The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $17,495 delivered within the contiguous United States.
Ever wondered what it would be like to have a diving helmet time capsule from 1944 – Here is your chance!
Last week, we had the honor of meeting with the family of a retired US Navy Rear Admiral. His extensive career spanned the globe, and during his time at the US Naval base at Subic Bay in the Philippines in the 1960s, he stumbled upon a Navy surplus store. In a serendipitous moment, he acquired a Mark V diving helmet, intending to showcase it in his office. Little did he know he had acquired one of the rarest Mark V helmets ever made, a 1944 Miller Dunn!
Only four manufacturers produced the Mark V during its entire production run. Three companies made the Mark V in large numbers throughout the 20th Century. The one company that only made the Mark V from 1943 to 1944 was Miller Dunn. Examples of the Mark V from this company are considered by far the most difficult to locate! With an estimated production run of only 1200 helmets, the Miller Dunn Mark V’s are the rare and ultra desirable ones!
Miller Dunn was located in Miami, FL. Starting in 1916, the company would make the Divinhood. This helmet was a shallow water model that the US Navy would go on to use. From 1916 to the end of World War 2, Miller Dunn would produce the Divinhood, evolving from the 1st model to their Style 3 Divinhood, also used by the US Navy. This experience in helmet manufacturing and relationship with the US Government undoubtedly led to a brief contract to produce the Mark V helmet.
This helmet was made on March 1st, 1944. This information is on the lead ID plate. The helmet’s serial number is also stamped on the ID plate. Miller Dunn elected to use a lead ID plate. Under normal use, many Miller Dunn ID plates were damaged, worn down, scratched, etc., making them difficult to read. This specific ID plate lucky has survived in excellent near-mint condition!
The copper body retains nearly all the original factory-installed tinning. All the brass hardware looks like the day it was made in 1944. Other than some very small superficial dents on the top of the bonnet from handling and wear to the tinning, this helmet is a rare glimpse into what a factory new Miller Dunn looked like in 1944!
The helmet’s ID plate is easy to read, which is difficult to find in Miller Dunn examples. Covering the ID plate is a very old and likely WWII-era applied Carrick knot. Over the years, we have handled several Mark V helmets in unused condition retaining this same rope size and knot style.
Miller Dunn Mark V helmet ID plates feature the day, month, and year it was made, plus the serial number. The rope, resting decades on the ID plate, has left some staining. We have not attempted to clean this off. The ID plate features serial number 683. Miller Dunn would also stamp the serial number on the bottom side of all four brails. We are pleased to report that this helmet has all four brails with the same matching serial number! The edge of the breastplate neck ring is stamped 683 as well as the inside bonnet neck ring. Serial #’s match in all seven locations, making this not only 100% original and matching but a prime investment piece!
The original air vents are present on the inside of the helmet bonnet, which also retains the original tinning. The original communications wire is present and connected to a reproducer, aka speaker. The comms wire is then connected to the communications elbow and its internal comms plug. The exhaust chin button is present and functions. Lastly, all the inner neck ring threads are in excellent condition.
On the outside, the helmet is complete with all 12 correct Miller Dunn wing nuts, four serial #ed brails, four brail shims, window guards, red lead original sealed glass, brass window guard screws, air fitting, exhaust, spitcock valve, and last the dumbbell safety latch with original chain and cotter pin.
Miller Dunn Mark V helmets are subtly unique. The company’s lack of experience in making the Mark V helmet undoubtedly was the reason for the small curiosities found in them. These unique aspects and very limited production run also account for their premium value over Mark Vs made by the other three companies during World War 2. This helmet’s incredible condition and completeness make it a true investment-level example worthy of any collection or institution. The helmet’s COA will have the helmet's known history.
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 $17,495 delivered within the contiguous United States.