December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2023
The US Navy Mark V diving helmet is feasibly the most recognizable American diving helmet. This example features a data plate with an early war date "7-17-41", made by the Morse Diving Equipment Company in Boston, Mass. The helmet exhibits a pleasing dark brown patina color throughout and exhibits an older cleaning. 12 wing nuts, 4 brails, glass, window guards, chin button, and spitcock are all present. 2 broken screws on front window guard. The exhaust hand and wheel are missing, but exhibit a repair that was possibly done in the period. Dumb bell lock is mostly missing. The air fitting retains a non-return valve. The air vents are present inside the bonnet. Part of the original communication line is present. The breastplate serial number is 00341, the bonnet and transceiver recess is stamped "C75" on the neck ring. The brails do not appear to be marked with a serial number. The bonnet and breastplate are nicely threaded together but are stiff from age and have not been separated. Dents throughout bonnet. Morse Mark V helmets from this year featured a brass ID plate which this example exhibits, however the plate is bent forward and may have been replaced. This is a nice example of a Mark V diving helmet and is displayed prominently on a wood stand that is included. The helmet is pleasing in appearance and would compliment a naval display. CONDITION: Good.
Item Dimensions: 18" X 18" X 22"