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THBUS Navy Mark V Helium Diving Helmet Morse 1954
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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| $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
Not only is this a legendary United States Navy Mark V diving helmet, but it is also a rare helium example, also known as "The Widow Maker". This variation of the standard Mark V helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. The large brass tank on the back contained an absorbent for the Co2 the diver produced. This absorbent, if exposed to water, would turn into a dangerous gas that was potentially lethal, hence the ominous nickname Navy divers gave this helmet.
This helmet was made by Morse Diving Equipment Co. Inc. in Boston, Mass. Likely professionally polished many years ago, it has developed a subtle patina consistently over its copper body and brass hardware. This patina could be left as is, or if so desired, a simple hand polishing could make it shine like new again.
The helmet is externally complete with most of its original hardware intact. Those parts include the four serial numbered brails, twelve wing nuts, four brail shims, dumbbell safety latch with chain and cotter pin, exhaust valve, elbow fitting caps, large absorbent tank, port guards, glass, and ID plate. Inside the bonnet a reproducer or speaker is present along with the exhaust chin button. The air vents are not present.
The helmet's serial number is 4366, which is in eight locations: ID plate, four brails, both neck rings, and brass tank. The date on the oval brass ID plate is 11-30-1954. It appears that the helmet has likely been overhauled or restored by Morse long ago, with significant components possibly missing, being made, and the serial numbers applied to them. Those parts would include the four brails, tank, ID plate, and possibly the bonnet.
This heavy helmet comes in at a little over one hundred pounds! The old neck ring is gone, but the bonnet and breastplate thread together without issue. The absorbent tank also threads on via two large nuts without issue as well. All of the glass is in like-new condition. This impressive helmet is ready to be displayed and impress nearly everyone who sees it!
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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