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

[David Wilson]

Let us now resume our survey of Clasal diving equipment with a review of the Sport snorkel-mask.

Spanish: "MASCARILLA SPORT ref. 1.600. Mascarilla de respiración interna. Equipada con aro metálico de seguridad. Su forma de pantalla panorámica ha sido estudiada para su mayor visibilidad, adaptándose perfectamente. Fabricada con goma extra CLASAL que le da gran suavidad, duración y libertad de movimientos. Se fabrica en los colores del grabado. Precio 90 ptas. Recambios para Máscara Sport Ref. 1.600. 100 Flotador: 1,50. 506 Boya: 18,-. 1002 Correa: 8,-. 1004 Hebillas Especiales: 2,-. 1112 Aro Metálico inoxidable: 10,-. 1501 Sujetador: 10,-. 1601 Cristal: 7,-".
Rough translation: "SPORT MASK ref. 1,600. Internal breathing mask. Fitted with metal security band. Its wide-screen shape has been designed for greater visibility, a perfect fit. Manufactured with superior CLASAL rubber to give great softness, durability and freedom of movement. Manufactured in the colours of the drawing. Price 90 pesetas. Spare parts for Sport Mask Ref. 1,600. 100 Float ball: 1.50. 506 Float valve: 18.00. 1002 Strap: 8.00. 1004 Special buckles: 2.00. 1112 Stainless-steel band: 10.00. 1501 Fastener: 10.00. 1601 Lens: 7.00".

So a rectangular snorkel-mask for maximum breadth of vision and fitted with a metal rim to retain the lens. Two sets of straps to secure the breathing tube and to keep the mask in contact with the face.

 

[David Wilson]

Now for Clasal Unic fins. The name "Unic" suggests that the design is one of a kind.

Spanish: "ALETAS UNIC ref. 2.000. Aletas especiales forma zapatilla, de tipo cuchara especiales, entre los números 26 al 32. Su forma especial se adapta perfectamente. Fabricado con goma extra CLASAL, que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrica en los colores del grabado. Precio 80 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Unic Ref. 2000. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2,—. 2002 Correa 8. —".
Rough translation: "UNIC FINS ref. 2,000. Special slipper-shaped fins, special scoop type, between Continental sizes 26 to 32. Its special shape adapts perfectly. Made with superior CLASAL rubber, which gives it maximum softness and delivery. It is manufactured in the colours of the drawing. Price 80 pesetas. Spare parts for Unic Fins Ref. 2000. 1004 Special Buckles 2,—. 2002 Strap 8. —".

So a pair of semi-closed fins with adjustable heelstrap and extended sole to protect the base of the heel. Continental size range 26-32 will accommodate very small feet and no more.

The fins reappear thus in the children's section of the Clasal catalogue:

Spanish: "ALETAS UNIC ref. 2.000. Aletas especiales forma zapatilla, de tipo cuchara especiales para niños que calcen entre los números 26 al 32. Su forma especial se adapta perfectamente a los pequeños. Son las mejores aletas para niños. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrica en los colores del grabado. Precio 80 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Unic Ref. 2000. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2.—. 1002 Correa 8.—".
Rough translation: "UNIC FINS ref. 2,000. Special slipper-shaped fins, special scoop type for children with a shoe fitting between Continental sizes 26 to 32. Its special shape adapts perfectly to little ones. They are the best fins for kids. Made with superior CLASAL rubber that gives maximum softness and delivery. It is manufactured in the colours of the drawing. Price 80 pesetas. Spare parts for Unic Fins Ref. 2000. 1004 Special Buckles 2.— .1002 Strap 8.—".

Finally, some Clasal Unic fin imagery:

The "scoop" is more obvious in the fin blade shown in the first picture. This patented feature is also seen in the Italian-made Super Perry fin:

So far I have been unable to trace the patent in question, which would have enabled me to offer an explanation of the "scoop". One comment from Facebook's Beltràn Museum: "Clasal made some very original fin models, although probably not very effective in the water".

More Clasal fins at the weekend, very likely the Aquiles and Lepanto models.

 

[David Wilson]

Today we take a look at the Clasal Aquiles and Lepanto swim fins. "Aquiles" is Spanish for "Achilles". In Greek mythology, Achilles (pictured above) was a hero of the Trojan War, the greatest of all the Greek warriors, and the central character of Homer's Iliad. He was the son of the Nereid Thetis and Peleus, king of Phthia. Achilles' most notable feat during the Trojan War was the slaying of the Trojan prince Hector outside the gates of Troy. Although the death of Achilles is not presented in the Iliad, other sources concur that he was killed near the end of the Trojan War by Paris, who shot him with an arrow. Later legends (beginning with Statius' unfinished epic Achilleid, written in the 1st century AD) state that Achilles was invulnerable in all of his body except for one heel, because when his mother Thetis dipped him in the river Styx as an infant, she held him by one of his heels. Alluding to these legends, the term "Achilles' heel" has come to mean a point of weakness, especially in someone or something with an otherwise strong constitution. The Achilles tendon is also named after him due to these legends.

