Nations Attic Winter 2026 Diving Into History

1930s E.J. Willis Snead Shallow Water Diving Helmet Air Pump

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Start price: $250

Estimated price: $500 - $1,500

Buyer's Premium: 20%

Description

An excellent example of a scarce hand-operated air pump originally sold with Snead shallow water diving helmets during the 1930s. These specialized pumps were designed to supply air to divers using Snead’s lightweight shallow water diving equipment.

This example retains its original brass manufacturer’s identification plate, which remains in very nice condition. As shown in the photos, the pump has been refurbished and presents beautifully, complete with its hand crank, a component frequently missing from surviving examples. The mechanism operates smoothly by hand, although the pump has not been pressure-tested for functionality. The pump is bolted to a beautiful wood base, which makes operating the pump much easier. The base measures 20 by 6 inches, overall weight is approximately 25 pounds.

A wonderful and increasingly difficult-to-find accessory, particularly desirable for collectors seeking to complete an original Snead shallow water diving helmet display!

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