Lot 50:
1944 Miller Dunn United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet
Description
The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design in history, serving as a cornerstone of maritime heritage and a pinnacle for collectors. Produced from 1916 through the mid-1980s, production peaked during the World Wars. While four companies manufactured the Mark V, Miller-Dunn of Miami, Florida, produced them only from 1943 to 1944. With an output of only a little over one thousand units, Miller-Dunn examples are exceptionally rare and highly coveted. The company’s established relationship with the Navy began in 1916 with their "Divinhood" shallow-water models, a pedigree that eventually secured their brief but historic Mark V contract.
This specific helmet was manufactured on February 1, 1944. Per government specifications, the lead ID plate is stamped with the production date and serial number 118. While Miller-Dunn’s lead plates are often found illegible due to the soft material, this one remains remarkably clear. Also found on the ID plate is a rarely seen US Navy inspection stamp on the lower left corner.
The copper body retains a fantastic original patina and much of its factory tinning. Serial number 605 is consistently stamped on the neck ring and all four matching brails. The bonnet is stamped 566, a discrepancy suggesting it was swapped during active naval service. Additionally, the number 894 appears on the top port frame, likely as an internal military inventory mark.
The interior remains well-preserved, featuring original air vents, tinning, and a vintage "reproducer" speaker. The helmet is exceptionally complete, including 12 flanged wing nuts (there should be four flanged and eight standard wing nuts), window guards, a BTE exhaust, a spitcock valve, and a dumbbell safety latch with chain. It also retains a Schrader-stamped non-return valve and various fitting caps. While the neck ring gasket is absent and the threads require a patient hand to engage, the helmet is a structurally sound, 100% authentic artifact. As one of the most desirable models in the world, this Miller-Dunn Mark V is both a premier addition to any collection and a significant investment piece.
All helmets sold by Nation’s Attic Inc. will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long term assurance of the helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.
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