JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung
JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung: A Rare Dive Into Vintage SCUBA History
The JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung, a twin-hose regulator sold by Sears, Roebuck & Co., stands as a fascinating relic in the history of SCUBA diving. Produced under the JC Higgins brand—a name inspired by a Sears employee, John Higgins, with the added “C” for marketing appeal—this regulator was marketed between 1956 and 1958. It rebranded the U.S. Divers Over-Pressure Breathing model and featured unique design elements that set it apart in the growing recreational diving market of the 1950s.
Key Features of the JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung
- Advanced Engineering:
- Two-stage, twin-hose design ensuring reliable and consistent air delivery.
- Distinctive Blue Finish:
- The blue body was a bold departure from the typical chrome finishes of the era, making it instantly recognizable.
- Limited Production:
- Manufactured for only three years, these regulators are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
- Labeling Variations:
- Some models included white labels with green lettering, hinting at potential rebranding efforts or production differences.
Historical Significance and Market Presence
From 1956 to 1958, Sears & Roebuck listed the JC Higgins regulator in its catalogs:
- 1956: Catalog part #6 H 2765, priced at $54.95.
- 1957: Catalog part #6 K 2783, priced at $62.47.
- 1958: Catalog part #6 H 2783, priced again at $62.47.
This price increase of $7.52 between 1956 and 1957 was significant for the time and raises questions about changes in design or manufacturing costs. The description across all three years consistently highlighted its “over-pressure breathing device,” further connecting it to U.S. Divers’ Over-Pressure Breathing regulator.
Interestingly, Sears paused marketing SCUBA equipment in 1959, resuming in 1960 with only pool-related gear like masks, fins, and snorkels.
Connection to U.S. Divers and Early SCUBA Technology
The JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung likely originated from the U.S. Divers DX regulator, which utilized over-pressure breathing boxes and lacked a venturi-assisted inhalation system. This design predates the Mistral regulator, which incorporated advanced venturi technology for smoother airflow.
Other key connections include:
- Emile Gagnan’s Patents:
- The downstream single-stage regulator with a reserve device, which paved the way for innovative models like the VRC-2 50 Fathom in 1959.
- Mistral’s Evolution:
- The name “Mistral” first appeared on later U.S. Divers models and represented an improvement over previous designs like the DW Stream Air.
- Prototyping and Market Testing:
- Limited runs of experimental designs like the JC Higgins may have served as precursors to later advancements in SCUBA technology.
Why the JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung Is a Collector’s Dream
Collectors value this regulator for its:
- Rarity: Its brief production window and unique branding under Sears make it a prized vintage item.
- Design Aesthetics: The eye-catching blue body and unique labeling elevate its appeal.
- Historical Significance: As part of the early recreational diving movement, it represents the ingenuity and adventurous spirit of 1950s divers.
The JC Higgins Aqua-Air-Lung remains a vital piece of diving history, bridging the gap between military-inspired designs and the accessible recreational gear that shaped modern SCUBA diving.
Legacy and Competitive Landscape
While Sears entered the SCUBA market with rebranded regulators like the JC Higgins, other retailers like Montgomery Ward and J.C. Penney followed suit much later.
- Montgomery Ward (1961): Partnered with brands like Dacor and Dräger.
- J.C. Penney (1971): Introduced SCUBA gear in collaboration with Voit.
Sears’ early involvement in the diving industry through the JC Higgins brand showcases their commitment to providing cutting-edge gear to the everyday consumer, laying the groundwork for recreational diving’s growth in the United States.
Today if you can find one of these regulators you can expect to pay in excess of $4000 – $5000 US for a good example.
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