‘DiveScrap’Index
the scrapbook of diving history
TOA was established in Tokyo in 1909. Basically there are 3 different kinds of TOA 12 bolt helmets: 2 are designed for general use and know as ‘Type A’ and ‘Type B’, and the last is for pearl fishing and known as ‘Type C’. There are also 2 different sizes of face plates: ‘ordinary’ and ‘large’. Particulars are given below:
TOA Diving Apparatus Co., Ltd 12 bolt helmets
TOA 12 bolt helmet ‘A Type’: This is an ordinary size helmet, having a vision of 110 mm in diameter and is constructed to meet general uses.
TOA 12 bolt helmet ‘B Type’: This is a large sized helmet, having a wider vision of 121 mm to increase working efficiency.
TOA 12 bolt helmet ‘C Type’: This is a very strong constructed helmet to meet the requirements of pearl fishing industries
Also an 8 bolt helmet was constructed by TOA, this was not meant to be a helmet for use in the conventional (heavy) way but rather a light weight constant volume suit with a ‘hard top’ where a diver could swim with. The 8 bolt helmet is the rarest of the TOA’s and do not seem to be manufactured any important numbers. Since they were meant for swimming their size is smaller then the size of a 12 bolt TOA helmet.
Some years ago I picked up an 8 bolt TOA and to show the differences in size I put it next to a US Navy MK5 helmet. When my kids saw the TOA they were sure it had to be a helmet made for children ...
TOA Diving Apparatus Co., Ltd Helmet Badges
TOA Helmets manufactured before 1944 have a badge marked with ‘SS’, the TOA name cannot be found on these badges.
Most common are the badges marked TOA with a black back ground
Rare are the badges with a blue back ground
The badges with a bright red back ground are usually found on the ‘C Type’ TOA helmets, aka the ‘Pearler’ model. The English text at the badge suggest that these were manufactured for clients outside of Japan.
TOA’s rare 8 bolt diving helmet Photograph David L.Dekker
TOA Diving Apparatus Co., Ltd 8 bolt helmet
Left a ‘Type A’ or ‘Type B’ helmet. In the middle the smaller 8 bolt helmet. Right a diver equipped with the 8 bolt helmet and the suit. The suits seems to have a connection at waist level, like the ‘Bethel‘ and ‘Pirelli’ suits.
Just like the bleu ones these dark red badges are much rarer then the black ones. The reason why is unknown to me, when anyone has an explanation then please share it with the site. Thanks.
TOA badge marked TSK with a Japanese text around the TSK. Exactly when or why the TOA’s were marked TSK is unknown to me but the style of the helmet suggests that it was done in the nineteen forties. It is probably the second style of TOA badge. Any additional info is invited and will be appreciated. TSK marked TOA helmets are shown in the Japanese TSK chapter.
TOA badge marked TSK with an English text suggest that these were manufactured for clients outside of Japan. TSK marked TOA helmets are shown in the Japanese TSK chapter.
