AJ Morse & Son 3 Light Diving Helmet 100+ Years Old

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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

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  This is a classic piece of American diving history represented in this A.J. Morse & Son Inc helmet. This configuration of three ports or lights and 12 breastplate bolts was called The Most Popular Helmet In Use in the multiple A.J. Morse & Son catalogs. AJ Morse is one of the most iconic helmet manufacturers in the United States. Located in Boston, MA when this helmet was made, this company is still in business today.

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  This helmet has the look of one that has been on a lot of jobs over the last hundred years. The helmet was also well taken care of, as can be seen in the photos. The bonnet features serial #1536, which dates it to the 1910 time period. The breastplate neck ring has serial number 3266. The four brails on the breastplate also have the matching number, 3266. This number places the lower half of the helmets production to the mid 1920s.

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  The two halves of the helmet thread together without issue. The old neck ring gasket is long gone. The helmet does retain the original glass, port guards, brails, twelve wing nuts, threaded faceplate, exhaust, comms cup, air elbow, and comms fitting. The bonnet features a dumbbell safety latch. The breastplate has a BTE safety latch. The two safety latches do not match up. Also of note, the BTE latch is still firmly attached to the neck ring, but it has been torn away from it slightly. The inside of the bonnet has the original air vents and exhaust chin button intact. The top of the bonnet features numerous shallow working dents, none are severe.

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  Of note on the back side of the breastplate are the letters U.S.E.D. stamped into the copper. The last letter appears to be a lightly stamped D, but we could be wrong. Unfortunately, we are not sure what these letters stand for, but they are a fun mystery for the next owner to research.

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  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.
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  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.

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• 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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