Clasal Aquiles fins:

Spanish: "ALETAS AQUILES Ref. 2.001. Aletas especiales para todas las edades y todos los tamaños de pie. Es recomendable también para pie femenino. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL que le da gran suavidad, duración y libertad de movimientos. Se fabrica en los tres colores indicados en grabado. Precio 120 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Aquiles Ref. 2001. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2,—. 1002 Correa 8,—".
Rough translation: "AQUILES FINS Ref. 2.001. Special fins for all ages and all foot sizes. It is also recommended for female feet. Made with superior CLASAL rubber that gives it great softness, durability and freedom of movement. It is manufactured in the three colours indicated in the drawing. Price 120 pesetas. Spare parts for Aquiles Fins. Ref. 2001. 1004 Special Buckles 2,—. 1002 Strap 8,—".

So adjustable open-heel fins available in black, red or blue. The blades have side rails and three centre ribs for reinforcement. Soft foot pocket for wearing comfort and a full range of sizes to accommodate both the male and the female of the species. The extended sole protects the base of the heel, a feature which may have inspired the product name.

Further Aquiles imagery:

 

[David Wilson]

Second Clasal fin of the day is the Lepanto. The Battle of Lepanto (pictured above by Paolo Veronese) was a naval engagement that took place on 7 October 1571 when a fleet of the Holy League, a coalition of Catholic states (comprising Spain and its Italian territories, several independent Italian states, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta) arranged by Pope Pius V, inflicted a major defeat on the fleet of the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras.

As for the Clasal Lepanto fins:

Spanish: "ALETAS LEPANTO Ref. 2.101. Aletas especiales forma zapato para pies que calcen entre el n.° 39 y el 42. Fabricadas con goma elástica en la parte donde se aloja el pie para que pueda llevarse indefinidamente sin aprisionar. Son las mejores aletas concebidas hasta ahora para adultos y en especial para profesionales. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL lo que las hace suaves y de larga duración. Se fabrica en negro. Precio 125 ptas".
Rough translation: "LEPANTO FINS Ref. 2.101. Special shoe-shaped fins for feet fitting between sizes 39 and 42. Part housing the foot made with elastic rubber so it can be worn indefinitely without binding. They are the best fins designed so far for adults and especially for professionals. Made with superior CLASAL rubber, which makes them soft and durable. Manufactured in black. Price 125 pesetas".

So a pair of black full-foot fins with soft foot pockets with drain holes on top. Side rails and single centre ribs reinforce the blades.

Further Clasal Lepanto imagery:

Clasal Juvenia and Benjamin fins up for review midweek.

 

[David Wilson]

Thanks for the likes, Bigbella and Luis.

Today we begin with Clasal Juvenia fins. The name "Juvenia" probably derives from Latin "juvenis", meaning "young" or "youthful" and hence it will come as no surprise that the fins are intended for teenagers.

Spanish: "ALETAS JUVENIA Ref. 2.200. Aletas forma zapatilla de gran suavidad y duración. Especiales para edades entre 12 y 18 años. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL SUAVE que le hace muy indicado para niños y cadetes. Se fabrica en los dos colores indicados en grabado. Precio 85 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Juvenia Ref. 2.200. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2,—. 2002 Correa 8,—".
Rough translation: "JUVENIA FINS Ref. 2.200. Slipper-type fins of great softness and durability. Special items for ages between 12 and 18 years. Made with superior CLASAL SOFT rubber, making them very suitable for children and young people. Manufactured in the two colours indicated in drawing. Price 85 ptas. Spare parts for Juvenia Fins Ref. 2.200. 1004 Special Buckles 2.—. 2002 Strap 8.—".

So a pair of semi-closed fins whose soles were extended to protect the base of the heels. These fins were designed to be used by teenage snorkellers with growing feet.

 

[David Wilson]

Our second Clasal fins today bear the name "Benjamin". Benjamin (Hebrew: בִּנְיָמִין‎ Bīnyāmīn; "Son of (the) right"), pictured above, was the last of the two sons of Jacob and Rachel (Jacob's thirteenth child and twelfth and youngest son) in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition. He was also the progenitor of the Israelite Tribe of Benjamin. Unlike Rachel's first son, Joseph, Benjamin was born in Canaan according to biblical narrative.

