Rare Lindberg Hammar Helium Recirculator Diving Helmet Charles Lindberg Son

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Nation's Attic Diving Into History 2025 + Mor...

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Nov 1, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-11-01 11:00:00 2025-11-01 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Nation's Attic Diving Into History 2025 + More https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/nations-attic-diving-into-history-2025-more-20857
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

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• Lot Description

  Did you know that Jon Lindbergh, son of the famed aviator Charles Lindbergh, was also a pioneer in deep-sea diving? In the mid-1960s, alongside Pat Hammar, he co-designed an advanced mixed-gas diving helmet. This creation, renowned as one of the most visually distinctive and mechanically unique helmets ever produced, aimed to significantly extend the depths at which divers could safely operate.

  
  

  The design process for the Lindbergh-Hammar helmet began with a standard Japanese model as a base. Lindbergh and Hammar then modified it, incorporating the necessary features to create a functional helium recirculatory system. This resulted in an impressive final design, distinguished by a large canister integrated into the rear of the bonnet.

  
  

  It's speculated that Lindbergh and Hammar collaborated on this helmet with the goal of securing a government contract. Jon Lindbergh's influential name, combined with his recognized expertise in advancing deep-sea working capabilities, would have significantly bolstered such an effort.

  
  

  While clearly utilized, this example is exceptionally well-preserved and retains its original configuration. A few minor imperfections on the bonnet attest to its history but are superficial. Crucially, the helmet features its full complement of specialized components: communications block and cup, rear canister, ScubaPro regulator, gas control valve, air control valve, Plexiglas ports, original brails, wing nuts, neck ring gasket, internal air vents, exhaust chin button, threaded safety bolt, and WWII BTE exhaust valve.

  
  

  A key characteristic of known Lindberg & Hammar helmets is the absence of their own branding, further evidenced by the removal of original breastplate ID plates. The helmet's style, coupled with the telltale outline of an oval ID plate, strongly indicates an origin with TOA in Japan. While some examples are stamped with a serial number, this one remains unnumbered.

  
  

  Jon Lindbergh's life was marked by significant historical involvement. Although his venture into helium diving helmet design was short-lived, the handful of remaining examples serve as enduring reminders of his profound accomplishments and contributions to extreme depth diving.

  
  

  With an estimated production of fewer than five units, and even fewer surviving to the present day, the Lindberg / Hammar helmet was ultimately overshadowed by competition from R. Kirby, Yokohama, and later DESCO. As a result, this singular piece of helium diving technology became a true rarity, now deserving of prominence in any leading collection or museum globally.

  
  

  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.

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