This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son and later called Morse Diving Equipment. 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. 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 helmets serial number, 4911, dates it to the 1943 to 1944 time period. This is unusual as almost all manufacturing was devoted to military equipment and making the Mark V helmet during World War 2.

The next BIG detail of this helmet is it receives air into the back of the breastplate! Known as a neck feed helmet, this configuration was favored by some divers but generally most divers used the standard bonnet feed model. The primary external difference is the air fitting is located on the back of the breastplate neck area, rather than the back center of the bonnet. Internally this model does have not air vents in the bonnet, but a single air vent along the inside of the breastplate neck ring.

It is likely this helmet was configured at the request of an individual diver. The unique neck feed, Mark V communications cup, and forth window are all options installed by request. It’s a safe bet there are very few if any other helmets just like this one.

The helmet is in great original condition. The copper body on the breastplate retains a little more than half its tinning, which would help prevent saltwater corrosion. The bonnet, surprisingly, has almost all the tinning worn of it. The helmet is complete with all its glass, 12 wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, and spring loaded safety bolt. 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. There is a small patch on the center back of the breastplate. These subtle signs of use in our opinion really make this helmet come alive!

Finding a classic A.J. Morse & Son helmet in this condition from any age is a treat – one from World War 2 is rare! The helmet has an aurora of importance while retaining the hints of use from times long ago.

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.