Nation's Attic Diving Into History 2023
Lot 164:
Featured here is one of the most unique shallow water diving helmets ever made. This is a Model 15 helmet made by A.J. Morse & Son Inc. in Boston, MA. This was the only shallow water helmet Morse offered. They designed the helmet with a single large piece of curved glass. This allowed the diver a vast field of view. The curved window and overall design have also made this model a favorite among collectors.
The Model 15 Shallow Water helmet was first made by Morse in the early 1930s. While not as big of a seller as the Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 and 3, they were marketed towards police & fire units and the US Navy. This helmet features the factory serial number and lot number on the top edge of the brass window frame. Serial number 3980 dates this helmet to the late 1930s, shortly before the company changed its name to Morse Diving Equipment.
As shown in the photos, the helmet has a nice rich patina to the copper body and brass hardware. The helmet was likely polished decades ago than allowing for the patina you see to form. All the correct hardware is present, including the carry handle, window frame, lead weights, and four flanged wingnuts. The internal air vent is intact. A brass fitting is threaded onto the air elbow. The lead weights are correct contemporary replacements. The thick curved glass is in excellent condition. The area round the air fitting is pushed in slightly. Numerous working dents are evident on the top half, which are consistent with normal use. This helmet features a lot of character in addition its already unique design, making it a worthy of any collection or museum.
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. 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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