Photo courtesy of the Clint Green Collection
Visit the Charles Person section to see the helmet made by possibly the same manufacturer.
Introduction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are unclear about who the
original manufacturer of the Ford Helmet may have been. It has been
suggested it was the Brazilian manufacturer Charles Person who was from
Sao Paulo in the East of Brazil. There are striking similarities and
differences between the two helmets. Both are very skillfully made. The
bonnet of the Ford helmet is affixed to the breastplate by 8 nuts and
bolts and a short suit clamped between both parts.. There are four
lights , the top light being quite small in diameter . The three minor
lights are protected by a brass mesh grill whilst the front light a
single bar. The front light or faceplate is serrated to afford a secure
grip whilst fitting or removing. It should be noted here that removable
face glasses are an unusual feature on a shallow water helmet though
possibly deemed necessary as a short dress was used with this type of
helmet. |
|
|
|
|
|
Inside
the helmet there are fine copper air trains leading to the windows from
the air inlet gooseneck. On the outside there is a simple non return
valve fitted. This is in the form of a ball bearing captivated in
position with a brass roll pin. The helmet name is stamped onto the
breastplate and reads FORD AGENCIA P.GROSSA. The logo of course you will
recognize as the FORD Motor Car Company as the helmets were built for
work in and around the Car Plants in Brazil in the earlier and mid part
on the 20th Century. |
|
|
|
|
|
View of the rear of the Ford
Helmet. The weight lugs are of steel as is one of the front ones. We are
not clear if these are original or the original ones were copper the
same as one of the front ones. So far we know of four of these helmets
so if you can help us with more information please email
info@divingheritage.com Visit the Charles Person section to see the helmet made by possibly the same manufacturer. |
|