1944 United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet Schrader

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Diving Into History Auction

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Dec 4, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-12-04 11:00:00 2021-12-04 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Diving Into History Auction https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/diving-into-history-auction-7859
Nation's Attic Inc invites you to explore our Diving Into History auction for winter 2021. As always, all items are authentic, including the antique diving helmets. All diving helmet come with a detailed COA. Bid with confidence, this is our 16th year in business! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com

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• 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. Production of the helmet reached peaks during late World War 1 and during World War 2. From 1916 till the end of WWII, Schrader would produce the Mark V for the military and civilian divers.
  
  The helmet was made by one of the famed and iconic manufacturers of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the A. Schrader’s Son Company. Located in Brooklyn, New York, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. Throughout the 19th Century, they would improve upon diving helmet design and become a supplier to the US Navy. During the early 20th Century their helmets would utilize the latest techniques in design and safety. Schrader would go on to be a major supplier of the famed Mark V from 1916 till shortly after World War II. The Mark V is considered by many to be the most iconic diving helmet ever made.
  
  This helmet was made in January of 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. By 1944, when this helmet was produced, the A. Schrader’s Son company was a division of the Scovill Manufacturing Co. This information is part of the brass Mark V ID plate. Per US-Government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year it was produced. In the 21st Century for collectors, this makes dating and authenticating them quite easy!
  
  Externally the helmet many decades ago was cleaned, to expose its attractive spun copper body and brass hardware. A hint of patina with a consistent matt finish throughout the copper body is evident. The helmets original ID plate is present and easy to read. Someone did remove the wording United States Navy at the top of the ID plate. Schrader helmets would put the month and year of a manufacturer on the ID plate as well as a serial number, in this case, 1492B. Schrader would also stamp the serial number on the inside all four brails as well and the communication cup on the bonnet. This helmet we are pleased to report has all 6 locations with the same matching serial number! Also found on the bonnet, stamped on the communications cup is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp shows that the Navy inspected and accepted this helmet into their inventory! No doubt a helmet made in early 1944 was used for many jobs.
  
  On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside of the bonnet was cleaned at the same time as the outside. The helmet is complete with all 12 wing nuts, 4 brails, 4 brail shims, window guards, glass, window guard screws, air fitting, exhaust, spitcock valve, WW2 era replacement dumbbell safety latch, and air vents. Sometime after the helmets service with the US Navy, a Craftsweld communications fitting was installed, replacing the original on the bonnet. A correct replacement could be installed by Schrader, who is still in business. Numerous small working dents on the top of the bonnet are present.
  
  Mark V helmets are arguably the most desirable and collected helmet in the entire world. This serial #’s matching with US Navy inspection stamp would make a fantastic addition to any collection or as your first helmet!
  
  All helmets sold & auctioned by Nation’s Attic Inc. will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long term assurance of the helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.
  
  The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided. All helmets will be shipped in two double boxed boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
  
  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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.

• Shipping Info

  • Shipping: 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 USPS International or FedEx.

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