Nation's Attic Diving Into History 2023
Lot 124:
The US Navy Mark V was first made in 1916 by the A.J. Morse & Son Co. Beginning in 1917 the A. Schraders Son Co. started production. Only a handful of examples exist from 1916 and 1917. By 1918 orders by the US Government for victory in World War 1 and later reconstruction started to, greatly increases the number of Mark V helmets made. Today in the 21st Century and 106 years afterwards, examples of 1917 Schrader Mark Vs are extremely rare and desirable!
This Mark V features a Schrader ID plate with the manufactured date of July 2nd, 1917. Even more impressive, the serial number is 28, the 28th Mark V ever made by Schrader! Undoubtedly it was made and used to aid America in its World War 1 efforts.
The bonnet neck ring is stamped 26, and the breastplate is 46. These numbers do not correspond to the serial number on the ID plate, which is not uncommon for early WW1 Schrader Mark V helmets. The underside of the brails features the number 42 on them with a faint stamp that says “new morse.”. The brails appear to have been with the helmet for a long time. It’s possible these brails were replaced by Morse long ago as they do not appear to be contemporary.
It is likely the helmet was in US Navy inventory during World War 1 and quite possibly during World War 2 as well. The exhaust valve is circa World War 1 with the eight-pointed exhaust wheel. The angled bracket doesn’t line up with the holes to secure it with the screws, though. A World War 1 era reproducer (speaker) is still present inside the bonnet. Wire can also be found inside the bonnet and leading the communication fitting. The helmets hardware is all intact, including the brails, 12 wing nuts, four copper brail shims, window guards, window glass, internal air vents, and spitcock valve. The dumbbell safety latch appears to have been slightly modified. Lastly, an original communications fitting cap is intact.
Finding one of the first Mark V helmets ever made is a dream of many collectors. This is a unique opportunity to own the 28th Schrader Mark V ever made in impressive original condition is truly a unique and special opportunity.
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. DHL Express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. 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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