CG-45 Military Regulator no label

La Spirotechnique CG45 Military No Label Regulator: A Collector’s Guide

Introduction to the La Spirotechnique CG45

The La Spirotechnique CG45 regulator is a landmark in the history of vintage scuba diving equipment. Introduced in 1946, it was developed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan under La Spirotechnique, a division of Air Liquide. This was the first mass-produced two-stage scuba regulator, changing the landscape of underwater exploration.

The name CG45 stands for Cousteau-Gagnan 1945, marking the patent year. The twin-hose regulator saw widespread use by military, commercial, and recreational divers from 1946 to 1955 before being replaced by more advanced models like the Mistral regulator.

What Is the Military No Label CG45 Regulator?

Among the various CG45 variants, the Military No Label CG45 is the rarest. Produced in 1946, these regulators lacked the traditional La Spirotechnique brand plate. Instead, they featured serial numbers stamped directly onto the exhalation bowl or high-pressure body near the yoke.

Why Were Some CG45 Regulators Produced Without Labels?

The absence of branding has led to speculation that these regulators were built for military use, possibly for the French Navy’s combat divers. However, official records proving this theory remain elusive.

In 1947, La Spirotechnique added a metallic identification plate to all CG45 regulators. These plates contained the following details:

SCAPHANDRE AUTONOME
COUSTEAU-GAGNAN
BREVETÉ S.G.D.G
SPIROTECHNIQUE
S.A.R.L
6, Rue Cognacq Jay, Paris VII
No. XXX

Once the plate became standard, the Military No Label CG45 disappeared from production, making existing models highly valuable collectibles.

Technical Specifications of the CG45 Regulator

The CG45 twin-hose regulator was built for open-circuit scuba systems. It used a two-stage pressure reduction system, allowing divers to breathe efficiently at different depths.

Key Specifications:

Type: Two-stage, twin-hose scuba regulator
Operating Pressure: 150–200 bar (2175–2900 psi)
First Stage: Reduces high-pressure tank air to intermediate pressure
Second Stage: Delivers breathable air through a demand valve
Hose System: One hose for inhalation, one for exhalation
Weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)
Material: Chrome-plated brass, rubber diaphragm, and hoses

The CG45’s Influence on Military and Commercial Diving

Military Use of the CG45

While no official confirmation exists, evidence suggests that French naval frogmen and special forces divers used early CG45 regulators. The rugged construction and reliable airflow made them ideal for military diving operations.

Other European navies and commercial diving teams also adopted the CG45 due to its superior breathing resistance and underwater performance.

The CG45’s Role in Recreational Scuba Diving

The CG45 regulator helped introduce recreational scuba diving to the world. Marketed as the “Aqua-Lung” in English-speaking regions, it played a key role in making self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) accessible.

By the early 1950s, the CG45 had become the gold standard for commercial, research, and military diving. It paved the way for modern single-hose regulators like the Mistral (1955) and Royal Mistral (1965).

Rarity and Collectability of the Military No Label CG45

The Military No Label CG45 is one of the rarest and most valuable vintage scuba regulators. Due to its short production run in 1946, only a handful remain today.

Why Is the Military No Label CG45 So Rare?

Limited Production – Manufactured only in 1946 before the ID plate became standard.
Possible Military Use – Believed to be built for French combat divers.
Unique Serial Number Placement – Numbers stamped directly onto the regulator instead of a separate label.
Historical Significance – One of the first-ever mass-produced scuba regulators.

A well-preserved Military No Label CG45 can sell for thousands of dollars, depending on its condition and originality.

Because of its historical significance and rarity, the Military No Label CG45 remains the holy grail of vintage scuba regulators.

Why the Military No Label CG45 Matters

The La Spirotechnique CG45 Military No Label regulator is a milestone in diving history. As the first commercially produced two-stage scuba regulator, it set the standard for future designs.

The 1946 no-label version is among the rarest and most valuable scuba regulators, sought after by diving historians, collectors, and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a vintage diving gear collector or simply passionate about early scuba innovations, the Military No Label CG45 stands as a symbol of underwater exploration history.