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THBA.J. Morse & Son 1800s Neck Feed Antique 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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| $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
The photos alone of this classic and rarely seen style of A.J. Morse & Son helmet should tell the story of how unique and special it is. Since we have room, we will go ahead and fill you in on the details.
This three-light, twelve-bolt neck feed helmet features a distinctive lightbulb style bonnet found on 19th Century helmets. This helmet does have serial number 751F stamped into both neck rings, helping date it to the 1890s.
During the 19th Century, Morse generally did not use cast ID plates, but would simply stamp their name into the copper breastplate. This helmet is stamped A.J. Morse & Son Boston. The breastplate neck ring is also stamped MFD BY AJ MORSE & SON.
The term neck feed indicates this model would take air through the breastplate. The air elbow fitting is located on the back of the breastplate neck ring. Inside the neck ring is a vent that exhausts under the diver's chin. Some divers favored this unique configuration, but it was generally not used much in the 20th Century.
This helmet's neck ring is non-recessed. The helmet's breastplate and bonnet do feature the classic castling construction method. The bonnet, especially at the top and along the center back, clearly shows this method of assembling the copper in separate pieces.
This helmet is in very nice condition and appears to have been professionally worked on, likely by Morse many years ago. The four brails and twelve wing nuts are contemporary. The internal neck ring air vent appears to have received some work as well. Overall, the work was done well, resulting in the preservation of this very impressive 19th-century American diving 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. 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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