Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 84:
Description
This is a unique and impressive American diving helmet made during the early 20th Century. The helmet has the initial appearance of the famed United States Navy Mark V, or an early iteration of it. The consistency of the components’ patina suggests it has been in this configuration for many decades.
The helmet features an ID plate from A.J. Morse & Son Inc., located in Boston, Mass. The breastplate neck ring is stamped with serial number 2394, which dates its manufacture to approximately 1917. The breastplate’s four brails are missing, and all of the wing nuts, with the exception of two flanged nuts.
The helmet bonnet is a USN Mark V and features the numbers 26 on the neck ring. An early eight-pointed exhaust wheel is intact. A dumbbell safety latch, air fitting, spitcock valve, port guards, internal air vents, chin button, and glass are also present. The communications elbow has been replaced with a commercial-style communications fitting. The bonnet has the characteristics of an early A. Schrader’s Son example, possibly of the World War 1 vintage.
The bonnet has the typical working dents present with none being severe or large. There is a red painted A or V on the very top of the bonnet, possibly indicating this as a “red diver” helmet while in USN use. There is a crack on the top port glass, but it is still solid. The bonnet and breastplate do thread together without issue.
This helmet features a wonderful original vintage look. The combination of the two halves is quite intriguing and if it could tell the story of its use, it would be fascinating.
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. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your countries customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.
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