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THBAJ Morse & Son 4 Light 12 Bolt 1930s Diving Helmet
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
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! Morse would be one of the original makers of the US Navy Mark V. They would produce this helmet from 1916 till the mid-1980s for the US Navy. The company is still in business today in Wisconsin.
This helmet was made during 1930s. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which are present. The helmet features the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. brass ID plate. Morse would put the serial # of the helmet on both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings and the four brails. This example features the matching number in all 6 locations. This serial # also allows us to generally date the helmet. The serial number of this helmet is 3325.
Starting in the late 1910s A.J. Morse started using round windows on the side of their commercial helmets. This example is a wonderful example of what Morse would call their Improved Safety Diving Helmet. This example has four lights (windows) with a communications cup installed on the divers front right of the bonnet. The exhaust is along the divers right side of the bonnet and the communications fitting is on the left. The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet. A Morse Diving Equipment Inc. stamped non-return valve is attached to the air elbow. A spring-loaded safety pin is present on the back to prevent separation of the bonnet and breastplate while the diver was underwater.
As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Surprisingly, much of the factory tinning is still intact. A wonderful visual nod to the helmets use is the tinning loss on the breastplate where the weight belt straps rubbed on it. Over the brass ID plate is a thick piece of leather with a ring attached to the two studs. All four of the Morse brails with serial numbers are present. Twelve wing nuts, four copper brail shims, port guards, port glass, internal air vents, front communications fittings, neck ring gasket, are all intact and original. The bonnet exhibits numerous small working dents, none of which are severe. The bonnet and breastplate thread together with ase as well as the faceplate.
Such a classic original American commercial helmet like this does not come on the market often. Compared to Mark V helmet, these can be considered quite scarce.
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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