The famed US Navy Mark V diving helmet. This example is a very special one that is rarely found and in many cases, an unknown variation of the model. The A.J. Morse Company started business in the mid 1800s. In 1916 the company would produce the first US Navy Mark V. Shortly before World War II the company was sold and changed its name to the Morse Diving Equipment Company Inc. Relatively few Mark V helmets were produced prior to World War II, with production not really ramping up until 1943. In addition, for unknonw reasons, Morse Diving Equipment did not receive the larger quantity orders from the US Government for the Mark V helmet – possibly because they produced so many other war critical items. Regardless, Morse helmets from WWII are considered the second most difficult Mark V to acquire, behind Miller Dunn. What many people do not know is that some examples from 1942 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 Morse 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 August 18th, 1942, and its lot # is 773. The serial number is 4402, which can be found on the outside of both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings. #4402 is also stamped on all four brails as well! Morse Diving Equipment, unlike the other manufacturers, placed a lot number on the ID plate and the serial number on the brails and outside neck rings. Another important detail is the presence of a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp is located on the faceplate. The stamp shows that this helmet was inspected and put into US Navy inventory. In addition, there is a 10 stamped into the communications cup, possibly an inventory number on a ship or base. The helmet is in very nice condition with a wonderful patina on the copper body and brass hardware. All the hardware including brails and the correct 12 wing nuts are present. Air vents inside the bonnet are intact. A BTE style dumbbell safety latch and BTE exhaust valve, both circa WWII are present. There are the typical small working dents on the bonnet as well as a few larger ones. Overall they do not detract from the overall impressive appearance this helmet has. 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.

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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