The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $14,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.
During the entire production run of the Mark V, there have only been four manufacturers. Three companies made the Mark V in large numbers throughout the 20th Century. The one company that would only make the Mark V from 1943 to 1944 was Miller Dunn. Examples of the Mark V from this company are considered the most difficult to locate! With an estimated production run of only 1200 helmets, the Miller Dunn Mark V’s are the rare 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 to the Mark V helmet.
This helmet was made on March 1st, 1944. This information is on the lead Mark V 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 has survived in good condition.
This helmet, during the later half of the 20th Century, was on display in a restaurant in Wisconsin. Luckily, the helmet survived with all its original hardware intact. The copper body appears to have been polished many decades ago and has a consistent patina on the surface. The helmet’s ID plate is readable. Miller Dunn helmets stamped the day, month, and year of the manufacturer on the ID plate and a serial number, in this case, 284. Miller Dunn would also stamp the serial number on the bottom side of all four brails. This helmet, we are pleased to report, has all four brails with the same matching serial number! The bonnet inside neck ring is stamped 284. Serial #s match in all six locations.
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside also retains the original tinning. Old communications wire is present and connected to a telephone. The helmet is complete with all 12 correct Miller Dunn wing nuts, four serial #ed brails, window guards, glass, window guard screws minus one, air fitting, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch but missing cotter pin & chain, air and communications fittings. The communications elbow has old wire protruding from it a few inches. The air elbow has a non-return valve installed.
Miller Dunn Mark V helmets are unique. The company’s lack of experience making the helmet undoubtedly was the reason for the small curiosities found on 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.
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 $14,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.