The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $6,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.
This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this company started making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1830s.
This incredible helmet was made circa 1919. The helmet features a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet retains the original A.J. Morse & Son Inc. brass ID plate. Morse originally stamped the helmet serial # on both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings and the four brails. This example features the matching serial number on both neck rings, #2684. This serial # allows us to determine the date of the manufacturer on the helmet.
Starting in the late 1910s, A.J. Morse started using round windows on the side of their commercial helmets. This example is a wonderful example of what Morse would call their Improved Safety Diving Helmet. This example has 4 lights (windows) and 12 bolts. A communications elbow fitting is on the front of the bonnet. The exhaust is located on the divers back right of the bonnet. The air fitting is located on the back center of the bonnet. A dumbbell safety latch is present on the back to prevent separation of the bonnet and breastplate while the diver is underwater. The helmet is a classic example of what a commercial diver would have relied upon.
The helmet is in unmistakable original as found condition. The helmet is complete with all its glass, port guards, 12 wing nuts (5 flanged and 7 standard), exhaust valve, air fitting, window guards, internal air vents, safety latch, old rope, and communications fitting. There are four brails with this helmet. The two front brails fit the helmet, the two back do not. All four brails are Morse, but they are not serial numbered. The two back brails may be bent or simply not original to the helmet and do not fit. All the brails are the same style and have a consistent patina, but the two rear brails do not match up to the breastplate studs correctly. There are two small holes in the bonnet behind the diver's left port, which are hardly noticeable. The bonnet and breastplate thread together as they should as well as the faceplate.
The helmet exhibits only a few minor working dents on the top of the bonnet. Over time this helmet appears to have had a communications cup removed, which was on the divers right front on the bonnet. An incredible consistent patina from many years of use really makes this helmet stand out visually. The countless signs of use, in our opinion, really make this helmet come alive!
All helmets sold by Nations Attic Inc. will have a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long-term assurance of the helmet’s authenticity is unmatched in the industry and very important to us.
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one at a discounted price is available. The helmet will be shipped in two double thick specially prepared boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping is available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $6,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.