Famed USN Mark V Widow Maker Helium Diving Helmet

About Auction

Live

Diving Into History Auction Summer 2022

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Jul 16, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-07-16 11:00:00 2022-07-16 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Diving Into History Auction Summer 2022 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/diving-into-history-auction-summer-2022-9688
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

  By far the most requested and popular diving helmet we handle is the US Navy Mark V. There were only four companies that made the famed model starting in 1916. One of the original two companies was A.J. Morse - later renamed Morse Diving Equipment and the firm who produced this particular helmet.
  
  What many people do not know is that starting in the 1930's the need for extreme deep dives necessitated the need for a modified Mark V - the mixed gas or helium Mark V model. These helmets were only needed in extreme situations by highly trained divers. With the use of a large brass canister on the back containing a CO2 absorbent and a helium - oxygen mixture divers could work at depths past the typical 100' to 150' limit of a standard Mark V helmet. This helmet did however earn the nickname "Widow Maker". While safe, if anything went wrong or there was a small leak - things went very bad very quickly for the diver.
  
  Compared to the standard Mark V - only a small number of these mixed gas Mark V's were ever made. Typically only the US Government ordered this helmet due to their expense and need for divers to go to extreme depths. Jobs such as submarine salvage or even secret operations is when these were employed.
  
  This specific helmet was ordered by the US Navy according to original Morse Diving Equipment records. The helmet was made at the Boston factory in September 1971 and then delivered to the Naval Supply Center located in Oakland, CA in October of 1971. This helmet was part of an order of 4 that were sent at the same time. From there, we are not sure where the helmet was sent. What we do know is that this helmet is probably the finest example of an original, completely unaltered helium Mark V we have ever handled or seen!
  
  As you can see in the photos, the helmet retains all of its original tinning. It would be a safe bet to classify this helmet as New Old Stock (NOS), meaning it appears to possibly have never been used. There are even unused rubber tank gasket rings that will accompany the helmet. The only missing part is the chain and cotter pin for the dumbbell safety latch. There is a DESCO non-return valve present. In this case the photos above tell the story of just how nice and impressive this helmet is. If you are considering a investment grade helmet for your collection or a very special gift for the holidays this one is without a doubt fits the bill!
  
  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

  • 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.

• Payment & Auction Policies

  • Available payment options

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
• Buyer's Premium
  • 20.00 %