UDT-25 “SEA DIVE” Mask

Produced by the SEA DIVE company of California, this mask was owned by ENS B. Dabbs of UDT-25. SEA DIVE was an early manufacturer and distributor of skin diving equipment, including early round diving masks like this particular example. The design is inspired by Japanese Ama masks. Made of gum rubber with a plate glass lens and an elastic strap, these distinctive round — not oval — masks formed the foundation of an early frogman’s underwater kit. This example was key to unlocking a mystery regarding the iconic image of the actor William Hopper, a member of the OSS MU and UDT-10. We couldn’t figure out what he was doing in the photo and what he was holding in his left hand. Based on the tape residue marks on our example we realized that Hopper was taping his face mask likely in an attempt to improve the seal of the lens. This issue is likely the reason later face masks featured a steel bezel around the glass.