Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 111:
Description
A rare OCEAN SYSTEMS INC. Helium Recirculator circa early 1960’s. Complete and in excellent condition with a strong patina. The helmet was one of the different recirculators stored in Bob Ratcliffe’s workshop and the breastplate features an OCEAN SYSTEMS INC. OPERATIONS company plaque and an oblong company asset plaque with its inventory number M- 6865-431.
This is a very early helmet which was almost certainly part of Dan Wilson’s General Offshore Divers inventory before the company became OCEAN SYSTEMS in 1964. Bob Ratcliffe worked with Wilson and others at General Offshore and OCEAN SYSTEMS and built the early helium demand helmets for the company. He also converted standard Yokohama air helmets to Bob Kirby’s helium recriculator design. These early Yokohama conversions used the USN Mark V tranceiver housing for the comms speaker and often featured a brass bar for attaching a light on the upper left side of the bonnet, as this model shows. These early Ratcliffe conversions also used Victor welding torch valves for the gas flow.
The helmet is in excellent condition with a strong patina, and the bonnet still shows some of the plannishing marks. The screw-in ports only have minor scratches and screw in with ease. The spring-loaded locking pin, Victor gas control valves and exhaust valve all function properly.
Ratcliffe and others left OCEAN SYSTEMS around 1965 and formed Cal Dive and using the knowledge he gained from building these helium recirculators and the demand helmets, he started building Rat Hats. Cal Dive eventually became OCEANEERING INTERNATIONAL and Ratcliffe stayed with company for many years.
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.
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. 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.
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