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THB1910s AJ Morse & Son Merrit Chapman & Scott Diving 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:
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| $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
Offered here is not just a classic 100+ year old A.J. Morse & Son diving helmet, but one used by the renowned Merritt Chapman & Scott Company.
As mentioned above, it was made in Boston, MA, by the famed AJ Morse & Son Company. Based on the helmet's serial number, 1492, this helmet was made during the early 1910s. This serial number is found on the helmet's two neck rings and all four brails, making it a full serial number matching helmet.
Above the AJ Morse & Son ID plate, a brass inventory plate stamped M.C.&S. Corp. Construction 51-17. This plate is an internal inventory plate for Merritt Chapman & Scott, aka The Black Horse Of The Sea. Do a Google search about this company, or even better, purchase the company's history book we have in the upcoming lot!
This proud helmet retains a wonderful patina to the copper body and brass hardware. Signs of many hard jobs can be seen in the working dents visible on the top of the bonnet. This helmet does retain its original components, including the four brails, twelve wing nuts, side port guards, glass, faceplate, exhaust, air fitting, non-return valve, comms fitting with old wire, dumbbell safety latch, internal air vents, chin exhaust button, and old reproducer. The old neck ring gasket is long gone, but the two halves thread together with ease.
This helmet, without a doubt, was part of a lot of work at the beginning of the 20th Century. With an unmistakable original patina and classic look, this helmet is an impressive piece of diving history.
The classic Morse ID plate adorns the helmet, but another ID plate reveals more clues to its fascinating past. The "M.C. & S. Corp Construction 51-45" plate signifies ownership by the Merritt Chapman & Scott Corporation, a renowned salvage company nicknamed "The Black Hose of the Sea." Founded in the 1860s, M.C. & S. tackled some of the most challenging underwater construction and salvage projects in the U.S.
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
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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.
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