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THB1944 Miller Dunn USN Mark V Diving Helmet #s Matching
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
The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design ever made. Its style and history have made it one of the most popular helmets among collectors worldwide. The model was made for the US Navy from 1916 till the mid-1980s.
During the entire production run of the Mark V, there have only been 4 manufacturers. Three of those makers made the Mark V in relatively large numbers throughout the 20th Century. The one company that would only make the Mark V from 1943 to 1944 was Miller Dunn. Examples of the Mark V from this company are considered by far the most difficult to locate. With a production run of only 1200 to 1500 helmets, the Miller Dunn Mark V is the rare one!
Miller Dunn was located in Miami, FL. Starting in 1916 the company would make the Divinhood. This helmet was a shallow-water model that the US Navy would go on to use. From 1916 to the end of World War 2, Miller Dunn would produce the Divinhood, evolving from the 1st model to their Style 3 Divinhood – also used by the US Navy. This experience in helmet manufacturing and relationship with the US Government undoubtedly led to a brief contract to produce to the Mark V helmet.
This helmet was made on September 1st, 1944. This information is on the lead Mark V ID plate. Per government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year it was produced. In addition to the date, the helmets serial number is also stamped on the ID plate. Miller Dunn elected to use a lead ID plate, which resulted in many of their ID plates being marked or worn down easily, leading to helmet information being difficult to read. This specific ID plate has survived in relatively good condition.
In addition to the date of manufacturer, Miller Dunn Mark V helmets feature a serial number, in this case, 915. Miller Dunn would also stamp the serial number on the inside of all four brails and the inside of both neck rings. This helmet we are pleased to report, has all the remaining brails and both neck rings with the same matching serial number! This is absolute proof the helmet has been together since it left the Miami, FL factory in 1944.
The photos show this helmet with the bonnet and breastplate not threaded together. One of the neck rings appears to be slightly out of round, currently preventing a proper mating of the two parts. The helmet does offer a fantastic original patina with a majority of the factory applied tinning remaining. There are twelve wing nuts intact, five flange style, and seven standards. There are three brails present, all of which have the matching 915 serial number.
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present, communications line clips, as well as the exhaust button. The window guards, glass, air fitting elbow, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, communications elbow, and dumbbell safety latch. The safety latch chain and cotter pin are missing. The original neck ring gasket is long gone. There is a Schrader stamped non-return valve. The communications elbow has a brass cap threaded on it. The top of the bonnet exhibits only a few minor working dents from use.
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
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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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