Chronology and typology
of Mistral regulators marketed from 1955 to 1976
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Commander Cousteau put his CG45 scuba diving unit to the test during intensive dives, particularly during the Grand Congloué campaign and in the Red Sea. He quickly realized that for his future expeditions around the world, he needed a more robust and easier-to-maintain regulator.
He then tasked the engineers at LA SPIROTECHNIQUE with rethinking the design of the CG45. It was with this in mind that the idea emerged of abandoning the two-stage regulator in favor of a single-stage mechanism, inspired by the aqualung regulator designed by Georges Hérail.
Chronology of MISTRAL regulator manufacturer labels
SPIROTECHNIQUE has used four types of manufacturer's labels bearing three different addresses throughout its history. Between 1955 and 1977, the company moved twice before settling permanently in Carros in 1978.
Between 1955 and 1960, the MISTRAL regulator was marketed in two versions:
• Standard version: equipped with a fixed metal mouthpiece. called the D10 mouthpiece.
• Pro version: equipped with a removable metal mouthpiece. called the D10P mouthpiece. allowing it to be fitted to the PHOQUE constant-volume suit.
Starting in 1961, a third variant was released:
• Version with contiguous coiled hoses: equipped with an AQUA-STOP mouthpiece., called the D10E mouthpiece..
It took me two years of research to establish as precise a chronology as possible. Here is the result of that work.
Adresse 6 RUE COGNACQ JAY - PARIS VII La plus ancienne est la plus rare. Elle correspond aux tous premiers MISTRAL produits en même temps que les CG45 en 1955.
Adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (SEINE). C'est l'adresse la plus commune. Le MISTRAL a été produit de 1956 à 1967.
Adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS 92. C'est une adresse dont la plaque est difficile à trouver en bon état car de mauvaise qualité. Le MISTRAL a été produit de 1968 à 1970.
Adresse 114 RUE MARIUS AUFAN LEVALLOIS (92). C'est la dernière adresse où a été produite le MISTRAL de 1971 à 1977.
MISTRAL "COGNACQ JAY"
In 1955, the MISTRAL regulator was launched from the workshops located at Cours la Reine in Boulogne-Billancourt, replacing the CG45, although it coexisted with the latter during that year.
This address, identical to the one appearing on the CG45 labels, is relatively rare, making this first version of the MISTRAL particularly sought after by collectors. Production is estimated at around 2,500 units, with confirmation up to number 2526 (see photo below).
Technical Specifications and Developments
• Case Closure:
• Originally, the case closed with clasps, with the snap ring (or collar) only appearing in 1957.
• Many COGNACQ JAY models were later equipped with a snap ring, as the clasps were abandoned as they were less practical for maintenance and prone to breakage during disassembly.
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• First generation MISTRAL:
• HP seat machined directly into the HP body.
• Pin hole in the rear bowl (preventing rotation of the HP body): absent on early models, then added in a high position relative to the intake nozzle. On later versions, it will be oriented downward.
A special series: models marked "A"
A small series of MISTRALs bears the letter A at the end of the serial number. This is probably a military or professional version, recognizable by its professional mouthpiece (D10P).
• Three examples have been identified to date.
• This series is confirmed between numbers 1369A and 1419A, which suggests a production run of approximately 100 units.
Détail de la gamelle arrière de MISTRAL "COGNACQ JAY". On remarque le trou de l'ergot placé en haut lorsque la buse d'inspiration est orientée vers la droite, contrairement aux versions futures qui l'auront en bas.
Détendeur MISTRAL 2526, c'est le plus gros numéro de série d'un "COGNACQ JAY" connu à ce jour.
Détendeur MISTRAL 1419A, C'est le plus petit numéro de série avec la lettre A connu à ce jour.
Détendeur MISTRAL 1569A, C'est le plus gros numéro de série avec la lettre A connu à ce jour.
Caisse en bois de scaphandre autonome COUSTEAU-GAGNAN de 1955.
Caisse en bois de scaphandre autonome COUSTEAU-GAGNAN de 1955. Dedans on retrouve le bi-aluminium avec deux rangement à glissière pour un masque squale et la clé de serrage de détendeur. Un compartiment ouvert pour la ceinture et un autre fermé pour le détendeur et le manomètre de surface.
