Unique A.J. Morse & Son Circa 1917 Antique Diving Helmet

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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

  This is a unique and impressive American diving helmet made during the early 20th Century. The helmet has the initial appearance of the famed United States Navy Mark V, or an early iteration of it. The consistency of the components' patina suggests it has been in this configuration for many decades.

  
  

  The helmet features an ID plate from A.J. Morse & Son Inc., located in Boston, Mass. The breastplate neck ring is stamped with serial number 2394, which dates its manufacture to approximately 1917. The breastplate's four brails are missing, and all of the wing nuts, with the exception of two flanged nuts.

  
  

  The helmet bonnet is a USN Mark V and features the numbers 26 on the neck ring. An early eight-pointed exhaust wheel is intact. A dumbbell safety latch, air fitting, spitcock valve, port guards, internal air vents, chin button, and glass are also present. The communications elbow has been replaced with a commercial-style communications fitting. The bonnet has the characteristics of an early A. Schrader’s Son example, possibly of the World War 1 vintage.

  
  

  The bonnet has the typical working dents present with none being severe or large. There is a red painted A or V on the very top of the bonnet, possibly indicating this as a �red diver� helmet while in USN use. There is a crack on the top port glass, but it is still solid. The bonnet and breastplate do thread together without issue.

  
  

  This helmet features a wonderful original vintage look. The combination of the two halves is quite intriguing and if it could tell the story of its use, it would be fascinating.

  
  

  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. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code. International bidders are advised that some countries do not allow the importation of knives. Nations Attic is not responsible for shipping charges going or coming back if your countries customs denies delivery. Rejected items can be consigned into a future sale as there are no refunds.

  
  

• 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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