EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THB1890s A.J. Morse & Son 5 Bolt USN Mark 1 Helmet
About Seller
448 S. Pattie Ave
Wichita, KS 67211
United States
Nation’s Attic Incorporated is located in Wichita, KS. As a full time business we offer expert factory correct restoration & repair services for antique slot machines made from the 1880’s to 1950. Only dealing in authentic examples of antique slot machines, we are one of the few remaining full time ...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $5 |
| $100 | $10 |
| $250 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
About Auction
LiveNov 1, 2025
Nation's Attic's annual Diving Into History auction is filled with some fantastic, rare, authentic diving helmets from around the world, plus related memorabilia. We also have a collection of rare golf balls, US silver coins, plus more. Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
View Full Catalog (318)
- Lot Description
One of the most desirable and rare American diving helmets is the 5-bolt pattern made by the A.J. Morse company in Boston, Massachusetts, also known as the US Navy Mark 1. This style of helmet was used by the US Navy in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century before the Mark V made its debut in 1916. Commercial divers would also use this style during these time periods.
This model is unique in that the bonnet (top) and breastplate (bottom) are secured together via 5 large bolts at the neck ring. Traditionally, helmets were threaded together, but some favored this style. While the US Navy used the 5-bolt pattern, helmets in their inventory after 1916 were generally retrofitted into a threaded style, making the surviving 5-bolt helmets quite rare.
Even rarer is to find a helmet in its original, unaltered condition, like this one. This example was made circa 1890-1900 based on its very low serial number of 891, located on both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings. The helmets brass ID plate is one used for a short period of time and rarely seen. This style of ID plate has the company information stamped into it, rather than cast. The plate reads A.J. Morse & Son; Boston, MASS; U.S.A.
This helmet was just recently discovered by a family in the northwestern part of the US. The family's grandfather had used this helmet. A photo of the man will accompany this helmet.
As shown in the photos, this helmet is in its original, as-found condition. The unmistakable green and dark brown patina of a 120+ year old helmet is found on the copper body and brass hardware. All five of the bolt work. One of the ears on one bolt is broken off.
All of the original brass hardware on the bonnet is still present including the communications and air elbows, early non-return valve, communications cap, exhaust valve, window guards, glass, and communication cup. The faceplate threads on and off without issue. Miraculously, no notable or large dents are present on the top of the bonnet. The air fitting is pushed in slightly; otherwise, it is in excellent condition. All the internal air vents are intact.
The breastplate does retain all twelve of the bolts. It is missing the four brails and twelve corresponding wing nuts. An old leather cord is wrapped around the breastplate's neck.
This helmet can easily be left as it is or have the missing parts fabricated for it. We seldom have a helmet with a family history tied to it, which we will pass along to the winning bidder. This big and imposing helmet will instantly impress just about anyone, even if they are not a collector!
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.
- Shipping Info
-
Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via DHL Express or FedEx Express. USPS is no longer used for international shipments due to issues with tracking packages. Insurance: All items are insured for the full purchase amount less carrier shipping charges, or the maximum amount allowed by the carrier and/or country of destination. Insurance is included in the specified shipping amount listed in the shipping section of the final invoice pricing. All invoices are sent with insurance already factored into the shipping charge. The customer has the right to waive any insurance amount by providing written consent that the customer will not hold Nations Attic, Inc. or its shipping carriers responsible for damaged and/or lost shipments due to uninsured/under insured packages. In some instances, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to only ship certain items if insurance is purchased for the full amount of the item(s) being shipped. International buyers are responsible for all duties and taxes. If shipment is rejected, buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs or disposal fees incurred.
-
- Payment & Auction Policies
-
Available payment options
-
-
- Buyer's Premium
