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. 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.

This incredible helmet was made in 1931. 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 helmets serial # on both bonnet and breastplate neck rings and the four brails. This example features the serial number 3289 on the breastplate neck ring and all four brails. The bonnet has the serial number 3327. These serial #s allow for the dating of the helmet. The helmet also comes with a COA dating to 1999 from Morse attesting to its age.

Starting in the 1920s 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 communications fitting was originally on the divers left front of the helmet but was later moved to the other side, likely at the request of the diver. The communication cup is a Mark V style and has the number 641 stamped into it. The exhaust is along the right side of the bonnet The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet. There is a Schrader non-return valve with US Navy inspection stamp present on the fitting. Left of the air elbow is the communications elbow, which has a cap on it. A Mark V style dumbbell safety latch is present on the breastplate neck ring. It’s likely this 1931 helmet was given its various upgrades during or shortly after WW2. The helmet is a classic example of what a commercial diver would have relied upon during the Great Depression and afterwards.

The helmet is in unmistakable original condition. The copper body has developed an amazing patina over the original tinning. The helmet is complete with all its glass, 12 wing nuts (6 flanged and 6 standard), four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, internal air vents, and spring latch with chain. The bonnet does show a few minor repairs, likely done when the helmet received its upgrades. The helmet exhibits typical minor working dents but none are severe.

If you enjoy antiques or diving helmets in original condition – this helmet will certainly speak to you. The look and patina this helmet has is something that cannot be replicated and is difficult to find in the 21st Century. This helmet is one anyone would be proud to own!

The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

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.

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. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.