Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 63:
Description
Not only is this a legendary United States Navy Mark V diving helmet, it is a rarely found helium example, aka The Widow Maker! This variation of the standard Mark V helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. The large brass tank on the back contained an absorbent for the Co2 the diver produced. This absorbent, if exposed to water, would turn into a dangerous gas that was potentially lethal, hence the ominous nick name Navy divers gave this helmet.
This utterly impressive helmet has been professionally polished. The Diving Equipment & Supply Company made the helmet in November 1970. The customer was the United States Navy, which sent this helmet to the newly constructed USS Pigeon ASR 21. The USS Pigeon was part of a new class of amphibious submarine rescue ships, and this helmet was a vital piece of equipment on the vessel.
The helmet retains all four brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, original glass, air, heat, gas, and communications fittings, DESCO non-return valve with cap, communications and heat fitting caps, unique helium helmet exhaust valve, dumbbell safety latch with original chain and cotter pin, and all brass hardware screws. Inside the bonnet, the internal air vents are all present as well as the exhaust valve chin button. The rear CO2 absorbent tank is also in excellent, professionally polished condition. The old neck ring gasket is no longer present.
The original brass ID plate features the stamped date of 11-70 and serial number 88. This same number is also found on the inside of both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings, on the inside of all four brails, and on two spots of the CO2 absorbent tank: a full serial number matching helmet!
This helmet weighs approximately 101 pounds of brass and copper! Its size, weight, US Navy history, and sheer cool factor will, without a doubt, not only impress every collector friend you have, but even the non-collectors! This helmet is ready to be the centerpiece of your collection!
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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