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THBMorse Diving Helmet Found In Canadian Lake!
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
View Full Catalog (310)
- Lot Description
This is a classic commercial diving helmet made by the Morse Diving Equipment Company in Boston, MA. As the title state, this helmet was found in 1981 on the bottom of Calm Lake near the Calm Lake Dam, which is located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. While scuba diving in clear water a husband and wife came across this helmet in the very same condition as shown in the photos! To say the least, this is just about the best possible piece of history that can be found in a lake! This exciting and notable part of this helmets history will be included on in the certificate of authenticity that accompanies all helmets in this auction.
According to a letter from Morse in 2005 this helmet was made on December 23rd, 1974. Their letter states the famed Morse helmet builder and shop foreman of 46 years Frank Caruso built the helmet. By 1974 Morse had moved to a new location in Rockland, MA. The company however was still using identification plates showing the Boston, MA address. During this transitionary period the company was also using serial numbers starting with RO.
The helmet is a 4 light (window) 12 bolt (wingnuts) model featuring horizontal side windows. Morse actually featured an illustration of this same model on the cover of their 1971 catalog. Inside the catalog, the helmet model is shown without a faceplate guard, just like this helmet. While records of the original customer no longer exist, undoubtedly this helmet was likely used by a Canadian power company or the Calm Lake dam for inspections. Numerous Morse helmets have been discovered with Canadian companies ID plates on them. While speculating, it appears that this helmet fell overboard and rested on the bottom of Calm Lake until a lovely couple discovered it while scuba diving. It should be noted that no dive dress was attached to the helmet when found.
Despite spending time on the bottom of a freshwater lake, the helmet is in excellent original condition. As shown in the photos, the original factory tinning remains on approximately 50% of the copper body. The loss of tinning on the shoulders of the breastplate are obvious signs of wear from a leather weight belt. Very minor working dents on the top of the bonnet also indicate light use.
This helmet is full serial numbers matching in all six locations (both neck rings and four brails)! The serial number is RO28. There is also a number stamped into the top window frame, DG153. This number is likely an inventory number from the original Canadian organization that purchased it in 1974.
The helmet is complete with all four brails and 12 wing nuts. One of the brails on the divers left front is broken and appears to have been repaired before breaking again. The break is directly under where a wing nut goes and is shown in the photos.
Also present and factory original are the internal air vents, communication reproducer, air & comms fittings, and glass. There is even an original stamped WWII era Schrader non-return valve present on the air fitting with a US Navy inspection stamp on it. The brass window guards are present on the sides and top, as well as the glass. The spring-loaded safety lock is present and works correctly.
A large majority of diving helmets we handle come with no documentable history. While this helmet is relatively not that old, its discovery in a lake and being constructed by a master helmet builder make this a truly unique piece. With some additional detective work, the original Canadian owner could possibly be discovered!
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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