Détail du couvercle du compartiment qui abrite le détendeur, l'étrier dépasse par un trou aménagé à cet effet.
Détail du compartiment abritant la ceinture et ses plombs.
Détail du positionnement du détendeur à l'intérieur de son compartiment.
MISTRAL "TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS"
The Mistrals bearing the address 27 Rue Trébois Levallois are divided into two main categories:
1. Version with the address ending in (Seine)
• Sold from 1956 to 1967.
• Numbering confirmed between No. 2779 and No. 26439.
• Available in four versions:
• 1956: no technical changes, just a new address on the manufacturer's label.
• 1957: replacement of the clips with a snap ring + removable HP seat.
• 1961: replacement of the standard corrugated hoses with convoluted hoses + first Aquastop mouthpiece.
• 1962: new version of the Aquastop mouthpiece (paving the way for the Royal Mistral in 1963).
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2. Version with the address ending in (92)
• Marketed from 1968 to 1970.
• Confirmed numbering between No. 26878 and No. 32948.
Each evolution of these regulators brought specific modifications, which you will find detailed below.
MISTRAL "56"
In 1956, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE moved into spacious premises in Levallois, marking the appearance of a new address on the manufacturer's label:
“27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (Seine)
This marked the birth of the MISTRAL 56, identical to the COGNACQ JAY model, except for the address on the label.
Characteristics of the MISTRAL 56
• Manufacturer's label with fine, uniform characters.
• Housing closed with staples.
• HP seat machined into the regulator body.
Production and Rarity
• The smallest serial number recorded to date: No. 2757.
• The largest: No. 3789.
• This variant is probably the rarest of the MISTRALs… but not necessarily the most sought-after, at least for now.
From that year onwards, the CG45 disappeared from standard production and only survived in the narguilé version.
Détendeur MISTRAL "56". Il s'agit des tous premiers modèles produits avec l'adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (seine). Seul l'adresse figurant sur la plaque les différencie de ceux produits en 1955.
Détail de la plaque du MISTRAL "61". LA SPIROTECHNIQUE est écrit en lettres fines comme l'adresse.
Détendeur MISTRAL "56" numéro 2757, c'est le plus petit numéro de série connu à ce jour.
Détendeur MISTRAL "56" numéro 3789, c'est le plus gros numéro de série connu à ce jour.
MISTRAL "57"
In 1957, the MISTRAL evolved with several notable improvements:
• The clips were replaced with a snap ring, making maintenance and handling of the regulator more convenient.
• New HP body with a removable HP seat.
• The lug hole on the rear bowl was oriented downwards.
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Identification and Numbering
• This version also features a new manufacturer's label where the inscription "LA SPIROTECHNIQUE" appears in thicker letters than the business address.
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• The lowest serial number recorded to date is No. 4408, probably produced in early 1957.
• The highest known serial number for a MISTRAL 57 is No. 26459, dating from 1967.
End of the CG45
In 1957, the CG45 disappeared from the LA SPIROTECHNIQUE catalog for good.
Developments from 1961 to 1967
From 1961, the MISTRAL was available in three distinct versions, while retaining the same type of label as the MISTRAL 57.
Détendeur MISTRAL "57" numéro 4408, c'est le plus petit numéro de série connu. On remarque que LA SPIROTECHNIQUE est écrit dorénavant avec des lettres grasses par rapport à celle de l'adresse.
Détendeur MISTRAL "57" numéro 26439, c'est le plus gros numéro de série connu à ce jour et à été produit en 1967. On remarque que LA SPIROTECHNIQUE est écrit dorénavant avec des lettres grasses par rapport à celle de l'adresse.
MISTRAL "61" or SUPER MISTRAL
In 1961, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE introduced a new version of the MISTRAL, equipped with convoluted tubes and a first-generation AQUA-STOP mouthpiece.
The MISTRAL 61, also called the SUPER MISTRAL
• Referenced in the catalog as D10E.
• Its mouthpiece was a failure: uncomfortable, with an ineffective speech membrane.
• In 1962, it evolved into a second version with:
• A mouthpiece offset from the axis to create a more comfortable chin rest.
• Removal of the speech membrane.
• This version is known as the MISTRAL 62.
