Nation's Attic 2024 Diving Into History
Lot 149:
This is an impressive and very unique Siebe Gorman 2 bolt diving helmet. This two-bolt design was invented by Peter Hansen over 100 years ago and was popular with the Danish Royal Navy.
This helmet features a brass inventory plate on the back of the bonnet. It reads SANDSUGEREN V.B.V. DYKKER. NR.5. While this helmet started off as a standard 12 bolt design, it was likely modified to this two-bolt design when it was put into the working helmet inventory of the Danish ship Sandsugeren. This ship was part of a Danish company in charge of harbor and coastal maintenance.
With the rare ships inventory tag and the unique configuration of this helmet, it was featured in an article in The Journal of Diving History, 2nd Quarter 2018, issue #95. This article not only highlights the helmets unique charactertics but also shows a photo of the Sandsugeren!
On the front of the breastplate, SIEBE . GORMAN & CO PATENT is stamped in it. This style of stamp was used from 1880 to 1899. The breastplate features serial number 2945, which dates to 1883. The bonnet has serial number 6452, which dates its production to 1909. The bonnet is hand formed with a Danish exhaust valve added in addition to the Siebe Gorman one.
The helmet is in overall excellent condition. A fantastic dark brown and green patina is consistent over the entire body. The bonnet and breastplate do thread on and off with ease. A neck ring gasket is present. Typical working dents on the top of the bonnet are present, but none are severe. Safety pin is present as well as other original hardware.
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. 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. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your countries customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.
Share this lot:
