Nations Attic Winter 2026 Diving Into History

US Navy WWII Miller Dunn Style 3 Shallow Water Diving Helmet

Live auction will start in __ days and __ hours

Start price: $2,000

Estimated price: $4,000 - $6,000

Buyer's Premium: 20%

Description

During World War II, the Miller-Dunn Divinhood Style 3 served as the standard shallow-water diving helmet of the United States Navy. With its distinctive design, practical features, and unmistakable appearance, the Style 3 remained popular with divers well beyond the war years. It would also be the final helmet model produced by Miller-Dunn before the company ceased operations following WWII.

Considered the pinnacle of Miller-Dunn’s shallow-water helmet development, the Style 3 incorporated several important design improvements. Its large front window and distinctive oval top window provided excellent visibility, while the spacious interior allowed divers to comfortably tilt their heads backward—an especially useful feature when working beneath ship hulls. These practical innovations made the Style 3 one of the most recognizable and successful shallow-water diving helmets of its era.

This original example retains a wonderful, naturally aged patina. Both original glass windows are intact, with no notable cracks or damage. Only minor working dents are visible upon close inspection of the center rear of the helmet, consistent with its age and service history. The original Miller-Dunn Divinhood Style 3 manufacturer’s identification plate remains securely attached and is clearly legible.

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.

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 its authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.