A rare model
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•
In 1962, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE offered a warranty replacement for the first-generation mouthpiece, making the MISTRAL 61 with its original mouthpiece very rare.
• Two examples recorded to date: No. 10233 and No. 14430.
The three MISTRAL models available from 1961 onwards
1. MISTRAL D10 – Model with fixed mouthpiece (standard MISTRAL).
2. MISTRAL D10P – Model with removable mouthpiece (MISTRAL Pro), designed to fit the PHOQUE constant-volume garment.
3. MISTRAL D10E – Model with AQUA-STOP mouthpiece (SUPER MISTRAL).
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These three models, bearing the adresse label "27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (Seine)", were sold until 1967.
The highest known serial number to date is No. 26439.
Détendeur MISTRAL "61" avec ses nouveaux tuyaux à spires jointes et embout AQU-STOP.
Détendeur MISTRAL "61" avec ses nouveaux tuyaux à spires jointes et embout AQU-STOP.
Détail de la plaque de mon MISTRAL "61". Il est neuf et porte le numéro de série 10233.
Embout AQUA-STOP première génération avec membrane phonique et positionnement de l'embout dans l'axe.
Publicité du détendeur MISTRAL "61".
Publicité du détendeur MISTRAL "61".
Document de LA SPIROTECHNIQUE de 1961 présentant les 3 modèles de MISTRAL commercialisés.
Document de l'embout AQUA-STOP de la première génération.
Document de l'embout AQUA-STOP de la première génération.
MISTRAL "62"
Le MISTRAL 62 représente la dernière évolution du détendeur avant l’arrivée du ROYAL MISTRAL en 1963. Son principal changement par rapport au MISTRAL 61 réside dans son nouvel embout AQUA-STOP, conçu pour offrir un meilleur confort. Il sera commercialisé jusqu’en 1977.
Le détendeur MISTRAL "62" est le plus commun des MISTRAL car sera commercialisé de 1962 à 1977. Il comporte une plaque à l'adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (Seine) avec LA SPIROTECHNIQUE en caractères gras.
Embout AQUA-STOP seconde génération commercialisé à partir de 1962.Plus de membrane phonique et surtout l'embout est désaxé afin de créer une mentonnière pour ajouter du confort.
Détendeur MISTRAL à l'adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (Seine) avec le plus gros numéro de série que je connaisse à ce jour: le 26439.
Document détendeur MISTRAL "62".
Tarif de Mars 1962, de LA SPIROTECHNIQUE où l'on voit entre autre le changement d'embout AQUA-STOP.
Document sur l'embout AQUA-STOP seconde génération.
MISTRAL "92"
On July 10, 1964, a law was enacted to reorganize the territorial administration of the Paris region. This reform, which came into effect on January 1, 1968, resulted in the replacement of the Seine department (which had existed since 1795) by Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Val-de-Marne. Similarly, Seine-et-Oise was split into Essonne, Yvelines, and Val-d'Oise, while Seine-et-Marne remained unchanged.
Beginning in 1968, this reform impacted the address on the MISTRAL regulator label where the word "Seine" was replaced by 92, thus becoming: "27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS 92."
This version of the MISTRAL is rare in good condition, as its paintwork is of poor quality and its label oxidizes quickly in a marine environment. This model is attested between numbers 26863 and 33051 and was only marketed for three years, from 1968 to 1970.
Détail d'une plaque de MISTRAL "92" en bon état.
Détail de la plaque du MISTRAL "92" portant le numéro de série 26863, le plus petit numéro de série connu à ce jour.
Détail de la plaque du MISTRAL 92 avec le plus gros numéro de série connu: 33051
MISTRAL "MARIUS AUFAN"
At the beginning of 1970, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE moved from its dilapidated premises on Rue Trébois in Levallois to a new building in the same town. This move brought together all administrative departments, design offices, and workshops under one roof.
Officially, the address "27 Rue Trébois Levallois" was abandoned for resellers as of March 1, 1971 (see document below). A new address then appeared: "114 Rue Marius Aufan 92," which would be the last before a major turning point for the company.
In 1977, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE ended production of the MISTRAL and discontinued its professional division. The company then moved to Carros, near Nice, a process that was completed in October 1977.
