Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 102:
Description
The photos alone of this classic and rarely seen style of A.J. Morse & Son helmet should tell the story of how unique and special it is. Since we have room, we will go ahead and fill you in on the details.
This three-light, twelve-bolt neck feed helmet features a distinctive “lightbulb” style bonnet found on 19th Century helmets. This helmet does have serial number 751F stamped into both neck rings, helping date it to the 1890’s.
During the 19th Century, Morse generally did not use cast ID plates, but would simply stamp their name into the copper breastplate. This helmet is stamped A.J. Morse & Son Boston. The breastplate neck ring is also stamped MFD BY AJ MORSE & SON.
The term neck feed indicates this model would take air through the breastplate. The air elbow fitting is located on the back of the breastplate neck ring. Inside the neck ring is a vent that exhausts under the diver’s chin. Some divers favored this unique configuration, but it was generally not used much in the 20th Century.
This helmet’s neck ring is non-recessed. The helmet’s breastplate and bonnet do feature the classic “castling” construction method. The bonnet, especially at the top and along the center back, clearly shows this method of assembling the copper in separate pieces.
This helmet is in very nice condition and appears to have been professionally worked on, likely by Morse many years ago. The four brails and twelve wing nuts are contemporary. The internal neck ring air vent appears to have received some work as well. Overall, the work was done well, resulting in the preservation of this very impressive 19th-century American diving helmet!
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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
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