Incredibly rare and impressive United States Navy Mark V mixed gas or helium diving helmet! This helmet was presented to Lieutenant Commander James W. Gibson by the USS Coucal crew (ARS-8) upon his retirement. LCDR Gibson would publish a book titled Gilding The Coucal after his retirement.

The helmet was made on May 5th, 1945, by Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO). The serial number 2426 can be found on the inside of both neck rings, on the outside of both neck rings, on the back canister, and canister fittings. All of the numbers are preceded by the letter H, likely because the helmet is a helium model. Also, the DESCO ID plate has a US Navy inspection stamp present. This stamp is proof the helmet was inspected and put into US Navy inventory!

As is sometimes customary in the US Navy, when a helmet is presented as a retirement gift, it was chrome plated. We have documented other Mark VÂ’s that were also chrome-plated, but this is the first helium example we have seen! The chrome adds an impressive shine to the helmet which was the goal considering it was an important retirement gift from the USS Coucal crew. As shown in the photos, the chrome is starting to show its age in spots, but there is no pealing anywhere. There is no doubt the helmet was used. On the back bonnet is an old repair that was done before the helmet was chromed. It should be kept in mind that if so desired, chrome can be chemically removed from copper and brass by just about any metal finishing shop.

As mentioned above, the helmet is a full serial number matching example. Internally all of the original air vents are intact. Remnants of communication wire can be found inside the bonnet. An exhaust plunger is present inside the bonnet as well. Outside all the major hardware is present, including the window guards, glass, exhaust valve, four brails, twelve wingnuts, and the all-important Co2 absorbent canister. The dumbbell safety latch and retaining latch is missing, but these are obtainable from DESCO.

Given the nickname The Widow Maker by some Navy divers, the Mark V Helium helmet is an impressive piece of diving technology. Weighing approximately 100+ pounds, this helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. Sending a mixture of helium and oxygen to the diver allowed them to go depths more than the typical 100 to 150 feet. From that point on, standard air divers would suffer from numerous physical and mental issues while trying to work. The large canister on the back contained a granular that would absorb carbon dioxide. While effective, if the granular was exposed to water from a leak in any one of the fittings, the combination would result in toxic gas, injuring or even killing a diver – hence the name Widow Maker.

Very few of these helium Mark V helmets were made. Due to their cost, advanced training required to use them, and the limited number of missions that required such a helmet, very few of these survive today. This helmet does represent the pinnacle of underwater diving technology from World War 2. It is also awe-inspiring and comes with a great history of the US Navy and an accomplished US Navy veteran.

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. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.