Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More
Lot 65:
Description
This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this company started making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1830s. Morse would design some of the most iconic helmets ever conceived. In addition to helmets, the company would make all other related diving equipment, as well as firefighting gear. Morse helmets have been known worldwide by divers for almost 200 years! The company is still in business in Wisconsin today.Featured here is a unique variation of the Model 15 shallow water helmet, one that is a deep water variant! Likely made as a special order, Morse utilized the seldom seen Model 15 shallow water top half with the large convex glass port and engineered it to thread onto their classic 12 bolt deep water breastplate. The result is a helmet with a superior wide ranging view for the diver while being able to work at depths not accessible by a shallow water helmet. The Model 15 Shallow Water helmet was first made by Morse in the early 1930s. While not as big of a seller as the Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 and 3, they were marketed towards police & fire units and the US Navy. This helmet features the factory serial number 4922 on both neck rings and all four brails.It is our opinion that this helmet, based on the serial numbers and font style, is a bonnet that was made in the 1940s and then modified at a later date, by Morse, into its current configuration. The breastplate and brails were made and serial numbered to match the bonnet. The ID plate was also in use by Morse during the 1960’s, likely when it was modified for a customer. The helmet features a communication cup and fitting, Mark V-style exhaust, air elbow, spring-loaded safety pin, Mark V-style wing nuts, four brails, large curved glass port with frame, internal air vents, and exhaust chin button. The helmet does thread together, but the old neck ring gasket is gone. It should be noted that the breastplate features a very unique and attractive large dimple pattern in the copper body. If you enjoy unique helmets, have a shallow water helmet collection, or simply like the visual appearance of this helmet – this is a special opportunity to own one that will stand out from the rest! The display stand in the photos is not included. The option to purchase the stand at a discounted price will be available after the auction. 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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