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THBNotorious USN Mark V Helium Widow Maker Diving Helmet
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
LiveDec 4, 2021
Nation's Attic Inc invites you to explore our Diving Into History auction for winter 2021. As always, all items are authentic, including the antique diving helmets. All diving helmet come with a detailed COA. Bid with confidence, this is our 16th year in business! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
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- Lot Description
Not only is this a legendary United States Navy Mark V diving helmet, it is a rarely found helium example, aka mixed gas helmet. This variation of the standard Mark V helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. The large brass tank on the back contained an absorbent for the Co2 the diver produced. This absorbent, if exposed to water, would turn into a dangerous gas that was potentially lethal, hence the ominous nick name Navy divers gave this helmet, The Widow Maker!
The photos show just how incredibly nice and original this example is. The helmet was made by Diving Equipment & Supply company in March 1972. The customer was the United State Navy, who sent this helmet to the newly constructed USS Brunswick ATS-3. The USS Brunswick was a rescue and salvage Edenton-Class ship. She was stationed out of Pearl Harbor and Japan. The ship was struck from the US Navy list in 1996 and sold to South Korea.
Vitally important to Mark V helmets are the serial numbers, especially a helium example. Interestingly this helmet features the serial #120 on the identification plate, Co2 canister, inside of the breastplate neck ring and #119 on the inside neck ring of the bonnet. With assistance from DESCO we discovered helmets #120 and #119 were both originally sent to the USS Brunswick! With both being on the same ship undoubtedly, the bonnets were likely accidently mixed up. The helmets certificate of authenticity will include the USS Brunswick provenance.
The helmet does have all four brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, original glass, air, heat, gas and communications fittings, communications and heat fitting caps, unique helium helmet exhaust valve, dumbbell safety latch with original chain and cotter pin, and all brass hardware screws. Inside the bonnet, the internal air vents are all present as well as the exhaust valve chin button. Rear Co2 absorbent tank is also in excellent condition. Lastly, the original neck ring gasket is present.
All Mark V helmets made for the US Navy were tinned. This gray or silver colored material coated the copper body of the helmet preventing saltwater corrosion. This helmet features essentially 100% original tinning.
Helium Mark V helmets weigh approximately 101 pounds. Developed back in the 1930s, this model still manages to impress everyone! Having such a helmet in your collection or on display by itself is an impressive sight. In addition, the United States Navy and USS Brunswick provenance really propels this example as a special historical piece of US Navy and diving history!
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: 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 USPS International or FedEx.
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