Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 60:
Description
The Mark V diving helmet is arguably the most iconic helmet ever made, and its style and history have made it a favorite among collectors worldwide. The helmet was used by the U.S. Navy from 1916 to the mid-1980s, with production peaking during World War I and World War II. A.J. Morse & Son Inc., one of the most famous helmet manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries, produced the Mark V for both military and civilian use from 1916 well into the 21st century.
Founded in Boston, MA, in 1837, A.J. Morse & Son Inc. began by producing diving helmets and related equipment. Throughout the 19th century, the company became a supplier to the U.S. Navy and continued to improve upon diving helmet design. The first Mark V helmet was produced by Morse in 1916. Today, the Mark V is still considered by many to be the most iconic diving helmet ever made.
This specific Mark V is quite intriguing and fascinating. This helmet was made in August 1918, at the tail end of World War 1. Without a doubt, this helmet was put to use in the US Navy. A little over 20 years later, this helmet would be sent back to A.J. Morse for servicing and to be made ready for use again. This fascinating history is stamped right on the ID plate!
The first Mark V helmets made by A.J. Morse & Son featured an oval brass ID plate with the helmet’s serial number and date of manufacture stamped into it. This helmet’s serial number is 2651. This number is stamped into seven locations on this helmet: the ID plate, both neck rings, and all four brails.
The brass ID plate also features a shallow REC.39. stamped into the date pad. This indicates the helmet was received back to AJ Morse and refurbished in 1939. If you look very close to the date pad, the faint hints at August 1918 can be seen! The helmet’s serial number also confirms this date, with other known examples with serial numbers very close to this one being made during the same month.
This rare and fascinating helmet is also in excellent condition. A factory-applied tinning, likely done in 1939, is still largely present on this helmet. A very rarely seen original 8-pointed exhaust wheel used during World War 1 is still intact on this helmet. The original wing nuts, brails, neck ring gasket, brass hardware, glass, are all still with this impressive helmet. An air fitting cap is threaded onto the air elbow.
Inside the bonnet, the air vents and the chin exhaust button are intact. Inside the communications elbow is the hardware for a telephone 5-prong connection. The outside of the bonnet only exhibits very shallow working dents. Most of the dents were likely taken out during its 1939 refurbishment.
While this isn’t the first AJ Morse Mark V we have encountered with a REC 39 stamp on it, this one is without a doubt the finest one and the only one with a date still identifiable on the ID plate! This unique Mark V is a true gem and one with an interesting story!
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.
Share this lot:
