A.J. Morse & Son Circa 1909 Antique Diving Helmet

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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

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• Lot Description

  This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this company started making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1830s. Morse would design some of the most iconic helmets ever conceived. In addition to helmets, the company would make all other related diving equipment as well as fire fighting gear. Morse helmets are known worldwide by divers for almost 200 years! The company is still in business today in Wisconsin.
  
  This classic helmet was made circa 1909. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet features the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. brass ID plate. Morse would put a serial # on both bonnet and breastplate neck rings plus all four brails. That serial number is 1461. This example features the matching number in all 6 locations! This serial # allows us to put a date of manufacturer of around 1909 on it.
  
  Not long after this helmet was made, A.J. Morse started using round windows on the side of their commercial helmets. This example features the classic vertical oval side ports. This example has 3 lights (windows or ports) with a communications cup installed on the front of the bonnet. The exhaust is on the divers back right side of the bonnet. The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet and the communication fitting lower down the bonnet. A communications cable fitting is also on the back of the bonnet. A safety latch is present on the back to prevent separation of the bonnet and breastplate while the diver is underwater. The helmet is a classic example of what a commercial diver would have relied upon at the turn of the 20th century.
  
  This helmet is in unmistakable original condition. The helmet is complete with all its glass, 12 wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, internal air vents, old neck ring gasket, and safety pin. The helmet exhibits typical working dents on the top of the bonnet, none severe. At some point in the helmets life it was updated with the addition of communications fittings. These updates are evident by the communications cup and cable fittings both stamped Craftsweld. Since this helmet was made before standard communications hardware was commonly installed, these details prove the helmet was in use for decades. These subtle signs of use, in our opinion, really make a helmet like this one come alive!
  
  Upon close inspection, there are a few small screws threaded into the back of the bonnet. These were typically done as small repairs to keep the helmet in working. There are no holes in the bonnet or breastplate. The faceplate and divers left side port glass are cracked. Both pieces of glass are still solid. The bonnet and breastplate thread together without a problem, as well as the faceplate. The faceplate has an old rope connecting it to the bonnet. This was done so the faceplate didn’t get lost or fall over the side. Just imagine all the hard work done in this hat!
  
  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

  • 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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