Clasal Benjamin fins:

Spanish: "ALETAS BENJAMIN Ref. 2.300. Aletas especiales novedad forma bota. Su forma especial que se adapta perfectamente a los pies pequeños, queda sujetado por el tobillo lo que impide se desprendan. Son las mejores aletas para niños. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrican en los dos colores que indica el grabado. Precio 60 ptas".
Rough translation: "BENJAMIN FINS Ref. 2.300. Special novelty boot-type fins. Special shape adapts perfectly to small feet, retained by the ankle, preventing it from coming off. They are the best fins for kids. Made with superior CLASAL rubber giving maximum softness and delivery. Manufactured in the two colours indicated by the drawing. Price 60 pesetas".

Spanish: "ALETAS BENJAMIN ref. 2.300. Aletas especiales novedad forma bota para niños que calcen entre los números 28 al 32. Su forma especial que se adapta perfectamente a los pies pequeños, queda sujetado por el tobillo lo que impide se desprendan son muy adaptables para niños. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrican en los dos colores que indica el grabado. Precio 60 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Benjamín Ref. 2300. 2301 Hebillas Especiales 1,50".
Rough translation: "BENJAMIN FINS ref. 2,300. Special novelty boot-type fins for children fitting between sizes 28 to 32. Its special shape adapts perfectly to small feet, retained by the ankle which prevents them from coming off, very adaptable for children. Made with superior CLASAL rubber giving maximum softness and delivery. Manufactured in the two colors indicated by the drawing. Price 60 pesetas. Spare parts for Benjamin Fins Ref. 2300. 2301 Special Buckles 1.50".

So a pair of asymmetrical children's fins with extended soles to protect the base of the heels and the heel straps located further up the ankle for better retention.

At the weekend we shall review Clasal Cisne fins.

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Our second Nauti sub Panoramic mask today has a single built-in breathing tube:

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This model is a replica of the Nauti sub Panoramic model with the additional component of a snorkel socket top right moulded into the thick red plastic rim clamp to receive a single breathing tube. The latter has a red plastic barrel with a bend in the middle to follow the contour of the wearer's head and with a stemmed black rubber ball-valve cage at the supply end to shut off the air and to exclude the water when submerged. As the pictures show, the snorkel can be detached from its socket, enabling it to be replaced by a suitably sized stopper and the snorkel-mask to be converted into a standard mask.

Unusually, the snorkel socket on the top of the mask is on the user's right rather than in its more normal position at the centre or on the left. What is unique about this combined mask and tube, however, is the presence of a compensator for ear clearing via nostril pinching. Of the almost 200 mid-twentieth-century snorkel-masks I have come across so far, none other than the Nauti sub has compensator bosses. Most manufacturers back then eventually stipulated that their snorkel-masks were designed for surface use only, so compensator bosses would have been superfluous. The Nauti sub Panoramic model may have come with a compensator simply because the basic model without the built-in tube was fitted with one. It made economic sense.

More midweek, when we shall review the Nauti sub Spider and Tecnic diving masks. Until then, keep warm, safe and well. The temperatures remain quite cold here in the UK despite the arrival of British Summer Time.

David,

The interesting thing to me is that this mask, with those nose pockets for equalizing, apparently required that the snorkel be a nose-breathing snorkel only. I’m curious how that felt? All the others are full-face for breathing through both with mouth and nose.

SeaRat

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Thanks for the posts, Luis, Pete and WeRtheOcean. Now for Clasal's Carabela, Delfin and Majorca diving masks.

"Carabela" is Spanish for "Caravel". A caravel (above) is a small manoeuvrable sailing ship used in the 15th century by the Portuguese to explore along the West African coast and into the Atlantic Ocean. The lateen sails gave it speed and the capacity for sailing windward. Caravels were used by the Portuguese and Castilians for ocean exploration voyages in the 15th and 16th centuries, during the Age of Discovery. As for the mask of that name:

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Spanish: "LENTE CARABELA ref 1700. Lente para gran turismo submarino. Fabricado con goma extra CLASAL y equipado con aro metálico de seguridad. Se distingue de los demás por su pantalla panorámica que permite una gran visión lateral y vertical, siendo el modelo adecuado para el turismo submarino. Su adaptación es perfecta a cualquier cara. Se fabrica en los colores azul, rojo, verde y negro. Precio 60 ptas. Recambios para Lente Carabela Ref. 1.700. 1002 Correa 8,—. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2.—. 1701 Cristal 7,—. 1113 Aro Metálico inoxidable 10,—".
Rough translation: "CARABELA MASK ref 1700. Mask for grand underwater tourism. Made with superior CLASAL rubber and equipped with a metal ssecurity rim. It is distinguished from the others by its panoramic screen enabling great lateral and vertical vision, being the appropriate model for underwater tourism. Its fit is perfect for any face. It is manufactured in the colours blue, red, green and black. Price 60 pesetas. Spare parts for Carabela Mask Ref. 1.700. 1002 Strap 8,—. 1004 Special Buckles 2.— 1701 Lens 7,—. 1113 Stainless Steel Rim 10,—".

