Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction 2025 + More
Lot 99:
Description
Offered here is not just a classic 100+ year old A.J. Morse & Son diving helmet, but one used by the renowned Merritt Chapman & Scott Company.
As mentioned above, it was made in Boston, MA, by the famed AJ Morse & Son Company. Based on the helmet’s serial number, 1492, this helmet was made during the early 1910s. This serial number is found on the helmet’s two neck rings and all four brails, making it a full serial number matching helmet.
Above the AJ Morse & Son ID plate, a brass inventory plate stamped M.C.&S. Corp. Construction 51-17. This plate is an internal inventory plate for Merritt Chapman & Scott, aka The Black Horse Of The Sea. Do a Google search about this company, or even better, purchase the company’s history book we have in the upcoming lot!
This proud helmet retains a wonderful patina to the copper body and brass hardware. Signs of many hard jobs can be seen in the working dents visible on the top of the bonnet. This helmet does retain its original components, including the four brails, twelve wing nuts, side port guards, glass, faceplate, exhaust, air fitting, non-return valve, comms fitting with old wire, dumbbell safety latch, internal air vents, chin exhaust button, and old reproducer. The old neck ring gasket is long gone, but the two halves thread together with ease.
This helmet, without a doubt, was part of a lot of work at the beginning of the 20th Century. With an unmistakable original patina and classic look, this helmet is an impressive piece of diving history.
The classic Morse ID plate adorns the helmet, but another ID plate reveals more clues to its fascinating past. The "M.C. & S. Corp Construction 51-45" plate signifies ownership by the Merritt Chapman & Scott Corporation, a renowned salvage company nicknamed "The Black Hose of the Sea." Founded in the 1860s, M.C. & S. tackled some of the most challenging underwater construction and salvage projects in the U.S.
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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