The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $6150 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
The trade of the Sponge Diver is one of the oldest diving trades recorded in history. Dating back centuries into the cradle of history, the trade advanced from the Mediterranean free-divers to the helmet divers of the mid- 1800’s, with the perfection of a truly classic helmet design that became instantly recognizable. These helmets are treasured by collectors internationally due to the limited number of helmets manufactured, most of which were traditionally passed down from family to family in Greece.
 
It is a rare occasion when we have the opportunity to handle any diving helmet used in the sponge diving trade. This attractive model features all the unencumbered classic hallmarks of sponge helmets that have endured for well over a century. Four circular viewports, the classic non-return valve built into the air inlet elbow, and an adjustable exhaust valve. The large diameter faceplate was a critical feature for the sponge diver, giving them a wide panorama of the seabed to harvest sponge from. The other ports do not have any guards, which allows for a better field of view while harvesting. The faceplate threads on and off without issue, and all components are complete and function correctly. The internal air vents are inside the bonnet and in excellent condition. As is common with authentic sponge helmets there is a line of solder supporting the neck ring of the breastplate, which has some working dents from decades of use. As these helmets were used solely on open water seabeds in the Mediterranean, and off Tarpon Springs, Florida, their bonnets often showed little or no wear when compared with standard commercial diving helmets. This one shows minimal wear with no cracks or chips in the port glass and supports a rich patina. All four brails and 12 correct wing nuts are intact, and a central front alignment mark is present on both neck rings. 
 
Unlike diving helmets made for the military, a sponge helmet was made on an individual basis for an individual diver. Very few examples still exist today, with most in museums or major collections, and even fewer ever reach the market. This helmet features an impressive consistent patina and the historic traditional style of one of the classic designs of diving helmets.
 
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one at the discounted price of $240 is available.
 
All diving helmets sold by Nation’s Attic will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept on permanent file at the Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity.
 
The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $6150 delivered within the contiguous United States.