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THBUnique 1940s Morse Neck Feed 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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
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About Auction
LiveJul 16, 2022
Nation's Attic second auction of 2022 will feature over 40 diving helmets and over 100 other related diving items! There are 2 famed Mark V helium Widow Maker helmets plus other desirable diving history from the around the world in this no reserve sale! Nation's Attic Inc. helmets@nationsattic.com
View Full Catalog (160)
- Lot Description
This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son and later called Morse Diving Equipment. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1830s. Morse would design some of the most iconic helmets ever conceived. Morse helmets are known worldwide by divers. Morse would be one of the original makers of the US Navy Mark V. They would produce this helmet from 1916 till the mid-1980s for the US Navy. The company is still in business today.
This helmets serial number, 4911, dates it to the 1943 to 1944 time period. This is unusual as almost all manufacturing was devoted to military equipment and making the Mark V helmet during World War 2.
The next BIG detail of this helmet is it receives air into the back of the breastplate! Known as a neck feed helmet, this configuration was favored by some divers but generally most divers used the standard bonnet feed model. The primary external difference is the air fitting is located on the back of the breastplate neck area, rather than the back center of the bonnet. Internally this model does have not air vents in the bonnet, but a single air vent along the inside of the breastplate neck ring.
It is likely this helmet was configured at the request of an individual diver. The unique neck feed, Mark V communications cup, and forth window are all options installed by request. It’s a safe bet there are very few if any other helmets just like this one.
The helmet is in great original condition. The copper body on the breastplate retains a little more than half its tinning, which would help prevent saltwater corrosion. The bonnet, surprisingly, has almost all the tinning worn of it. The helmet is complete with all its glass, 12 wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, and spring loaded safety bolt. The helmet exhibits only a few minor working dents. There is the telltale sign of use on the breastplate where rope and a weight belt have rubbed off some of the tinning. There is a small patch on the center back of the breastplate. These subtle signs of use in our opinion really make this helmet come alive!
Finding a classic A.J. Morse & Son helmet in this condition from any age is a treat – one from World War 2 is rare! The helmet has an aurora of importance while retaining the hints of use from times long ago.
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.
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
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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. 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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