Classic piece of American diving history is represented in this A.J. Morse & Son helmet. Referred to as The Most Popular Helmet In Use in the 1917 A.J. Morse & Son (Morse) catalog. This 3 light 12 bolt (3 windows and 12 bolts on the breastplate) diving helmet also was made at a very important time in Morse company history, which we will expand up below.

When this helmet was ordered in 1916 it has the optional telephone communications hardware install at an extra price. At this time communications via a telephone line was still quite new to diving. While many diving helmets were retrofitted with telephone hardware, we believe this hardware was installed when the helmet was made. The primary clue is the patent date on the communications cup of December 20th, 1898. The date has been worn away on this helmet, but this was a common stamping on early Morse communications cups. In 1917 this helmet had a catalog price of $100 plus the extra cost of telephone hardware.

The helmets serial number is 2174. This number can be found on both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings plus the two back brails. It is important to note that Morse was producing the very first Mark V diving helmets for the US Navy when this helmet was made. The earliest known Mark V serial number is 2198 from August 1916, sold by Nations Attic in 2020. This information helps make the educated assumption the helmet was produced in 1916.

This helmet does retain much of its original appearance and configuration. It has a nice patina on a majority of the copper body and brass hardware. All of the glass, window guards, air and communications fittings, exhaust valve and dumbbell safety latch and are present. Twelve wing nuts are intact as well as 2 of the 4 serial numbered original brails. There are two brails on the front of the breastplate that appear to be made of copper. It does appear that the copper body of the helmet at one time has been cleaned, leaving a very smooth surface. There is a small hole on the back of the breastplate. The top of the bonnet feature typical small working dents, none severe. The right-side window glass is cracked but still solid. Inside the bonnet the air vents are missing except for one emanating from the air fitting. The exhaust valve button is present. The neck ring gasket is missing.

This helmets visual appeal by itself makes gives it instant desirability. The close serial number associated with the first Morse Mark V helmets, classic configuration with new telephone hardware included only add to the helmets uniqueness. Morse is now owned by the good people at DESCO who can provide replacement front brails and vents for this helmet as well as any other components, if so desired. Regardless of if the helmet is kept as is or totally restored, it is a true piece of American diving history!

All diving helmets in this auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept on permanent file at Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.