Argonaut Kraken Can Labels (NOS)

Argonaut Kraken Can Labels (NOS) Discontinued Collector Labels

If you love the little details that make a regulator feel right, these are it.

Here we have two Argonaut Kraken “can” labels in New Old Stock (NOS) condition. These labels are no longer produced, which makes them a rare, finishing-touch item for collectors, restorers, and anyone building a museum-quality display around the modern classic: the Argonaut Kraken double-hose regulator.

Whether you’re completing a period-correct Kraken presentation, refreshing a display regulator, or simply collecting the hard-to-find accessories that disappear over time, these labels add instant authenticity and visual punch to the face of the can.

Highlights

NOS (New Old Stock): unused, kept as original stock
Discontinued / no longer produced
Museum-display quality finish
Ideal for collector builds, display Kraken rigs, and restoration detail work
Set includes: 3 labels (as pictured/described)

Note: Because these are NOS collector items and production has ceased, availability is limited to remaining stock.

Collector Notes: How Scuba “Can” Labels Changed Over the Years

Scuba regulators—especially double-hose “cans”have worn branding since the beginning, but the way makers applied labels changed a lot as materials, manufacturing, and marketing evolved.

1) Early era: metal badges & embossed plates (1930s–1950s)

Many early manufacturers used metal identity plates or badges because they looked premium and lasted. These could be:

thin stamped metal plates (often aluminium or brass)
embossed branding built into the cover
small riveted plates or retained badges
These suited the era when equipment was closer to maritime hardware than “consumer product.”

2) The “tin plate” look & durable printed metal (1950s–1960s)

As recreational diving exploded, branding got bolder. Some regulators used printed metal plates that gave that classic “tin sign” vibe—durable, glossy, and very “industrial.” Metal labels also handled:

salt exposure better than paper
abrasion from boats and crates
heat and sunlight better than early plastics

3) The sticker age begins: decals and foil labels (1960s–1970s)

As production scaled, companies shifted toward decals and foil stickers:

cheaper and faster to apply on an assembly line
easier to update when logos changed
allowed brighter colours and more “marketing” style design
This is where you start seeing more frequent brand refreshes and model callouts.

4) Water-slide transfers & vinyl decals (1970s–1990s)

For certain gear (and many accessories), water-slide transfers and then vinyl decals became common:

water-slide: thin, painted-on look when done well, but can be fragile
vinyl: tougher, easier to align, and better for irregular surfaces
This era also saw more protective clear coats over decals for longevity.

5) Modern era: high-quality stickers, laminates, and short-run labels (1990s–today)

Today, many niche and enthusiast-built items use:

digitally printed decals
laminated stickers (UV resistance)
short-run production label batches
That’s why discontinued labels—like these Kraken can labels—become collectible fast: once the run stops, that exact look can vanish permanently.