Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 114:
Description
This is a beautiful 19th-century diving helmet made by John Date in Montreal, Canada. John Date was the only diving helmet manufacturer in Canada. Starting in the 1850s John Date would go on to make some of the finest helmets ever made in North America. Today, just about any example is prized for its quality and rarity.
A detail that is important to helmets from this time is the bonnet. This example was hand formed with separate pieces of copper having been braised together using a castellation technique. The castellation or castling is quite impressive on this helmet and a key feature. Also key is the overall completeness and condition. All the wing nuts, four brails, window guards, hardware, glass, etc. are present.
The bonnet and breastplate attach together quite easily. The neck rings are non-recessed. John Date helmets at this time period did not put their name on the breastplate. Over twenty years ago, the helmet was polished, giving it an impressive shine. The polishing allowed the castling on the bonnet to become very apparent and easily appreciated visually. The contrast between the copper body and brass hardware also gives this helmet a special look.
Inside the bonnet, the air vents and exhaust chin button are present. It should be noted how this helmet’s bonnet features a tall “lightbulb” appearance. This trait makes these early John Date helmets easy to spot and immediately recognized as something special.
This is a rare opportunity to own such an early John Date. It’s also a possibility in the future that these could become cultural assets of the Canadian government. This would mean that taking them out of that country would be impossible.
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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