Rare 1943 DESCO Small Volume US Navy Mark V Diving Helmet

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Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction De...

By Nation's Attic Inc.

Dec 10, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-12-10 11:00:00 2022-12-10 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Nation's Attic Diving Into History Auction December 2022 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/nations-attic/nations-attic-diving-into-history-auction-december-2022-11277
Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com

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• Lot Description

  This is the famed US Navy Mark V diving helmet and one of the first made by Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO)!
  
  The Diving Equipment & Salvage Company started business in the late 1930s. In 1942 the company was awarded a contract to make the Mark V diving helmet. What many people do not know is the first few hundred examples were made with a bonnet that is smaller in size than US Navy specifications call for. This anomaly was quickly corrected later in 1943, resulting in an interesting variation Mark V called the small volume DESCO Mark V by collectors.
  
  With only the early production examples having this unique characteristic, these are seldom seen. Visually the difference is subtle, but it’s certainly detectible once mentioned. This helmet was made on April 22nd, 1943, and is serial #273. This same serial # can be found on the inside of the bonnet neck ring.
  
  The helmet can be easily considered in excellent original condition. The factory tinning is still present on much of the helmet. All the original hardware including the 12 wing nuts, four brails, four brail shims, window guards, glass, exhaust valve, spitcock valve, comms and air elbow fittings, dumbbell safety latch and retainer latch, internal air vents, and exhaust button. Remnants of the old communications wire can still be seen on the inside of the bonnet. In addition, an original communications fitting cap, non-return valve and cap are also still intact! The bonnet is free of any noticeable dents. There appears to be a WWII era repair to area by the comms elbow. The dumbbell safety latch chain and cotter pin are not present (can be purchased from DESCO).
  
  The helmet also features a US Navy inspection stamp on the front right brail. This stamp is proof the helmet was inspected and put into USN inventory in 1943. There is also a very faint USN inspection stamp on the non-return valve as well.
  
  Over the years we have handled quite a few DESCO Mark V helmets made during World War 2. This helmet is the EARLIEST numbers matching example we have ever had! It is safe to assume a large majority of the first DESCO helmets were immediately put to use around the world and eventually disposed of. Somehow this helmet survived in this impressive condition while still obviously being used.
  
  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. br>
  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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