Incredible opportunity to own possibly the earliest and unique known Miller Dunn diving helmet in existence! This 1915 Divinhood is unique, as we will detail below.

This helmet was featured in issue 101 of the Journal of Diving History with a detailed article about its construction, age, and possible use. The two authors of the article, Peter Jackson (author of the definitive book on Miller Dunn shallow water helmets – The Divinhood) and Don Creekmore, detailed how this helmet is likely an early 1915 prototype or made explicitly for underwater photos and silent film scenes!

The Miller Dunn Company in Miami, FL first produced the Divinhood in 1915. This model was the first commercially successful shallow water helmet in the United States. Underwater researchers, explorers, filmmakers, and people that worked in shallow water found the helmet a great piece of equipment. Miller Dunn would make the Divinhood from 1915 till 1924. Each helmet was made with a copper body, brass window frame, and solid cast brass air fitting. Starting around 1916, the company would stamp each helmet with the name Divinhood and company information.

This specific helmet features a brass body, a round window and frame slightly smaller, and a three-piece air line fitting! While unlike any previously document Divinhood, three photos from 1915 and 1916 prove this designs existence. In the book, Divinhood by Peter Jackson, two pictures of the silent movie star Pearl White show her wearing a Divinhood for a publicity shot. Pearl is wearing a Divinhood that features the same small window and air fitting design! If the body is brass rather than copper cannot be determined. Is this the very same helmet used in the photos and silent movies?

With the age and uniqueness of this helmet, it is still in incredibly good condition. The brass body has likely been polished many decades ago. Numerous small working dents can be found on the top and sides. Other slight imperfections from use and handling in the brass are evident. None of these imperfections are visually distracting or would be considered issues. The two brackets where the lead weights would rest are present and in good condition. Inside the helmet are no problems. The glass window is in good shape. This helmet was never stamped by the company, which was not done until August 1916.

While we may never know if this helmet is a Miller Dunn prototype or one used in silent movies, it is likely the earliest known Miller Dunn and worthy of any collection or museum!

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