The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $8,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.
The Mark V diving helmet is considered an iconic piece of diving equipment, and for good reason. While the U.S. Navy ordered relatively few in the years leading up to World War II, demand surged after Pearl Harbor. The only two companies that made the Mark V before World War 2, Morse Diving Equipment and A. Schrader’s Son, were called upon to fulfill substantial wartime orders.
A. Schrader’s Son Company, a Brooklyn-based firm, began making diving equipment in the 1840s. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Schrader continuously improved its diving helmet designs, incorporating the latest safety features. The company became a major supplier of the Mark V from 1917 until after World War II.
This particular Mark V helmet was produced by Schrader in May 1942, making it an early example from the war period. Serial number 196A can be found on the bottom side of all four brails, and ID plate. The ID plate oddly does not have the month stamped on it. The 196A serial number allows us to date it to May based on other Schrader Mark V’s we have handled within two serial numbers of this one. During early 1942 Schrader was generally not stamping serial numbers on other locations of the helmet.
The communications cup on the bonnet does feature a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp proves the helmet was inspected and accepted into the US Navy inventory. There is no doubt this helmet entered service and was part of countless underwater missions!
While undoubtedly being used during World War 2, the helmet has remained in nice, complete condition. All four serial # matching brails and their corresponding wing nuts are present. The original spitcock valve, BTE exhaust valve, air & communications fittings, BTE dumbbell safety latch, window guards, and glass are all intact. Inside the bonnet, the original air vents and exhaust chin button are present.
An early WW2 date Mark V, such as this one, is almost always going to feature plenty of signs of use. This helmet is no exception, with numerous working dents primarily located on the top of the bonnet. The back of the breastplate also has a few dents as well. Just imagine all the jobs this helmet was part of! After being put away many decades ago, this helmet has a fantastic, authentic patina. There is no doubt when looking at this helmet, that it was used!
If you have been looking for a Mark V that shows the signs of honest use during World War 2, one with a US Navy acceptance stamp and serial numbers matching, don’t pass this one up!
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 $8,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.