Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 128:
Description
When conjuring the image of what a classic English diving helmet looks like, the 6 bolt Admiralty Pattern helmet made by Siebe Gorman comes to mind. Siebe Gorman started making the first diving helmets in the 1830s in London, England. The company would continue to invent innovative new designs and technology for diving. Their helmets would be used by the Royal Navy and its many colonies throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries. The Admiralty Pattern was the Royal Navy’s primary deep water helmet in the 20th Century.
This fantastic helmet is a style primarily used by the Royal Navy before, during, and after World War 2. The helmet features the original Siebe Gorman brass ID plate. Siebe Gorman would stamp serial numbers into the inside neck ring of the bonnet & breastplate. They would also place a number on the front window frame and the bottom side of the two brails or straps.
The serial #14432 is stamped into the breastplate neck ring and on the bottom side of both brails, dating them to 1940. The bonnet and faceplate serial numbers are 10082, dating them to 1922. While mismatched, the two halves thread together with ease and feature a similar patina to the copper body and brass hardware.
The standard configuration for this model utilized oval windows on the side and a round threaded window on the front. The 6-bolt pattern only requires two brails rather than the four found on 12 bolt helmets. The back of the bonnet features the original air fitting. When looking at vintage photos of English military hardhat divers, there is an excellent chance this very model is what you will find being utilized.
The helmet is in excellent condition. It appears to have received a polishing decades ago, with a rich patina beginning to develop. The helmet is complete with all its glass, six wing nuts, two brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch, window guards, and internal air vents. The top of the bonnet has a few small working dents, but none of note. The bonnet also clearly shows the “castling” seams on the top peak and down the bottom back center.
This beautiful, clean helmet would make a wonderful addition to any collection or could be proudly displayed in any environment.
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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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