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THBDESCO US Navy Mark V Diving Helmet 1945 w/ Navy Stamp
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
LiveApr 2, 2022
This auction features a lifetime collection of submarine memorabilia including the original christening bottle cage from the USS Squalus in 1938. Antique diving helmets and related equipment from around the world are also featured. Worldwide shipping on all items will be available. 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. After the US Navy adopted the Mark 12 helmet for use, there were still three makers of the Mark V helmet for commercial and recreational use, Morse & DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co) and recently Schrader.
This helmet was made by one of those famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Diving Equipment & Supply Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, WI this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the late 1930s. Starting in 1943 they become a supplier to the US Navy, including the Mark V helmet. DESCO is still in business today making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services.
The helmet was made on December 5th, 1945. As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Many people do not realize that Mark Vs made for the US Navy required that they have a tinning covering the entire copper body. This tinning prevented saltwater corrosion. This tinning gives the helmet the grey finish you see. The tinning is not applied to the brass hardware, such as the brails and window guards. This helmet is what a DESCO Mark V looks like after seventy-seven years of little use and being preserved!
Securely mounted inside the bonnet is a WWII reproducer with the cover removed. There is a wire from the reproducer to the communications elbow. The inner reproducer is secured with two screws from the outside that are not factory applied. Other original components intact are the four brails, 12 wing nuts, 4 copper brail shims, spitcock valve, exhaust valve and chin button, dumbbell safety latch and related hardware, air vents, and glass. A Schrader non-return valve is threaded onto the air elbow and features a US Navy inspection stamp. The brass ring on the front of the breastplate eyelet is not factory applied but commonly used hardware.
The helmets bonnet and breastplate are serial numbers matching to the identification plate. DESCO placed the serial number on both inside neck rings and ID plate. Also featured on the ID plate is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp is proof the helmet was inspected and put into US Navy inventory. The spun copper body of the helmet is in wonderful condition with only minor working dents on the top of the bonnet. After WWII this helmet was used in and around Lake Michigan.
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. 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.
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