1930s AJ Morse & Son Model 15 Shallow Water Diving Helmet

About Auction

Live

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

View Full Catalog (243)

• Lot Description

  Featured here is one of the most unique shallow water diving helmets ever made. This is a Model 15 helmet made by A.J. Morse & Son Inc. in Boston, MA. This was the only shallow water helmet Morse offered. They designed the helmet with a single large piece of curved glass. This allowed the diver a vast field of view. The curved window and overall design have also made this model a favorite among collectors.
  
  The Model 15 Shallow Water helmet was first made by Morse in the early 1930s. While not as big of a seller as the Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 and 3, they were marketed towards police & fire units and the US Navy. This helmet features the factory serial number and lot number on the top edge of the brass window frame. Serial number 3980 dates this helmet to the late 1930s, shortly before the company changed its name to Morse Diving Equipment.
  
  As shown in the photos, the helmet has a nice rich patina to the copper body and brass hardware. The helmet was likely polished decades ago than allowing for the patina you see to form. All the correct hardware is present, including the carry handle, window frame, lead weights, and four flanged wingnuts. The internal air vent is intact. A brass fitting is threaded onto the air elbow. The lead weights are correct contemporary replacements. The thick curved glass is in excellent condition. The area round the air fitting is pushed in slightly. Numerous working dents are evident on the top half, which are consistent with normal use. This helmet features a lot of character in addition its already unique design, making it a worthy of any collection or museum.
  
  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

  • 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.

• Payment & Auction Policies

  • Available payment options

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
• Buyer's Premium
  • 20.00 %