The HDS USA Commemorative Helmet Series.

In recognition of the growing international interest in the traditional copper and brass diving helmet, as perfected by Augustus Siebe in 1840, the Historical Diving Society USA ( HDSUSA ) commissioned an on-going series of diving helmets that commemorate different milestones in diving history. The HDSUSA was formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1992, and is a 501 C (3) not-for-profit educational corporation. It publishes the Journal of Diving History quarterly. The commemorative program was developed in 1994 by Society co- founder Leslie Leaney as part of the Society's fund-raising program.

Each of these commemorative helmets are fully functional items. These are authentic diving helmets, not reproductions. Each helmet is built to the exact standards of the traditional diving helmet, and made by craftsmen of the original manufacturing company. The high standards and limited availability of these helmets have made them very desirable items which have found homes in museums and private collections around the world. Several are on display in the reception or board room of diving companies. Many divers consider these helmets as investments in addition to being a magnificent display item, although some are actually used for diving by their owners.

 

HDS 20th Anniversary Commemorative Galeazzi Helmet.


2012. H.D.S. USA. 20th Anniversary 1992 - 2012 Commemorative Galeazzi Marina diving helmet further details.
 

Hand-crafted in La Spezia, Italy, this model is the standard Italian Navy model, with hand-plannished metal finish in the traditional coppersmith's style. This finish makes for a distinctive and unique look to the helmet. They were commissioned to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the founding of HDSUSA. Each helmet has an individual HDS sterling silver plaque designed by Torgny Jewelers with the helmet serial number in it. The serial number is stamped in Roman numerals on all four straps and on the Galeazzi manufacturer’s plaque. The sequential Galeazzi company serial numbers are stamped in the neck rings. The Galeazzi company was founded in La Spezia in 1938 by Roberto Galeazzi, "The Magician of the Deep," and these helmets are individually constructed by his great grandson, Andrea, at the Galeazzi family workshop. (See the Galeazzi section) They each come with an individual Galeazzi company Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Maria Letizia Galeazzi, Giancarlo Bartoli and Andrea. Considered by some collectors to be the most beautifully crafted of all diving helmets, Galeazzi remains one of the world's most sought after diving helmets. A Limited Edition of 20 individually numbered helmets. Contact products@hds.org for pricing and availability.

From an article which first appeared in The Journal of Diving History Spring 2012, Volume 20, Issue 2, Number 71


 

Visit The Historical Diving Society website at http://www.hds.org

 

Continue to Part 2 of the Historical Diving Society’s Commemorative Helmet Section

Continue to Part 3 of the Historical Diving Society’s Commemorative Helmet Section

Continue to Part 4 of the Historical Diving Society’s Commemorative Helmet Section