This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son Company. 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. In addition to helmets, the company would make all other related diving equipment as well as fire fighting gear. 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 incredible helmet was made during the early 1930s. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet features the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. brass ID plate. Morse would put the helmets serial # on both bonnet and breastplate neck rings and the four brails. This example features the matching number in all 6 locations. This serial # allows us to put a general date of manufacturer on it.

Starting in the 1920’s A.J. Morse started using round windows on the side of their commercial helmets. This example is a wonderful example of what Morse would call their Improved Safety Diving Helmet. This example has 3 lights (windows) with a communications cup installed on the front of the bonnet. The communications fitting was originally on the right front of the helmet but was later moved to the back, likely at the rest of the diver. This fitting has a Craftsweld stamp on it. The exhaust is along the right side of the bonnet and communications fitting on the left. It’s likely Craftsweld also moved the exhaust slightly forward. The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet. The helmet is a classic example of what a commercial diver would have relied upon during the Great Depression.

The helmet is in unmistakable original condition. The copper body has developed a nice patina over the decades. The helmet is complete with all its glass (one side window glass cracked), 12 wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, internal air vents, and spring loaded safety pin. One of the bonnet eyelets was removed, likely when Craftsweld did the other work on the helmet. The helmet exhibits typical minor working dents but none are severe.

If you enjoy antiques or diving helmets in original condition – this helmet will certainly “speak” to you. The look and patina this helmet has is something that can not be replicated and is difficult to find in the 21st Century. The helmets full serial #s matching status along with its completeness make one anyone would be proud to own.

All helmets sold & auctioned by Nation’s Attic Inc. will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long term assurance of the helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.

The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided. All helmets will be shipped in two double boxed boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.

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