Morse Diving Equipment 4 Light 12 Bolt Diving Helmet

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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 helmet was made by the Morse Diving Equipment Company located in Boston, MA.  This company started making diving helmets and related equipment in the mid-19th Century and continues to do so in the 21st Century. Their helmets are quintessential pieces of American industrial design and iconic diving history. 

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  This helmets design and when it was constructed could be considered the peak of copper and brass commercial helmet construction. This 4 light (windows or ports) 12 bolt helmet was made by Morse during the mid 1960s. During this time, a revolutionary change in diving helmet design was taking place using fiberglass and other materials. This classic Morse helmet embodies the look and function of an iconic design that, during the late 1960s, was on the decline.      

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  As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. As was the custom of Morse, the helmet serial number was stamped into both neck rings and all four brails. Serial #6776 is present in all six locations. A large majority of the original factory tinning remains. The helmet retains the original brass ID plate, wing nuts, four serial numbered brails, spring loaded safety pin, port guards, glass, exhaust valve, communications & air fittings, internal air vents, neck ring gasket, and exhaust chin button.

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  A commercial helmet like this one would have been ordered and made to the specifications the customer requested. It is not unusual to find details of the original diver or company information on a helmet. This one has the initials CDC etched into the breastplate and the peak of the bonnet. Also etched into the breastplate is the number 09-01-09. The CDC initials are from the Commercial Diving Center, which started in 1967. In 1981, Oceaneering International purchased the company and renamed it College of Oceaneering. This helmet was well taken care of. The classic rubbing of the tinning at the shoulders from the weight belt gives this helmet the undeniable appearance of use while maintaining it clean nearly new look. There are some working dents on the top of the bonnet and one behind the divers left port. The bonnet and breastplate thread together with ease as well as the faceplate. The safety pin also functions correctly. This is a wonderful helmet with a timeless visual look.

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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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