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THB1918 US Navy Mark V Diving Helmet Serial #400
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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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About Auction
LiveJul 16, 2022
Nation's Attic second auction of 2022 will feature over 40 diving helmets and over 100 other related diving items! There are 2 famed Mark V helium Widow Maker helmets plus other desirable diving history from the around the world in this no reserve sale! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
View Full Catalog (160)
- Lot Description
The US Navy Mark V was first made in 1916 by A. Schrader's Son Company and also the A.J. Morse Company. Only a handful of examples exist from 1916 and 1917. By 1918 orders by the US Government for victory in World War 1 and later reconstruction started to pickup. Today in the 21st Century and 104 years afterwards, examples of 1918 Mark V's are rare and desirable!
This Mark V features a Schrader ID plate with the manufactured date of September 3rd, 1918. Even more impressive, the serial number is 400, the 400th Mark V ever made by Schrader! As with many helmets of this vintage, they were used a lot in both the Navy and later commercially. Undoubtedly after the Navy was finished with this helmet it was purchased as surplus and used by a commercial diver, possibly many decades after it was first made.
At some point in its life the bonnet (top half) was replaced by a bonnet made by the A.J. Morse Company. We know this by the serial # located on the bonnet neck ring. The Morse serial # dates the bonnet to the 1918 time period. Is it possible the Morse bonnet and Schrader breastplate were put together way back in 1918? The next mystery involves the helmets four brails, which were made by Morse. Three of the four brails feature serial #'s dating to the 1918 and 1919 time periods. One brail does not feature a number.
Another key feature of it being an early Mark V is the exhaust valve wheel. Early 1918 and older models had an eight point exhaust, which would later be replaced by a four point exhaust wheel. These early wheels are rare to find, and this helmet features one of those on it!
The back of the bonnet retains the original air fitting with an air hose line and part of communication line still attached. The air line hose has a date of August 1945 on it. The communications fitting on the bonnet has been removed and capped off. A commercial style communications fitting has been installed on the back of the bonnet. Also on the back of the bonnet is a nice vintage replacement dumbbell safety latch. The bonnet does feature numerous working dents typically found on helmets of this age. The inside of the bonnet does retain the original air vents and a vintage speaker still inside!
If you have always longed for a World War 1 Mark V but didn't want to spend top dollar on one - here is a wonderful opportunity. The helmet could be kept just as it is easily or it could be a worthy restoration project. Either way, this helmet without a doubt has seen lots of action during its time underwater and is a great piece of history!
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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. - 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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