While the United States was preparing for a possible war before December 7th, 1941, relatively few Mark V diving helmets were ordered by the US Navy in the couple of years prior. After Pearl Harbor and our official entry into the war it took a few months for larger US Government war material orders to be produced. At the start of the war the original two manufacturers of the Mark V, Morse and Schrader, were the only ones ready for immediate orders to be filled

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 Mark V was made during the month of May in 1942. It is serial #194A. This same matching number is also stamped on all four brails and both bonnet and breastplate neck rings. The helmet also has a US Navy inspection stamp present on the communications cup. This stamp proves the helmet was inspected and put into US Navy inventory in 1942.

The helmet is in complete original condition. All four matching brails are present along with 12 correct wing nuts. Spitcock valve, exhaust valve, air fitting and communications, window guards and glass are all intact. There is three brass window guard screws twisted off, one on the front, two on the left side. The dumbbell safety latch with chain, Schrader non-return valve and communications fitting cap can be found on the back of 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 a couple that are larger, but not visually distracting. Inside the bonnet the original air vents are present. In addition, a vintage reproducer (speaker) can also be found still hooked up. Some hints of old red paint are visible on the back of the breastplate. This is indicative of the US Navy designating a helmet by painting a diamond on it – therefor making it clear a red divers helmet from the green divers helmet, for example.

Production of the US Navy Mark V went into full gear by 1943 and continued into 1945. Finding an early World War 2 all serial numbers matching helmet with US Navy inspection stamp would be a desirable addition to any collection.

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