Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 69:
Description
The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic diving helmet ever made. Its distinctive style and rich history have made it a favorite among collectors worldwide. The model was used by the U.S. Navy from 1916 until the mid-1980s.
Throughout its entire production run, there have only been four manufacturers of the Mark V. While three of these companies produced the helmet in relatively large numbers throughout the 20th century, one company stands out for its rarity: Miller Dunn. This company only produced the Mark V from 1943 to 1944. With a limited production run of only 1,200 to 1,500 helmets, Miller Dunn Mark V examples are considered by far the most difficult to find and are highly sought after by collectors.
Miller Dunn was located in Miami, FL. Starting in 1916 the company would make the Divinhood. This helmet was a shallow water model that the US Navy would go on to use. From 1916 to the end of World War 2, Miller Dunn would produce the Divinhood, evolving from the 1st model to their Style 3 Divinhood, also used by the US Navy. This experience in helmet manufacturing and relationship with the US Government undoubtedly led to a brief contract to produce the Mark V helmet.
This helmet was made on August 1st, 1943. This information is on the lead Mark V ID plate. Per government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year it was produced. In addition to the date, the helmet’s serial number is also stamped on the ID plate. This helmet is an early example, #60. Miller Dunn elected to use a lead ID plate, which resulted in many of their ID plates being marked or worn down easily, leading to helmet information being difficult to read. This specific ID plate has survived in relatively good condition.
Miller Dunn would also stamp the serial number on the inside of all four brails and the inside of both neck rings. This helmet we are pleased to report, has all 4 brails with the same matching serial number. The inside of both neck rings in the same font as the brails has the number 0 stamped on them. With both halves matching in every respect, we can only assume someone at the factory simply used 0 in this spot. We feel without a doubt the bonnet and breastplate are matching and original to each other.
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The helmet is complete with all 12 correct wing nuts, 4 serial number-matching brails, window guards, glass, window guard screws, air fitting, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch with chain and cotter pin, and neck ring gasket. Of note, the early examples of Miller Dunn Mark V’s featured the air and communications elbows with a flange on them, which this helmet has.
This is the rarest of the World War 2 Mark V helmets. With its fantastic original patina and signs of use during the war, this helmet, without a doubt, will finish out any Mark V collection or be the centerpiece of a collection by itself.
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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