Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 126:
Description
This exceptional offering represents a cornerstone of maritime history: a U.S. Navy Mark V Diving Helmet manufactured by the prestigious A. Schrader’s Son Co., dated September 1, 1917. While the Mark V design was codified in 1916, early examples from the inaugural years of 1916 and 1917 remain vanishingly rare. As the United States ramped up production for the World War I effort and subsequent reconstruction, the Mark V became an icon of naval engineering. Today, 109 years after its inception, a 1917 Schrader remains one of the most coveted acquisitions for the serious collector.Bearing Serial Number 82, this helmet is the 82nd Mark V ever produced by Schrader, marking it as a true "low-number" survivor from the dawn of standard-issue naval diving. In keeping with the production nuances of the Great War era, the helmet features non-matching stamps: the bonnet neck ring is marked 35, the breastplate 82, and the faceplate frame 52. Such variations are consistent with other early Schrader Mark V’s we have handled in the past. In addition, the understand of the four brails feature the stamped number 37, 102, 102, and 62. The helmet remains remarkably complete, featuring its original hardware, including the brails, twelve wing nuts, four copper brail shims, window guards, and glass. The internal air vents, chin button, period-correct twelve-pointed exhaust wheel, and spitcock valve are all present, alongside the essential dumbbell safety latch.The copper bonnet exhibits "working dents" earned over a century of service, providing an authentic patina that speaks to its likely deployment during both World Wars. Notably, these impressions are superficial and do not penetrate the copper. This piece underwent a masterful sympathetic restoration by the original manufacturer, A. Schrader’s Son (now based in Pennsylvania). Unlike modern over-polishing, this professional conservation preserves the helmet’s original character and "salty" aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity, completeness, and authenticity.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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
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