Beautiful 19th Century diving helmet made by John Date in Montreal Canada. John Date was the only diving helmet manufacturer in Canada. Starting in the 1850's John Date would go on to make some of the finest helmets ever made in North America. Today just about any example is prized for their quality and rarity.

While not a lot is known about John Date helmets, they can be dated with a general degree of accuracy. Of course the initial helmets from probably the 1870's are style ones. This helmet fits the criteria for a style 2 or possibly style 3. Regardless, the helmet is a classic example from the late 19th Century.

A detail that is important to helmets from this time is the bonnet. This example was hand formed with separate pieces of copper having been braised together using a castellation technique. The castellation or castling is quite impressive on this helmet and a key feature. Also key is the overall completeness and condition. All the unique wing nuts, four brails, window guards, hardware, glass, etc. are present.

The bonnet and breastplate attach together quite easily. The neck rings are non-recessed. John Date helmets at this time period did not put their name on the breastplate. Years ago the helmet was polished, giving it the impressive shine with just a hint of age. The polishing did allow for the castling on the bonnet to become very apparent and easily appreciated visually. The contrast between the copper body and brass hardware also gives this helmet a special look.

Inside the bonnet two of the four vents are present. The original tinning on the inside is also very evident, as to be expected. There has been some light repairs done to some of the breastplate studs. A few of the wing nuts are also contemporary, matched exactly to the originals. In a few spots on the copper breastplate and brass hardware the number 3, 36 or 366 is stamped.

This is a rare opportunity to own such a early John Date. It's also a possibility in the future that these could become cultural assets of the Canadian government. This would mean that taking them out of that country would be impossible.

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

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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