Nation's Attic's Annual 2024 Diving Into History Auction Sets New Records
Nation's Attic's annual Diving Into History auction, held on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, surpassed all expectations. Featuring a vast array of antique and vintage diving equipment from around the globe, the auction attracted fierce bidding from collectors worldwide, resulting in the highest-grossing diving equipment auction to date.
The traditional opening segment focused on vintage scuba diving gear. As anticipated, early and unusual double hose regulators sparked spirited bidding. A 1955 Northill bronze regulator took the top spot, selling for $3,000.00. Other noteworthy sales included a 1955 Northill for $780.00 and a rare Siebe Gorman double hose regulator for $570.00. A collection of Skin Diver magazines, including issue number 1, found a new home in a library for $840.00.
Vintage diving helmets from the 1960s to 1980s, renowned for their innovative designs and transition from copper and brass to fiberglass, continue to be highly sought after by collectors. A beautifully preserved Oceaneering fiberglass helmet by Bob Ratcliffe sold for a record-breaking $13,200.00. Iconic makers Miller Diving and Joe Savoie were also represented. A restored Miller model 400 fetched $6,600.00, while a rare stainless steel Savoie helmet with a built-in demand regulator sold for $7,800.00. Nation's Attic also introduced a unique Dutch Pommec fiberglass helmet, which sold for $4,500.00.
As with previous Diving Into History auctions, antique copper and brass diving helmets stole the show. A new record was set for a Yokohama helmet rebranded by Kirby Morgan. This helium model, signed by Bob Kirby, sold for an impressive $20,400.00. Other notable sales included a Galeazzi Marina Italian Navy diving helmet for $18,000.00 and a John Date Canadian helmet from the 1950s for $12,300.00.
Lot #129 featured a special diving helmet made by the Morse Diving Equipment Company. Originally purchased by Merritt Chapman & Scott, this helmet was later used to salvage the oil tanker African Queen off the coast of New Jersey. Its rich history contributed to its $13,200.00 sales price.
The 2024 auction boasted the largest selection of diving knives ever offered by Nation's Attic. Knives from nearly every country where they were produced were represented, with American-made knives leading the sales. A rare A.J. Morse & Son mechanical trigger release knife set an auction record, selling for $4,800.00. A World War II era non-magnetic US Navy knife made by Fisher Spring and a more modern Imperial US Navy dive knife also sold for $4,800.00 each. Additionally, a rare US Navy knife made by A. Schrader's Son sold for $2,400.00.
Other desirable diving memorabilia included Helmets Of The Deep, a deluxe leather edition signed and numbered by the author, which sold for $3,300.00. A grouping of modern-era diving knives fetched $2,640.00, while a 1970s Aqua-Dive diving watch sold for $2,520.00. An underwater brass torch or flashlight made by DESCO sold for $1,440.00.
With bidders from every continent representing collectors, corporations, and museums, the auction was a resounding success for both consignors and buyers. Nation's Attic is committed to preserving diving history and thanks everyone for their continued interest and support.
Would you like your item or collection featured in a future Diving Into History auction?
Contact Us At helmets@nationsattic.com or call / text 316-371-1828