Nation's Attic 2024 Diving Into History
Lot 93:
In the 21st Century diving helmets made by Joe Savoie have been recognized among historians and collectors as one of the most revolutionary helmet designs ever conceived and put into use. The fact that each Savoie helmet was handmade in Joe’s Louisiana backyard only adds to the mystique and allure of them. Savoie did not normally advertise his helmets; they sold by word of mouth once divers witnessed one in action. This special helmet was displayed at the ADC International Diving Symposium in New Orleans in the early 1980s. Joe had a table set up at the event with this helmet on display, showing off his skills. A commercial diver from Hawaii attending the show was intrigued by the helmet and purchased it. The helmet was only put in the water twice. One of those dives would be forever immortalized in television history.
Savoie likely made this helmet to showcase his skills and unique features at the symposium. This stainless-steel helmet first sets itself apart with the polished flowing horizontal ribbons. This unique visual detail will positively identify the helmet when it gets used in an iconic television series.
The second unique feature of this helmet is the DACOR SCUBA regulator installed. Savoie offered this air demand option, which incorporated the regulator into the neck ring. A stainless-steel bar under the regulator protects it. This option obviously added to the price of the helmet and a relatively few were ever made.
As mentioned above, this helmet was purchased from Joe Savoie and taken to Honolulu, HI in the early 1980s by the owner of a commercial diving company. This helmet was such a beautiful piece of equipment that it was only used twice, one for a very special job.
While filming an episode of Hawaii Five-O in 1979, the show was in need of a professional diver. The episode was titled “The Spirit Is Willie” and revolves around a lost scuba diver. The production crew made a few calls and hired the owner of this helmet. When the episode aired in 1979 the Savoie helmet was clearly identifiable with its air demand feature and the unique polished ribbons! The diver even had a line in the show when the helmet was removed, requiring him to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), of which he still receives a minimal residual check each year for that one line after taking this helmet off! A signed letter from the original owner of how the helmet was acquired, and used on Hawaii Five-O, and his background will accompany this helmet.
After the filming of Hawaii Five-O in 1979 the helmet was never used again. It was meticulously cared for and on display in the headquarters of the owner’s dive company offices. All of the original internal and external components are intact and in excellent condition, including the neck dam. The helmet’s serial number is 7804. The helmet has not been cleaned or polished in decades but still retains a brilliant shine.
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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