Lot 19:
1916-1924 Miller Dunn Style 1 Shallow Water Diving Helmet
Description
An outstanding early example of the Miller-Dunn Divinhood Style 1 shallow water diving helmet, manufactured in Miami, Florida, circa 1916. Miller-Dunn introduced its revolutionary Divinhood helmet in 1915, followed by the addition of an August 1916 patent marking the following year. Remarkably, this helmet features two of these early patent stamps, one on each side of the copper body!
The introduction of the Divinhood represented a major advancement in American shallow water diving technology. Its lightweight, practical design allowed divers greater mobility and made it particularly useful for underwater construction, research, inspection, and even photography. The helmet features a formed copper body with a brass carrying handle, air inlet elbow, and circular front window assembly. Additional copper bands on the front and back were designed to accommodate specially made lead weights, secured through mounting holes with brass hardware. This innovative yet remarkably simple design helped establish the foundation for American shallow water diving helmets.
This example retains an exceptional original appearance, with a rich dark brown and green patina that has developed over more than a century. The copper body is in very good overall condition, with a shallow indentation on the diver’s right side, a characteristic occasionally encountered on surviving examples. All the original brass fittings remain intact, including the carrying handle, air inlet elbow, and threaded front window assembly. The original-style glass is present and intact, although it is not sealed. The glass can be accessed by unscrewing the front window frame.
Manufactured during the earliest years of Miller-Dunn’s diving equipment production, the Divinhood Style 1 represents an important chapter in the development of American shallow water diving. With production spanning approximately 1915 through 1924, surviving examples are now more than a century old and seldom appear on the market. The distinctive double patent markings, complete original fittings, and remarkable untouched patina make this an especially interesting example of this historically significant 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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
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 its authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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