1911 Macduffee diving suit - photo

**Altair** · Apr 28, 2023, 06:07 AM

Chester E. Macduffee next to his diving suit.

Previously:

1880 French diving suit - photo
1946 diving suit manufacturing - GIF
U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet - photo
1896 colorized diving footage - GIF
Ancient Assyrian scuba diving - photo

**IntheGroove** · Apr 28, 2023, 06:45 PM

Never, ever...

**Frank S** · Apr 28, 2023, 10:07 PM

Somehow this iron suit reminds me of a skit from the movie Men of Honor:
Captain Hanks, I have spent most of my life in the Navy trying only to succeed. However, my quest has come at a great personal loss to those who love me. They too have made sacrifices. They too have endured great pains to support me. If I walk these twelve steps today, reinstate me to active duty. Give me my career back, let me finish it and go home in peace.
Captain Hanks: The business of the modern Navy -
Brashear: Forgive me sir, but to me, the Navy isn't a business. It's an organization of people who represent the finest aspects of our nation. We have many traditions. In my career, I have encountered most of them. Some are good, some not so good. I would, however not be here today were it not for our greatest tradition of all.
Hanks: And which one is that?
Brashear: Honor, sir.
[During a live demonstration of Brashear's fitness, Captain Hanks sees him sagging]
Captain Hanks: Navy diver, you will stand down.
Billy Sunday: Diver, you will disregard, this is my detail! [Hanks signals the other admirals, but they quiet him down] Goddammit Cookie, move your ass, I want my TWELVE! [counts as Brasher makes his steps] Nine, a Navy Diver is not a fighting man, he is a salvage expert. Ten, if it is lost underwater, he finds it. If it's sunk, he brings it up. If it's in the way, he moves it. Eleven, If he's lucky, he will die young, 200 feet beneath the waves, for that is the closest he will ever get to being a hero. Hell, I don't know why anybody'd want to be a Navy diver, now you report to this line, Cookie! [Brashear finally makes it] At ease. [sailors help him sit down] Tenders, unhat that diver. [sailors remove his helmet]