- 2 Frassetto Way - Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
Peter Benchley Collection - Jaws - A Life of Writing, A Legacy of Stories
Lot 233:
Description
Vintage scuba diving ensemble featuring a two-piece neoprene wetsuit and assorted gear. The wetsuit, branded Fathom, consists of a sleeveless Farmer John style jumpsuit and a matching long-sleeve shorty jacket with a front-entry zipper. The jacket includes zippers at the wrists, while the pants contain a thigh pocket and an integrated knife mounting point on the lower right leg. Included are blue neoprene gloves with matching triple-color stripes and a printed mark on the cuffs reading SEA STYLE. The air delivery system includes a U.S. Divers regulator set. The chrome-plated brass first stage is a yoke-style mount stamped 3000 PSI SERVICE and 191830. The primary second stage features a black housing with a center medallion reading U.S. DIVERS SEA4, and the alternate air source is a yellow housing medallion reading U.S. DIVERS OCTO. The console by Princeton Tectonics features a top yellow-face depth gauge marked to 160 feet and a bottom white-face pressure gauge marked to 5000 PSIG, marked UWATEC SWITZERLAND. The equipment is completed by a U.S. Divers yellow-framed Pacifica mask and a Wenoka stainless steel diving knife with a serrated blade and line cutter. The knife handle is embossed with wenoka and the blade is stamped 8438 STAINLESS JAPAN. Fathom suit: 57" L, shoulders 20", waist 14 1/2", sleeves 22".
From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.
Condition report:
The wetsuit displays significant pilling and creasing throughout the neoprene. The gloves are in poor condition with holes worn through the fingertips and fraying at the stitched seams. The diving mask silicone skirt and strap have turned yellow with age, and the metal band shows surface scratches. The regulator first stage and various hose fittings exhibit heavy green oxidation and corrosion to the chrome plating. The diving knife shows heavy red rust and pitting on the metal pommel and the base of the blade near the hilt. The rubber mouthpieces on the regulator stages are discolored and show signs of perishing.
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