This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1830s. Morse would design some of the most iconic helmets ever conceived. In addition to helmets, the company would make all other related diving equipment as well as fire fighting gear. Morse helmets are known worldwide by divers for almost 200 years! Morse would be one of the original makers of the US Navy Mark V. They would produce this helmet from 1916 till the mid-1980s for the US Navy. The company is still in business today in Milwaukee, WI.

This incredible helmet was made during late 1918 or 1919. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet features the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. brass ID plate. Morse would put the serial # of the helmet on both bonnet and breastplate neck rings and the four brails. This example features the matching number in all 6 locations. This serial # also allows us to put a year of manufacturer the helmet. The serial number of this helmet is 2916.

Starting in the late 1910s A.J. Morse started using round windows on the side of their commercial helmets. This example is a wonderful example of what Morse would call their Improved Safety Diving Helmet. This example has 3 lights (windows) with a communications cup installed on the front of the bonnet. The exhaust is along the divers right side of the bonnet and communications fitting on the left. The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet. The area around the air fitting features four old repair spots. A WWII era Schrader non-return valve with US Navy inspection stamp is attached to the air fitting. A spring-loaded safety pin is present on the back to prevent separation of the bonnet and breastplate while the diver was underwater. The helmet is a classic example of what a commercial diver would have relied upon.

The helmet is in unmistakable original condition. The copper body retains much of its original tinning, which would help prevent saltwater corrosion. Almost all helmets made by Morse would have a tinning applied to the copper body. Over time this tinning would wear off from use or polishing. The helmet is complete with all its glass, 12 Mark V style wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, communications cup, window guards, internal air vents, and safety pin. The helmet exhibits only a few minor working dents. There is the telltale sign of use on the breastplate where rope and a weight belt have rubbed off some of the tinning. These subtle signs of use in our opinion really make this helmet come alive! This helmet was used in Lake Michigan in the last ten years and maintained by a professional.

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.