The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $8,950 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
How many times have you encountered a U.S. Navy Mark V diving helmet dating back to the Korean War era? In the past two decades, we've only handled four. This rarity is primarily due to the massive production of Mark V helmets during World War II, leaving a surplus that the military continued to use for years afterward.
 
While the exact circumstances surrounding this particular Mark V's creation remain a mystery, the helmet itself offers intriguing clues. It's a fully matching serial number example, with #4002 stamped on the brass ID plate and both inside neck rings. The helmet is dated August 1951. All major components are present, and the original factory tinning is nearly pristine.
 
What sets this helmet apart is the light engraving of "497th" on the communications cup, bonnet, and breastplate. One marking reads "USA 497 BS or PS," the final letter being unclear. Researching this connection to a specific U.S. military unit could be a rewarding endeavor for the new owner. Additionally, the red stencil "2-1" on the bonnet's back provides another intriguing clue.
 
The helmet includes its original four brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, original glass, air and communications fittings, communication elbow cap, spitcock, and exhaust valves. The internal air vents within the bonnet are intact. While the dumbbell safety latch chain, cotter pin, and neck ring gasket are missing, they can be easily replaced by components from DESCO. The bonnet shows minimal signs of wear and age. The communications elbow is slightly pushed in but doesn't hinder removal or installation of the cap.
 
Please carefully examine the photos of this stunning, original helmet. It offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history and delve into its fascinating backstory.
The display stand shown in the photos is available at a discounted price with the purchase of this helmet. 
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 price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $8,950 delivered within the contiguous United States.