DA Aqua-Master no serial number
The Aqua-Lung DA Aqua-Master is a vintage two-stage regulator first introduced by U.S. Divers in 1958 as a successor to the DA Navy Type and DA Navy Approved regulators. This model became one of the most iconic regulators in diving history, known for its reliability, ease of breathing, and widespread use among both recreational and professional divers.
No Serial Number: Early Production Models
If you have a DA Aqua-Master without a serial number, it likely belongs to the very first production run in 1958. During this initial release, the regulator featured a blue tab nameplate but lacked any serial number stamping. This was a unique characteristic of the earliest Aqua-Master regulators before serial numbering began in 1959.
Key Features of Early DA Aqua-Master Regulators (1958-1959)
- Blue Tab Nameplate – The early Aqua-Masters had a distinct blue tab label, distinguishing them from later variations.
- No Serial Number – The very first regulators did not have serial numbers stamped on the label.
- No Hookah Port (Initially) – The first versions lacked a hookah port, which was later introduced in mid-1958.
- Chrome-Plated Brass Construction – Like all DA Aqua-Masters, early versions featured durable metal components.
- Unbalanced Two-Stage Design – It used an unbalanced upstream valve, requiring an increase in intermediate pressure as the tank pressure dropped.
- Venturi Assist – The regulator included an internal venturi effect, improving airflow and reducing breathing resistance.
Introduction of Serial Numbers
By 1959, U.S. Divers began assigning serial numbers, starting around 200000. This was likely done for quality control and tracking purposes, allowing the company to monitor production batches and improvements. Regulators from this era are still highly sought after, but those without serial numbers are even rarer.
Collectability & Value
A DA Aqua-Master without a serial number is considered a rare and highly collectible piece of diving history. Collectors value these early models due to their historical significance, as they mark the transition from the DA Navy Approved to the Aqua-Master line. The absence of a serial number makes them harder to authenticate, but they can often be identified by their blue tab label.
If you have one of these early models, it is an excellent candidate for restoration or display in a vintage scuba gear collection.
Follow us