The holders bearing the address “114 Rue Marius Aufan 92” are registered between the numbers 33342 and 39488.
Détendeur MISTRAL 114 RUE MARIUS AUFAN (92)
Détail de la plaque du MISTRAL "MARIUS AUFAN" numéro 39488, le plus grand numéro de série connu à ce jour.
Document de LA SPIROTECHNIQUE avisant ses revendeurs du changement d'adresse en Mars 1971.
SPECIAL CASES OF MISTRAL REGULATORS
The timeline presented above concerns MISTRAL regulators intended for the general public, commonly referred to as MISTRAL civil regulators.
However, LA SPIROTECHNIQUE also manufactured small batches to order for specific clients, such as the army or Commander COUSTEAU's team.
Here's what I was able to find out about this.
THE MISTRAL OF THE COUSTEAU TEAM
In the early 1980s, Commander COUSTEAU embarked on a new odyssey: To the Rediscovery of the World.
His divers adopted a new look: the black suits with yellow stripes were replaced by silver models with black stripes. A new streamlined diving suit also appeared, equipped with four small carbon fiber cylinders capable of withstanding a pressure of 300 bars.
To equip these suits, COUSTEAU called upon LA SPIROTECHNIQUE, which assembled a small series of MISTRAL regulators in DIN 300 bar, using a remaining stock of spare parts.
These regulators had a special feature: they bore a label engraved with 114 RUE MARIUS AUFAN LEVALLOIS (92) without a serial number and were equipped with longer corrugated hoses than those previously used.
Boite de MISTRAL DIN conçu pour l'équipe COUSTEAU.
Détail boite de MISTRAL de l'équipe COUSTEAU avec référence 39 et D24.
Détendeur MISTRAL DIN 300 bars de l'équipe COUSTEAU.
Détendeur MISTRAL DIN 300 bars de l'équipe COUSTEAU, une particularité sont les tuyaux annelés plus long pour permettre un plus grand confort.
Détail de la plaque, il s'agit d'une adresse 114 RUE MARIUS AUFAN (92) sans numéro de série estampillé.
Détail du volant DIN 300 bars. On remarque le marquage fait avec un autocollant jaune.
Détail du volant DIN 300 bars.
Détail du volant DIN 300 bars. On remarque le marquage fait avec un autocollant vert.
Ensemble de l'équipe COUSTEAU à LA REDÉCOUVERTE DU MONDE. Avec casque COUSTEAU argenté, détendeur et écusson de la CALYPSO et de l'ALCYONE.
THE MILITARY MISTRALS
According to the information I've gathered, the French Army and Navy used several versions of the MISTRAL regulator, including:
• A standard version, identical to the commercial version, with no special modifications, just a GODEL mouthpiece.
• A "militarized" version, equipped with a GODEL mouthpiece, painted black and without an identification label.
• A "mine clearance" version, featuring an outlet located above the diver via a snorkel held by a float, with a soundproofed bowl thanks to special caulking.
Détendeur MISTRAL MILITAIRE peint en noir et avec l'embout GODEL.
Détail étrier avec une vis qui n'est pas de la marque LA SPIROTECHNIQUE.
Détails internes du MISTRAL MILITAIRE.
Détails internes du MISTRAL MILITAIRE.
Détails internes du MISTRAL MILITAIRE.
Détails internes du MISTRAL MILITAIRE.
Détendeur MISTRAL MILITAIRE de l'armée Allemande. Photo de Pascal Guyaux.
Détendeur MISTRAL MILITAIRE DE L'ARMÉE ALLEMANDE avec un montage DIN et un raccord spécial autorisant une sortie HP. Photo de Pascal Guyaux.
Détendeur MISTRAL de la Marine nationale avec adresse 27 RUE TRÉBOIS LEVALLOIS (92),réformé du FORBIN. Il présente un embout GODEL.
THE MISTRAL "NATIONAL MONITOR"
This version of the MISTRAL regulator is extremely rare, and we owe this photo to Philippe ROUSSEAU. It is a limited edition series, produced by La Spiro at the request of the FFESSM, which wanted to offer this regulator to the top graduates of national instructors. Although the period during which this gift was awarded remains unknown, it is likely that very few examples were produced... and that they are carefully preserved by their owners.
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