We brought the iconic style 3 DIVINHOOD to Vortex Springs to explore and swim in the fresh, crystal clear water of a Florida spring. The style 3 DIVINHOOD was patented August 23, 1937 and is the third and final shallow water helmet that Miller Dunn produced. The MD 3 is considered the most popular and best all-around shallow water helmet produced. This helmet is famous today partly due to Art Mckee, a well-known treasure diver, for salvaging the many Spanish galleons wrecked off the Florida keys. The complete cost of this outfit (helmet, weights, pump, and hose) in 1940 was only $250.
The 3 used the same basic design of the 2 previous models; copper helmet with 2 lead weights, heavy enough to allow the diver to walk on the bottom without excess pressure on the shoulders.
The front window is a large, flat, clear glass, causing no distortion, allowing precision work with the cutting torch or picture camera. there are windows on both sides and top. Besides having a full view of the work at hand, side windows make turning the entire body unnecessary, and the top window offers a view of the boat or dock from which the diver is working. Duplate safety glass, amply protected by bronze grating, is used on all 4 windows.
A “bulge” following the general contour of the head has been placed in the back for greater comfort. This recess allows sufficient room to tilt the head backward for complete vision through the top window and freedom from draft from the air inlet.
Another structural improvement is the enlarged contour roll which allows a snug, comfortable fit on the shoulders. This roll is also designed for added strength to the lower part of the DIVINHOOD and will stand rough usage.
Air enters the helmet on the lower side and is guided by a deflector to the front window. Fogging and draft have been reduced to a minimum, and the position of the inlet forms an air safety chamber in case of a cut or loosened hose.
The 4 hook-on weights were now replaced by 2 weights (1 on the front and 1 on the back) shaped to fit closely to the helmet and are secured by large bolts and wing nuts.
The Miller Dunn company was located in Miami, FL. and produced 4 different styles of helmet (3 shallow water hats and the US Navy MKV). More information will be provided about this company and their helmets in upcoming videos, so stay tuned!
While diving in the spring, we had the good fortune of discovering a real-life mermaid! She goes by the name of " Gulf Coast Mermaid " on both Facebook and Instagram. We are so incredibly thankful for her to come swimming by and appearing in this video! Thanks again LaJoy, we look forward to seeing you again in the future!
Facebook: brasshatdiver
Instagram: brasshatdiver