Torches

The Russians have been making diving lamps since 1853 when a lamp with a candlestick (with 4 candles) and a pipe to the surface for air - no record for how effective this was. In 1868 another lamp was developed, this time with an oil burner and part of the glass made as a lens.

In the 1890's an electric lamp was designed by E.V.Kolbasjev and produced by the 'Kronshtadt Experimental Mechanic and Diving Workshop of the brothers E.V and V.V. Kolbasjevs.

(Source: The History of Russian Diving No.3 by the Historical Diving Society of Russia)

These illustrations come from a 1956 manual. Left: this shows three different types of hand lamps that would be lowered down to the diver and a 'Helmet Lamp' that fixes onto an early pre-handle, 3-bolt helmet. Right: technical specification for the 'Helmet Lamp'.

This helmet light is depth rated to 75 meters and runs of a 26 volt battery or 110 volt generator.

A divers lamp from a 1962 manual - I'm not sure if this is the one, but around this time a deepwater light (type PPS-66) was also made. The PPS-66 was depth rated to 100 meters.

A divers torch from a 1973 manual             The same model with on/off switch showing.

This torch is depth rated to 30 meters and runs of 2.5 volt batteries with a 0.14 amp bulb.

Torch box complete with spares and coloured lenses.     Side view of torch box 

An earlier model - note that this model has no on/off switch. Once the torch head is screwed down the torch remains on - below: torch box with spares and with signalling head attached.