1900s A.J. Morse & Son 3 Light 12 Bolt Diving Helmet

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Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction Wi...

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Dec 9, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-12-09 11:00:00 2023-12-09 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction Winter 2023 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/nations-attic-diving-into-history-auction-winter-2023-14197
Nation's Attic annual Diving Into History auction 2023! This event is filled with high-quality, authentic vintage & antique diving helmets and related equipment. Some of the rarest historical diving in the world are selling in this auction at no reserve! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com

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• Lot Description

  This helmet was made by one of the most famed and iconic manufacturers of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the A.J. Morse & Son company located in Boston, MA. This company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the mid-19th Century. Their helmets are quintessential pieces of American industrial design and iconic diving history.
  
  Advertised as The Most Popular Helmet In Use in the 1904 AJ Morse catalog, this is a classic 3 light (windows or ports) 12 bolt helmet. This helmet was made at the Boston factory before 1904. This is known by its serial number and ID plate. The helmet serial number is 1174, which is present on both neck rings and all four brails! Morse would add Inc. to their name after 1904. This helmets ID plate does not have Inc. on it.
  
  A.J. Morse, during this time utilized iconic vertical side ports or windows. The circular faceplate threaded into the helmet bonnet, completed the classic configuration of an AJ Morse helmet. This helmet retains its twelve wing nuts, four serial numbered brails, window guards, glass, exhaust valve, air elbow fitting, safety latch, internal air vents, and neck ring gasket. The faceplate is missing one knob. The divers right side port glass is cracked but still solid. There is a AJ Morse & Son stamped non return valve on the helmet, which is the same vintage as the helmet.
  
  Many decades ago, this helmet was professionally polished. Since that time, the copper body and brass hardware have developed a beautiful, consistent patina. The helmet does have numerous working dents, all evidence of its use over 100 years ago. The copper around the air elbow fitting is pushed in slightly. The polishing of the helmet has exposed an interesting detail in regard to the helmet construction. The breastplate was assembled from two pieces. The two parts were castellated together. That castellation seam is visible at the shoulders of the breastplate, adding a nice touch of detail to this already impressive helmet.
  
  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. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
  
  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.

• 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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