The famed US Navy Mark V diving helmet is known worldwide by divers and collectors alike. A vast majority of Mark V helmets that are found date to the World War 2 time period and also the very end of World War 1. The reason for this, the US Government was the primary customer for these helmets and during wars, they required a lot of them. In between World Wars, the government rarely ordered new Mark V’s due to the surplus already on hand. When this 1939 example turned up, we found out there is even more to the story than a rare date!

Many decades ago this helmet was found in Central America. The helmet was brought back to the United States where it has been in a private collection since. The helmet was made by the iconic diving helmet manufacturer A.J. Morse & Son. The original brass ID plate has serial #3860 and a date of 4-25-39. As mentioned above, finding any Mark V from between WW1 and WW2 is unusual.

Serial #3860 is found on the neck ring of the breastplate, ID plate and neck ring of the bonnet. The brails feature the serial number 3464 on three of them and 3434 on one. Obviously, the brails were taken off Mark V’s made during the 1930s.

As mentioned above, the helmet was found decades ago in Central America. The previous owner was told the helmet was used by the Argentina Navy. At first this may seem like a nice story, but upon closer inspection more clues backing this claim up appear. Morse would stamp their brails FRONT and BACK. The brails on this helmet are stamped PECHO meaning crest, and ESPALDA meaning back. This Mark V also features two eyelets on the breastplate neck ring and a spring loaded safety bolt, found on commercial Morse helmets.

It is extremely likely that this and other Mark V helmets were ordered by the Argentina Navy with these small differences requested. If your goal is the have an example of the few different models of Mark V’s made in the 20th Century, one like this would certainly be nearly impossible to find again!

As can be seen in the photos, this helmet is in very good original condition. Red paint has been applied to the communications cup and the stamped number 641. This was commonly done in the Navies to differentiate one diver from another by putting a different color on their helmet. This helmet does retain a non-return valve. It appears to be stamped A.J. Morse & Son but is very hard to read. The correct 12 wing nuts are present, four brails, window guards, air and communications elbows, air vents, and exhaust button. The glass is all intact but the divers left side glass is cracked. Commonly found working dents can be found on the bonnet, but none are severe.

It is important to note that the Spanish language stamps, eyelets and safety latch are factory applied changes to the standard configuration of a Mark V. These details in establishing that this truly is a rare and Mark V variation, likely used by the Argentina Navy before, during and after World War 2, is incredibly important.

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.