Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 96:
Description
This helmet is a seldom-seen example made by the Craftsweld Equipment Corporation in New York, NY. Craftsweld purchased the diving equipment assets of the A. Schrader’s Son company in the early 1950’s. The result are helmets that are very similar in design to earlier A. Schrader’s Son models.
Craftsweld would make individual helmets on order, never having government contracts. With only a limited number of helmets being made each year starting in the early 1950s, surviving examples from this company are scarce.
This wonderful, all original and complete helmet was made on August 20th, 1956, for the Paul Smith Construction Company. The helmet is a four-light model, serial number 1642, which remains in its original configuration to this day. The fourth port or window was an upgrade over the standard three-light model.
This helmet was likely used for a single project and then put away and nicely preserved, as shown here. The copper body and brass hardware have a fantastic dark brown and green patina. The helmet retains its original four brails, twelve wing nuts, port guards, glass, exhaust, air fitting with non-return valve, Craftsweld stamped comms fitting and cup, remnants of communications wire, internal air vents, and exhaust chin button. The old neck ring gasket is long gone. The top of the bonnet has a few working dents.
It would be fascinating to find out what project the Paul Smith Construction Company was working on in 1956-57 to know where this helmet was originally used. Perhaps with some detective work, this can be discovered, adding more history to this already fantastic diving helmet.
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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