The Aqua-Lung DA Aqua-Master #245158

The Aqua-Lung DA Aqua-Master regulator with serial number 245158 was manufactured in 1959, shortly after U.S. Divers began serialising these models starting from serial number 200000 . This regulator is among the earlier serialized units produced.

Key Features of the 1959 DA Aqua-Master:

Hookah Port: Introduced in mid-1958, allowing for surface-supplied air .
Hoses and Mouthpiece: Early 1959 models featured yellow hoses and mouthpieces for enhanced visibility. However, by August 1959, black mouthpieces began to appear, indicating a transition period .
Label: The regulator retained the blue-tabbed label design, consistent with models from this era.
Serial Number Placement: Serial numbers were stamped on the label starting in 1959 .

Historical Context:

The DA Aqua-Master was introduced in 1958 as a two-stage, unbalanced upstream regulator with a venturi assist, enhancing breathing efficiency underwater . It remained in production until 1972, undergoing various modifications to meet divers’ evolving needs and technological advancements.