So a rounded rectangular window at the front, which was deemed at the time to provide the widest underwater vision.

Some Clasal Carabela imagery:

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I am curious as to why have the clamp and screw on the bottom rather than on the top? It seems like a diver with a snorkel would be more likely to hit it and hurt him/herself when on the bottom.

 

[John C. Ratliff]

Now for Clasal Unic fins. The name "Unic" suggests that the design is one of a kind.

View attachment 784726​

Spanish: "ALETAS UNIC ref. 2.000. Aletas especiales forma zapatilla, de tipo cuchara especiales, entre los números 26 al 32. Su forma especial se adapta perfectamente. Fabricado con goma extra CLASAL, que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrica en los colores del grabado. Precio 80 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Unic Ref. 2000. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2,—. 2002 Correa 8. —".
Rough translation: "UNIC FINS ref. 2,000. Special slipper-shaped fins, special scoop type, between Continental sizes 26 to 32. Its special shape adapts perfectly. Made with superior CLASAL rubber, which gives it maximum softness and delivery. It is manufactured in the colours of the drawing. Price 80 pesetas. Spare parts for Unic Fins Ref. 2000. 1004 Special Buckles 2,—. 2002 Strap 8. —".

So a pair of semi-closed fins with adjustable heelstrap and extended sole to protect the base of the heel. Continental size range 26-32 will accommodate very small feet and no more.

The fins reappear thus in the children's section of the Clasal catalogue:

View attachment 784727​

Spanish: "ALETAS UNIC ref. 2.000. Aletas especiales forma zapatilla, de tipo cuchara especiales para niños que calcen entre los números 26 al 32. Su forma especial se adapta perfectamente a los pequeños. Son las mejores aletas para niños. Fabricadas con goma extra CLASAL que le da la máxima suavidad y presentación. Se fabrica en los colores del grabado. Precio 80 ptas. Recambios para Aletas Unic Ref. 2000. 1004 Hebillas Especiales 2.—. 1002 Correa 8.—".
Rough translation: "UNIC FINS ref. 2,000. Special slipper-shaped fins, special scoop type for children with a shoe fitting between Continental sizes 26 to 32. Its special shape adapts perfectly to little ones. They are the best fins for kids. Made with superior CLASAL rubber that gives maximum softness and delivery. It is manufactured in the colours of the drawing. Price 80 pesetas. Spare parts for Unic Fins Ref. 2000. 1004 Special Buckles 2.— .1002 Strap 8.—".

Finally, some Clasal Unic fin imagery:

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The "scoop" is more obvious in the fin blade shown in the first picture. This patented feature is also seen in the Italian-made Super Perry fin:

View attachment 784731​

So far I have been unable to trace the patent in question, which would have enabled me to offer an explanation of the "scoop". One comment from Facebook's Beltràn Museum: "Clasal made some very original fin models, although probably not very effective in the water".

More Clasal fins at the weekend, very likely the Aquiles and Lepanto models.

DRW, I tried to patent the “scoop” design in the 1970s, and found that it was already patented. It is possible that this manufacturer (Clasal?) tried to patent it, and could not.

SeaRat

 

[David Wilson]

David,

The interesting thing to me is that this mask, with those nose pockets for equalizing, apparently required that the snorkel be a nose-breathing snorkel only. I’m curious how that felt? All the others are full-face for breathing through both with mouth and nose.

SeaRat

Indeed, John. The presence of the compensator bosses did draw attention to the fact that this model was for nose breathing only.

I've researched mid-twentieth-century snorkel-masks for quite a while now and my conclusion from identifying more than 180 of them is that in most cases it was never clear whether the mask was designed for nose breathing only or whether they were supposed to provide the option of mouth-breathing too.

A number of snorkel-masks were clearly designed to be full-face models because they came with chin-pieces (above), but most didn't and were likely intended to be nose-breathers only.

As a child, I was encouraged to breathe through my nose whenever possible although it was never really explained why. I've noticed articles in recent newspapers extolling the superiority of nose-breathing over mouth-breathing. Among the benefits of the former is the fact that the hairs in the nose filter out undesirable particles in the air before they reach the lungs and that mouth-breathing can lead to dental decay. Mouth-breathing may be necessary when swimming or diving with a conventional snorkel or with scuba apparatus, but it was and is recognised by many as a less desirable form of respiration than nose-breathing out of the water.