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THBJohn Date 19th Century Canadian 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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Bid Increments
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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
This is a beautiful 19th-century diving helmet made by John Date in Montreal, Canada. John Date was the only diving helmet manufacturer in Canada. Starting in the 1850s John Date would go on to make some of the finest helmets ever made in North America. Today, just about any example is prized for its quality and rarity.
A detail that is important to helmets from this time is the bonnet. This example was hand formed with separate pieces of copper having been braised together using a castellation technique. The castellation or castling is quite impressive on this helmet and a key feature. Also key is the overall completeness and condition. All the wing nuts, four brails, window guards, hardware, glass, etc. are present.
The bonnet and breastplate attach together quite easily. The neck rings are non-recessed. John Date helmets at this time period did not put their name on the breastplate. Over twenty years ago, the helmet was polished, giving it an impressive shine. The polishing allowed the castling on the bonnet to become very apparent and easily appreciated visually. The contrast between the copper body and brass hardware also gives this helmet a special look.
Inside the bonnet, the air vents and exhaust chin button are present. It should be noted how this helmet's bonnet features a tall �lightbulb� appearance. This trait makes these early John Date helmets easy to spot and immediately recognized as something special.
This is a rare opportunity to own such an early John Date. It's also a possibility in the future that these could become cultural assets of the Canadian government. This would mean that taking them out of that country would be impossible.
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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