Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 61:
Description
The Divinhood Style 2 is regarded by many as the most desirable shallow water diving helmet ever produced. This unique helmet was made by the Miller Dunn Company, located in Miami, Florida. Miller Dunn started out in 1915 with the Divinhood, a simple helmet that became popular with civilian and military divers. In 1925, Miller Dunn introduced the much-improved Divinhood Style 2, which would become the US Navy standard shallow water helmet.The Style 2 Divinhood utilized two angled glass windows on the front protected by brass bars. The large angled windows provided a great field of view but also created a distorted vision when looking straight ahead. Regardless, the model would be made for well over 10 years and proved popular in all sorts of underwater professions and activities.This beautiful original example features an ID plate dating the helmet to post 1926. Another notable detail is a serial number stamped on the brass window frame, B36. The B indicates the helmet was made by a subcontractor of Miller Dunn, the Burley Metal Parts Company. It is unknown how many Burley Miller Dunn 2 helmets were made, but this one is likely the 36th.This helmet has somehow remained in wonderful original condition over the past 90+ years. The copper body is in wonderful condition with only minor flaws from light handle and age. The brass window frame, bolts, air elbow and handle are all original and in very nice, polished condition. Four Miller Dunn stamped weights are present. The old glass with white caulk is in good condition with a few surface scratches.Unlike the Style 1 and Style 3 Divinhood, the Style 2 was made between World Wars. This resulted in only limited US government orders, and now, in the 21st century, very few surviving examples. The helmet’s unique design also makes it a highly desirable model that rarely comes to the market. Having the opportunity to own one in this condition is a rare occurrence.All diving helmets in this auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept in a permanent file at Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity.All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
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