This is a very unique opportunity to purchase a complete and original US Navy Mark V diving helmet from World War 1. Not only is this wonderful example – it is one of the very first US Navy Mark V helmets ever made in 1918! The helmet was made by one of the famed and iconic manufacturers of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the A. Schraders Son Company. Located in Brooklyn, New York, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. Throughout the 19th Century, they would improve upon diving helmet design and become a supplier to the US Navy. During the early 20th Century their helmets would utilize the latest techniques in design and safety. Schrader would go on to be a major supplier of the famed Mark V from 1916 till after World War II. The Mark V is considered by many to be the most iconic diving helmet ever made. This early US Navy Mark V helmet was on May 3rd, 1918. It is serial #203 – the 203rd Mark V ever made! Towards the end of World War 1, the US Navy was in need of equipment for the reconstruction of Europe and its Navy. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. Over the 102+ years, the helmet has developed a wonderful patina. The helmet features the original A. Schrader’s Son Inc. brass ID plate with serial # and date stamped clearly into it.A critical detail with any Mark V diving helmet is the serial numbered parts. This helmet does feature the matching serial number on all four brails, clearly stamped H 203. In addition, the very top edge of the bonnet faceplate frame has 203 stamped into it in a small font size. Early helmets such as this one can be inconsistent at time where numbers were placed. Schrader would stamp numbers at the front edge of the neck rings. These numbers do not correspond to the serial number on the ID plate. The bonnet neck ring is stamped 90 and the breastplate is 59. It is likely the helmet was in US Navy inventory during World War 1 and quite possibly during World War 2 as well. The exhaust valve is circa World War 2 and has Morse Diving Equipment stamped on it. In addition, there is a World War 2 era reproducer (speaker) still present inside the bonnet. Wire can also be found inside the bonnet and leading the communication fitting. The helmets hardware is all intact, including the brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, window glass, internal air vents, spitcock valve, and dumbbell safety latch with chain. As an added bonus, an original non-return valve with cap is intact along with a communication fitting cap! Lastly, the white rope with impressive knot will accompany the helmet. The helmet does feature the typical working dents on the top of the bonnet. None of the dents penetrate the copper body. There are also small sections of the original tinning still intact as well. For a helmet like this to have obviously been used and to have survived two World Wars and over 100 years is quite a feat!The helmet will be accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity detailing its history. A matching serial numbered hologram decal on the inside of the helmet from Nations Attic will be applied as well to preserve the helmets history and authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All items will be shipped to address registered with Liveauctioneers if a credit card payment option is used - no exceptions. Please inquire about shipping costs to a particular location or country before the start of the auction. All items will be packed & shipped by Nations Attic. 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 International.

by Nation's Attic Inc
October 31, 2020 10:00 AM CDT
448 South Pattie Ave.
Wichita, KS, US 67211

Nation's Attic Inc

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $19 $2
$20 $99 $5
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $150
$5,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $19,999 $500
$20,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 + $5,000