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THB1920s Miller Dunn Divinhood Shallow Water Style 2 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
LiveDec 9, 2023
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
View Full Catalog (243)
- Lot Description
Regarded by many as the most desirable shallow water diving helmet ever produced is the Divinhood Style 2. This unique helmet was made by the Miller Dunn Company located in Miami, Florida. Miller Dunn started out in 1915 with the Divinhood, a simple helmet that became popular with civilian and military divers. In 1925, Miller Dunn introduced the much improved Divinhood Style 2, which would become the US Navy standard shallow water helmet.
The Style 2 Divinhood utilized two angled glass windows on the front protected by brass bars. The large angled windows provided a great field of view but also created a distorted vision when looking straight ahead. Regardless, the model would be made for well over 10 years and proved popular in all sorts of underwater professions and activities.
This fantastic example is an early one. The first Style 2s featured a slightly narrower shoulder flange that this helmet has. In most cases, dating a Miller Dunn helmet to a specific period is impossible.
As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice condition. A patina has formed over the copper body and brass hardware. The old glass is intact with the white lead caulk still inside. The window guards and frame with original brass hex bolts are complete and in great condition. The air fitting below is in good condition. The brass ID plate is clear and legible. The brass carry handle on top is bent slightly. The front left edge of the copper body has a very minor bend. The right edge at the peak of the shoulder where the copper is rolled over is separated slightly. Overall, this nearly 100 year old helmet is in great shape!
Unlike the Style 1 and Style 3 Divinhood, the Style 2 was made in between World Wars. This resulted in only limited US government orders and now in the 21st century very few surviving examples. The helmets unique design also make it a highly desirable model that rarely comes to the market. Having the opportunity to own an early production example is also a rare occurrence.
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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