Lot 49:
Rare 1919 A.J. Morse & Son US Navy Mark V Diving Helmet
Description
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a complete, original U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet manufactured immediately following World War I. While the first Mark V helmets were produced by Morse in 1916, production increased significantly in 1918 to meet wartime demand. With the conclusion of World War I, Navy orders appear to have been dramatically reduced, making surviving examples dated 1919 particularly scarce. In our 21 years of handling antique diving helmets, we have encountered only one other Mark V manufactured in 1919!
This remarkable helmet was manufactured by the legendary A.J. Morse & Son Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1837, Morse became one of America’s most respected manufacturers of commercial diving equipment and an important supplier to the U.S. Navy. The company’s craftsmanship and engineering helped establish the Mark V as what many collectors consider the most iconic diving helmet ever produced.
This early U.S. Navy Mark V was manufactured on June 11, 1919, and features serial number 2886. Remarkably, the matching serial number is clearly stamped on the original brass identification plate, both neck rings, and all four brails. This makes it a complete, serial-number-matching example.
Constructed with a heavy copper body and solid brass fittings, this helmet retains an outstanding, consistent patina. All of its important period-correct hardware is present, including the seldom-seen World War I-era eight-point exhaust wheel. Additional components include all four brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, glass windows with red lead caulking, internal air vents, exhaust chin button, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch with chain, and four copper brail shims.
An additional highlight is the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. non-return valve, along with the communication fitting cap. The communications elbow retains its correct early single-pin internal connection and is wired to a World War II-era Guided Radio Corporation reproducer mounted inside the bonnet.
The helmet remains in excellent overall condition, with no notable dents to its copper body. A small, approximately penny-sized repair is visible on the center rear of the bonnet, along with minor surface imperfections consistent with its age and use. The beautifully aged copper and brass surfaces display a rich, consistent patina that collectors appreciate.
Even more remarkable, this 1919 Mark V was actually used for diving within the past 24 months! Prior to that dive, the helmet was reportedly thoroughly inspected and found to function properly. Nevertheless, this helmet is being offered strictly as a collectible antique and historical artifact. It must undergo appropriate professional inspection, testing, and certification before any future diving use.
Although its exact service history is unknown, this helmet was manufactured during the immediate postwar period, when the U.S. Navy was transitioning from wartime operations to peacetime responsibilities and reconstruction in Europe.
With its exceptionally scarce 1919 manufacturing date, fully matching serial numbers, complete period-correct hardware, beautiful original patina, and documented recent diving use, this is a truly outstanding example of an early U.S. Navy Mark V. An increasingly difficult helmet to locate, particularly in such complete and well-preserved condition, and a wonderful opportunity for the advanced diving helmet collector!
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. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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.
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