The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design ever made. Its style and history have made it one of the most popular helmets among collectors worldwide. The model was made for the US Navy from 1916 till the mid-1980s. After the US Navy adopted the Mark 12 helmet for use, there were still three makers of the Mark V helmet for commercial and recreational use, Morse & DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co) and recently Schrader.

This helmet was made by one of those famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Diving Equipment & Supply Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, WI this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the late 1930s. Starting in 1943 they become a supplier to the US Navy, including the Mark V helmet. DESCO is still in business today making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services.

The helmet was made on December 5th, 1945. As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Many people do not realize that Mark Vs made for the US Navy required that they have a tinning covering the entire copper body. This tinning prevented saltwater corrosion. This tinning gives the helmet the grey finish you see. The tinning is not applied to the brass hardware, such as the brails and window guards. This helmet is what a DESCO Mark V looks like after seventy-seven years of little use and being preserved!

Securely mounted inside the bonnet is a WWII reproducer with the cover removed. There is a wire from the reproducer to the communications elbow. The inner reproducer is secured with two screws from the outside that are not factory applied. Other original components intact are the four brails, 12 wing nuts, 4 copper brail shims, spitcock valve, exhaust valve and chin button, dumbbell safety latch and related hardware, air vents, and glass. A Schrader non-return valve is threaded onto the air elbow and features a US Navy inspection stamp. The brass ring on the front of the breastplate eyelet is not factory applied but commonly used hardware.

The helmets bonnet and breastplate are serial numbers matching to the identification plate. DESCO placed the serial number on both inside neck rings and ID plate. Also featured on the ID plate is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp is proof the helmet was inspected and put into US Navy inventory. The spun copper body of the helmet is in wonderful condition with only minor working dents on the top of the bonnet. After WWII this helmet was used in and around Lake Michigan.

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 is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL Express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.