Isn't this ridiculous ?
An almost mint very historically significant back plate (aka black pack) and the modem late model tube sucking bubble blower owner could care less and will probably modify and or dive this unit destroying it's value.
If there was a museum devoted to recreational diving It should be on display
Oh well Gone with the wind......
SDM.
I've been called a lot of things in my time but modern late model tube sucking bubble blower is pretty harsh. Not quite as harsh as someone yelling "squid go home!" and throwing an empty beer bottle at me from a passing car, but harsh all the same. (That's how people used to tell me "thank you for your service" 30 years ago)
What did I say that made you think I would modify it or damage it in any way? I collect a wide range of different things. One of the cardinal rules of collecting is to not modify or alter an item. I won't even restore something that is truly rare because I want it in the original condition, rust, dirt, dents and all.
As for diving it, now that I know this is of some historical value and not just another one of the millions of common backpacks that are collecting dust in peoples attics and garages around the country, I won't be taking it to Rainbow River for a fresh water dive with my 1962 DAAM on it to experience what this type of harness is like. Lord knows I really want to but I will resist the urge.
I recently started a new job and have been too preoccupied to do much research on it. I did find several examples of them that were made by Healthways instead of Sportsways but that is about as far as I have researched it so far. I haven't had the time to delve into your clues yet but I will.
I will eventually put it on display but I don't have a tank yet from the correct era. I just got my old PST tank out of hydro but it is a 3000psi steel tank from the 1970's. Although it would look ok to the untrained eye it would drive me nuts knowing it isn't period correct. I'm kind of OCD about that stuff.
I apologize for whatever I said or did that offended you and I promise not to piss on your corn flakes again or whatever it was I did that caused you to be upset with me so much.
Sincerely, from the modern late model tube sucking bubble blower that used to be a squid.