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THB1945 US Navy Mark V Helium DESCO Diving Helmet Restored
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
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
This is an incredibly rare and impressive United States Navy Mark V mixed gas or helium diving helmet! This 100% authentic helmet has received a restoration by DESCO years ago. The helmet now appears like it did when it was sent from the DESCO factory in World War 2 to its customer, likely the United States Navy.
The helmet was made on June 6th, 1945, by Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO), exactly 1 year after D-Day. The serial number 2870 can be found on the inside of both neck rings, on the outside of the bonnet neck ring, and the original ID plate. The ID plate also features the word HELIUM stamped into it.
When the US Government ordered Mark V they required the copper body to be tinned. This tinning would help prevent saltwater corrosion to the copper. From use and polishing this tinning would eventually wear off, exposing the copper. As can be seen in the photos, this helmet when restored was also given a correct re-tinning.
As mentioned above, the helmet is a full serial number matching example. Internally all of the air vents are intact. It appears the inside inner peak received some light work after re-tinning, exposing the copper on the inside. An exhaust plunger is present inside the bonnet as well as communications wire clips. Outside all the major hardware is present, including the window guards, glass, exhaust valve, four brails, twelve wingnuts, and the all-important Co2 absorbent canister. The dumbbell safety latch, retaining latch, air, communications, and heater elbow caps are also present. Some old repairs are evident in the copper body from use. These old repairs are hardly noticeable but worth mentioning and showing the helmet was actually used during or after World War 2.
Given the nickname The Widow Maker by some Navy divers, the Mark V Helium helmet is an impressive piece of diving technology. Weighing approximately 100+ pounds, this helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. Sending a mixture of helium and oxygen to the diver allowed them to go depths more than the typical 100 to 150 feet. From that point on, standard air divers would suffer from numerous physical and mental issues while trying to work. The large canister on the back contained a granular that would absorb carbon dioxide. While effective, if the granular was exposed to water from a leak in any one of the fittings, the combination would result in toxic gas, injuring or even killing a diver, hence the ominous nickname Widow Maker.
Very few of these helium Mark V helmets were made. Due to their cost, advanced training required, and the limited number of missions that required such a helmet, very few of these survive today. This helmet does represent the pinnacle of underwater diving technology from World War 2. It is also visually awe-inspiring and guaranteed to impress even non-collectors!
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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