Lot 6:
Gas Services Helinaut Gas-Reclaim Diving Helmet
Description
This is a rare and visually impressive Gas Services Helinaut gas-reclaim diving helmet, representing an important chapter in the development of extreme-depth commercial diving. Based upon the legendary Kirby Morgan SuperLite 17, the helmet was extensively modified by Gas Services Offshore Ltd. of Aberdeen, Scotland, for helium mixed-gas saturation diving in the North Sea.
The Helinaut system combined Alex Copson’s specialized exhaust valve with Don Rodocker’s gas-reclaim technology. Rather than exhausting the diver’s costly heliox breathing mixture into the sea, exhaled gas could be returned to the surface, cleaned, replenished with oxygen, and reused. Gas Services Offshore’s reclaim technology was famously employed during the 1981–82 recovery of gold from HMS Edinburgh in the Barents Sea, where divers worked at the extraordinary depth of approximately 840 feet (256 meters).
This helmet retains the unmistakable yellow fiberglass shell of the Kirby Morgan SuperLite 17 but is dramatically transformed by its specialized Helinaut equipment. The prominent exhaust/reclaim assembly, Ultraflow regulator, valves, hoses and fittings give the helmet an exceptionally complex and distinctive appearance.
Surviving Helinaut helmets are seldom encountered in such complete and attractive condition. This example retains its original Kirby Morgan identification decals and serial number, blue neck dam and headliner, along with the specialized components that distinguish it from a conventional SuperLite 17. The fiberglass shell is exceptionally nice, while the brass and metal hardware contrasts beautifully with its original yellow finish.
More than simply a modified Kirby Morgan helmet, this Gas Services Helinaut is a rare survivor from the pioneering era of North Sea saturation diving and helium gas-recovery technology—an exceptionally original, complete and visually striking helmet for an advanced diving collection.
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. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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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