Arguably the most collected diving helmet around the world is the famed United States Navy Mark V. Its very image is a symbol of hardhat diving among many generations of divers. The Mark V is a helmet that has been researched thoroughly. It is commonly known that the Mark V was first made in 1916 for the United States Navy by the A.J. Morse & Son Inc Co. The US Navy would be the primary consumer of the helmet from 1916 until the mid-1980s! During that time the Mark V would see dramatic increases in production due to the United States entry into World War 1 in 1917 and also World War 2 in 1941. Today in the 21st Century a large majority of Mark V helmets that are found date to the 1942 to 1945 time period. A very small percentage of surviving examples will be found from 1918. Mark V helmets dated to periods when the United States was not engaged in a World War are truly rare finds.

After many years of testing the United States Navy in conjunction with the A.J. Morse Company and the A. Schraders Son Company developed the Mark V helmet in 1916. The US Navy would published a diving manual explaining how to use Mark V diving helmet. This manual features a clear front and back photo of a Mark V, serial #2178.

Shortly after the publication of the diving manual, the helmet went through some relatively big changes. For decades collectors have studied this original manual and the helmet featured. It is quickly realized that the example helmet is a prototype made by A.J. Morse. The most obvious difference in this helmet is the small oval A.J. Morse ID plate, then used on commercial helmets. Also, the helmet features an 8 pointed exhaust wheel, no bastard stud, and an 1898 dated communications cup. The back of the helmet has the air fitting and communications fittings reversed. The dumbbell safety latch also does not have a cover with a cotter pin preventing it from moving. All of these differences would likely be eliminated by late 1916 and early 1917 except for the 8 point exhaust wheel, which would be phased out in 1918.

In early 2021 this helmet was discovered north of Indianapolis, IN. The previous owner had acquired it approximately 50 years ago in San Francisco, CA. Now in 2022 for the first time, the helmet is being seen by collectors around the world and recognized as one of the earliest Mark V helmets made by A.J. Morse, #2212 dated July 28th, 1916.

The following is a detailed description of the helmet. Please refer to our photos of the helmet as well. If you have any questions about the helmet before bidding please do not hesitate to ask.

The helmet is in its original unaltered as found condition. It was used, presumably by the Navy while assessing its design. As noted above, the helmet exhibits characteristics that were undoubtedly noted by the Navy and changed on later examples sent to them, resulting in the configuration found on 99.99% of Mark Vs in existence.

1. The ID plate is the style used on Mark V helmets made by A.J. Morse & Son. The plate is stamped No. 2212, date 7-28-16.
2. The serial 2212 is stamped into both neck rings.
3. Period correct 8 pointed exhaust wheel is present. This part is contemporary and aged to match.
4. Transceiver recess or communications cup is stamped Patented Dec 20, 1898. There are four screws going through the bonnet to secure a transceiver. This was likely done after leaving the factory.
5. The brass rectangle right of the faceplate is present but is not taped for two screw holes.
7. Air & Communications fittings reversed from standard location (same location as shown in 1916 manual). Air fitting installed from the inside of the bonnet. Communications fitting elbow appears to be a later date replacement with a half inch 90 degree copper elbow used and an adaptor on the end.
8. Air fitting has a non-return valve present. Non-return valve is stamped Schrader with a WW2 era USN inspection stamp. Interesting clue as to how long this helmet was actually in use. Elbow is pushed in, preventing the removal of non-return valve.
9. Spitcock valve has been replaced. The current valve is connected to a series of copper pipes on the inside of the bonnet.
10. Air vents present inside the bonnet.
11. Glass is all present and secured with original red lead sealant.
12. Safety latch present, possible period repair to lever. Currently, the lever is secured with a screw from the inside and rotates. There is a small tear in the copper directly above the safety lever.
13. Bonnet and breastplate thread together easily.
14. All 12 wing nuts are present and original to the helmet.
15. Top of bonnet exhibits numerous working dents, some heavy but none penetrating the copper body.

The earliest known dated Mark V is a Morse from 7-12-16, serial #2204. The lowest serial number example is a Morse, serial # 2198 dated 8-24-16, sold by Nations Attic in 2020. This helmet falls right in between both of those special helmets. The date of this helmet predates #2198 by almost a month and was only made a couple of weeks after #2204. Morse serial numbers and dates do not always correspond, even in World War 2.

This helmet could easily be left just as it is, period modifications and all. The helmet could also be brought back to its factory original configuration if so desired. The good people at DESCO / Morse can do this level of restoration better than anyone. Regardless of what the next owner decides to do, this is a historic piece of US Navy and diving history that will hopefully be preserved for many generations to come.

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. The display stand is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction at a discounted price will be made available to the high bidder.