The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $10,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.
This helmet was acquired after WWII by a member of the US Coast Guard. The helmet remained in the family’s home for many decades as a memento of WWII. Now, it is being offered to collectors for the first time!
During the entire production run of the Mark V, there have only been four manufacturers. The original and first company to make the Mark V for the US Navy was A.J. Morse & Son Company in Boston, MA. In the late 1930s, the company changed its name to Morse Diving Equipment Co. During WWII, Morse would produce the Mark V, but for multiple reasons, they made relatively few. Today Morse Mark V helmets from WWII are the 2nd more difficult to find, behind Miller Dunn.
An interesting feature making this helmet even more scarce is that it is a “small volume” Mark V. During 1942 and early 1943, to keep up with demand, Morse was using commercial diving helmet bonnets to make the Mark V. The result is a Mark V bonnet that is slightly smaller than the specifications called for. These Morse bonnets were also sold to DESCO, who used them on their 1942 and early 1943 Mark V’s. Today these “small volume” Mark V’s are quite scarce and an interesting variation.
This helmet was made on March 22nd, 1943. It just turned 80 years old! This information is on the oval brass ID plate along with its lot number. Unlike the other three manufacturers of the Mark V, Morse placed a lot number on the ID plate rather than a serial number. The helmet’s serial number is found on the two neck rings and brails. The serial number is 4605.
This helmet, after 80 years, is still in factory original condition and appearance. The copper body retains its original factory-installed tinning. All the brass hardware is in great condition with a nice patina. The helmet’s ID plate is easy to read. Morse would stamp the serial number on the top side of all four brails. This helmet has three matching brails and one with #4578. The number is so close it was likely mixed up while onboard a ship or base.
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside also retains the original tinning. The helmet is complete with all 12 wing nuts, four serial #ed brails, window guards, red lead original sealed glass, window guard screws, air fitting, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch, and cotter pin (no chain), neck ring gasket, air, and communications fittings. The communications elbow has cap protecting the telephone plug.
The breastplate’s curvature is a little tighter than most, but not by much. The bonnet and breastplate thread together as they should. The slightly smaller size bonnet on this 1943 Morse gives it a subtle unique appearance rarely seen. Late 42’ and early 43’ Morse and DESCO Mark V’s are the only ones to feature the “small volume” bonnet during WWII. Their uniqueness and rarity continue to make them one of the most valuable and desirable Mark V’s ever made!
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 $10,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.