Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 146:
Description
The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design ever made. Its style and history have made it one of the most popular helmets among collectors worldwide. The model was made for the US Navy from 1916 till the mid-1980s. After the US Navy adopted the Mark 12 helmet for use, there were still three makers of the Mark V helmet for commercial and recreational use, Morse & DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co) and recently Schrader.This helmet was made by one of those famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, WI this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the late 1930s. Starting in 1943 they become a supplier to the US Navy, including the Mark V helmet. DESCO is still in business today as Diving Equipment and Supply Company, making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services.The helmet was made on January 15th, 1945. As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Many people do not realize that Mark Vs made for the US Navy required that they have a tinning covering the entire copper body. This tinning prevented saltwater corrosion. This tinning gives the helmet the grey finish you see. This helmet is what a DESCO Mark V looks like after seventy-seven years of careful use and being preserved!The helmet’s bonnet and breastplate have serial numbers matching the identification plate. DESCO placed the serial number on both inside neck rings and the ID plate. Also featured on the ID plate is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp is proof that the helmet was inspected and put into the US Navy inventory. The spun copper body of the helmet is in wonderful condition with only minor working dents on the top of the bonnet. Also of important note is the additional brass plaque on the front of the breastplate. This plaque reads: D.J. Dockery; U.S. Navy 1949; New London. Conn. Denzel “Doc” Dockery a US Navy veteran and in the 1950s a Michigan businessman. Mr. Dockery is credited as designing and popularizing the use of the now iconic red and white “diver down” flag. Drawing inspiration from the Navy’s solid red “Bravo” danger flag, Dockery and his wife, Ruth, experimented with various configurations to ensure the design was both distinctive and legally unique. After rejecting a horizontal stripe (the national flag of Austria) and a vertical stripe (the Navy’s number 7 signal flag), they finalized the now-universal diagonal white stripe running from the upper-left to the lower-right corner. Beyond its invention, Dockery’s tireless promotion and “evangelism” for the flag transformed it from a homemade safety tool into the globally recognized symbol of the diving community.Securely mounted inside the bonnet is a WWII reproducer made by Guided Radio Corp. There is a wire from the reproducer to the communications elbow. This reproducer or speaker also features a US Navy inspection stamp on it. Other original components intact are the four brails, 12 wing nuts, spitcock valve, exhaust valve, and chin button, dumbbell safety latch (chain and cotter pin missing), neck ring gasket, glass with red caulk, air vents, and a chin button exhaust. Also prominently visible on the front of the helmet is an original Morse stamped welding shield. While the dark welding lens is no longer present, the shield itself is a correct WWII part rarely seen on a Mark V.A Schrader non-return valve is threaded onto the air elbow along with an air fitting end cap. The communications elbow also has its original cap. It should be noted that the brass hardware appears to have been nickel-plated long ago. This was done to a few helmets when they were presentation pieces or on display at locations such as a recruitment office. Much of the old nickel plating has worn off, but it is still very evident. Having a helmet from a US Navy veteran and one who went on to develop a symbol of diver safety and generally a universal image for diving is a special and unique opportunity! The display stand in the photos is not included. The option to purchase the stand at a discounted price will be available after the auction. 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 on 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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
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