casi urtare la fronte. Buona l'aderenza alle tempie."
Rough translation: "'PALOMAR' mask. TIGULLIO S. Margherita Ligure. Price: with safety glass, 1500 lire, with forged glass, 1900 lire. Colour: blue, orange, black. Air volume: c.c. About 180. Visibility at 5 metres: upper vertical, m. 3.80; lower vertical, m. 1.60 (total vertical, 5.40 m); horizontal, m. 14.80; upper lateral diagonal, m. 4.70; lower lateral diagonal, m. 4.30. Central blind zone: insignificant. Description: Sufficiently soft rubber mask, moulded with external housing for the lower part of the nose. Lens with a slightly square shape, 4 mm., Shaped like a tray with a shaped edge that fits into a corresponding recess made in the rubber frame. It is held by four clamps (two upper and two lower very close) of chromed brass which are housed in designed seats. At the height of the nose, the lens has a continuous camber with the external shape of the rubber. On both sides, the mask has two thickenings on the reinforcement rib where the buckles for the strap are attached. The strap, of the same rubber as the mask, can be completely removed by dual buckles. The ends have a series of transverse reliefs on the external face to prevent them from loosening. The central area of the strap (the one that rests behind the head) has a long slot to widen the strap itself and improve its adherence. Characteristics and observations. This mask rests on the face with plenty of softness, increased by the sealing flange with the face itself. The flange is interrupted for about 5 hundred meters under the nose, forming two bags close to it that can make it more difficult to evacuate the water. Convenient housing for the nose, while the upper part of the lens can in particular cases hit the forehead. Good adherence to the temples."

Let us leave matters there for today. We shall return to the Tigullio Palomar mask midweek along with the company's mid-1960s mask patents. Until then, stay safe and keep well.