Mike Lev
Contributor
Superman Super Swim Snorkel 1950 NM in Box Original Vintage Complete Super Rare | eBay I would like to have one. Not at this price. I have an adult Superman mask in the box from 50's.
VINTAGE "SUPERMAN" SWIM SNORKEL 1950'S OVER $700
- Thread starter Mike Lev
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David Wilson
Contributor
Must be the highest price reached - so far - for a snorkel - ever! And there are already 8 bids.
The Superman snorkel first became available in 1955 and remained on sale until 1956, if the online newspaper archive I have just searched is anything to go by. I found a couple of relevant ads from 1956:
1. Daily Press, Friday, 3 Aug 1956, p31.
2. The Paducah Sun, Thursday, 21 June 1956, p32.
A rise from $1.23 to $755.00 is quite a price hike! 39 inches is also incredibly long for a breathing tube when the current European Standard EN 1972 of 2015 stipulates a maximum snorkel length of 350 mm (13.78 inches). You might have to be Superman to swim with it below the surface.
Over the years on eBay I've seen similar models branded Riviera and Swim King with much more affordable starting bids:
I have one in my collection. The idea of a long knotted elastic band attaching the tube to the temples without being anchored to the dive mask seems unique to 1950s America. I have never chanced upon a European breathing tube featuring this alternative mode of attachment.
The Superman snorkel first became available in 1955 and remained on sale until 1956, if the online newspaper archive I have just searched is anything to go by. I found a couple of relevant ads from 1956:
1. Daily Press, Friday, 3 Aug 1956, p31.
2. The Paducah Sun, Thursday, 21 June 1956, p32.
A rise from $1.23 to $755.00 is quite a price hike! 39 inches is also incredibly long for a breathing tube when the current European Standard EN 1972 of 2015 stipulates a maximum snorkel length of 350 mm (13.78 inches). You might have to be Superman to swim with it below the surface.
Over the years on eBay I've seen similar models branded Riviera and Swim King with much more affordable starting bids:
I have one in my collection. The idea of a long knotted elastic band attaching the tube to the temples without being anchored to the dive mask seems unique to 1950s America. I have never chanced upon a European breathing tube featuring this alternative mode of attachment.
OP
Mike Lev
Contributor
I have that same swim king also. It's huge. I bet the Superman goes over a grand. Still a few days left. I missed a Superman mask with built in snorkel way back. They have some Superman kid fins in the box on the bay. Not cheap either. Thanks David for the info.
OP
Mike Lev
Contributor
Sold for $1,225.00
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OTF
Coney Island Whitefish Biologist
holy crap a twelve thousand dollar snorkel!
OP
Mike Lev
Contributor
OTF
Coney Island Whitefish Biologist
oops. yeah. but still.
Popgun Pete
Contributor
Probably the original box played a large part in the desirability.
OP
Mike Lev
Contributor
Yes. Most of the time the box is worth more than the item itself. But early Superman stuff is highly collectable. The world's most expensive comic over three millon dollars. Action # 1. I have a Thunderball toy speargun box from the 60's. It goes for over $200 just for the box.
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