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THBRestored Catalina Island Al Hanson Historic 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
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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
We are excited to offer for sale this scarce helmet, one of a mere handful personally crafted by the pioneering diver Al Hanson. This helmet, a testament to Al and his wife Norma's legendary career, served as a vital piece of equipment in their captivating underwater diving exhibitions for glass-bottom boat tours at Catalina Island, California, spanning from 1947 to 1970. The Hansons' signature white paint, applied to all their helmets, ensured maximum visibility in the depths, enhancing the audience's experience. Previously owned by a close diver friend of the Hanson’s, this particular helmet was meticulously restored for display in a private museum, and we are privileged to showcase this unique piece from such an iconic diving duo.
Technically, the helmet boasts an air control valve and an emergency dump valve in the bonnet, a USN Mark V exhaust valve, and a telephone housing, alongside a central tie-off eye on the breastplate. Its most distinctive feature, however, is the oversized fixed view ports, specifically designed to capture the divers' faces for photographs. This design element is vividly illustrated in the accompanying video clip of Al Hanson performing an extraordinary underwater feat. This footage, likely the only existing record of a deep-sea diver executing a free ascent after cutting themselves out of their suit, was broadcast nationwide on Colonel John D. Craig's "Danger Is My Business." Television show.
The Hansons were true luminaries of California diving, with Al contributing his expertise to Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Norma, using a similar helmet, achieved a record-breaking dive to 220 feet in 1950. This exceptional helmet is accompanied by a Kerotest bail-out bottle from the museum exhibit, stamped 10-42 and meticulously refurbished in white. Further enriching this collection is a first edition copy of the Hansons' comprehensive 700-page book, "More Than Nine Lives, " numbered 356 of a limited 450 print run, and personally inscribed by Norma to a respected diving author. Finally, a copy of Historical Diver Magazine, featuring Al Hanson on the cover and a detailed pictorial of their career, completes this extraordinary offering.
The display stand in the photos is not included. The option to purchase the stand at a discounted price will be available after the auction. 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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