Joe Savoie Air Demand Stainless Steel Helmet Featured On Hawaii Five-O

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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

  In the 21st Century diving helmets made by Joe Savoie have been recognized among historians and collectors as one of the most revolutionary helmet designs ever conceived and put into use. The fact that each Savoie helmet was handmade in Joe's Louisiana backyard only adds to the mystique and allure of them. Savoie did not normally advertise his helmets; they sold by word of mouth once divers witnessed one in action. This special helmet was displayed at the ADC International Diving Symposium in New Orleans in the early 1980s. Joe had a table set up at the event with this helmet on display, showing off his skills. A commercial diver from Hawaii attending the show was intrigued by the helmet and purchased it. The helmet was only put in the water twice. One of those dives would be forever immortalized in television history.
  
  Savoie likely made this helmet to showcase his skills and unique features at the symposium. This stainless-steel helmet first sets itself apart with the polished flowing horizontal ribbons. This unique visual detail will positively identify the helmet when it gets used in an iconic television series.
  
  The second unique feature of this helmet is the DACOR SCUBA regulator installed. Savoie offered this air demand option, which incorporated the regulator into the neck ring. A stainless-steel bar under the regulator protects it. This option obviously added to the price of the helmet and a relatively few were ever made.
  
  As mentioned above, this helmet was purchased from Joe Savoie and taken to Honolulu, HI in the early 1980s by the owner of a commercial diving company. This helmet was such a beautiful piece of equipment that it was only used twice, one for a very special job.
  
  While filming an episode of Hawaii Five-O in 1979, the show was in need of a professional diver. The episode was titled “The Spirit Is Willie” and revolves around a lost scuba diver. The production crew made a few calls and hired the owner of this helmet. When the episode aired in 1979 the Savoie helmet was clearly identifiable with its air demand feature and the unique polished ribbons! The diver even had a line in the show when the helmet was removed, requiring him to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), of which he still receives a minimal residual check each year for that one line after taking this helmet off! A signed letter from the original owner of how the helmet was acquired, and used on Hawaii Five-O, and his background will accompany this helmet.
  
  After the filming of Hawaii Five-O in 1979 the helmet was never used again. It was meticulously cared for and on display in the headquarters of the owner's dive company offices. All of the original internal and external components are intact and in excellent condition, including the neck dam. The helmet's serial number is 7804. The helmet has not been cleaned or polished in decades but still retains a brilliant shine.
  
  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.

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