We are excited to offer for sale this scarce helmet, one of a mere handful personally crafted by the pioneering diver Al Hanson. This helmet, a testament to Al and his wife Norma's legendary career, served as a vital piece of equipment in their captivating underwater diving exhibitions for glass-bottom boat tours at Catalina Island, California, spanning from 1947 to 1970. The Hansons' signature white paint, applied to all their helmets, ensured maximum visibility in the depths, enhancing the audience's experience. Previously owned by a close diver friend of the Hanson’s, this particular helmet was meticulously restored for display in a private museum, and we are privileged to showcase this unique piece from such an iconic diving duo.
 
Technically, the helmet boasts an air control valve and an emergency dump valve in the bonnet, a USN Mark V exhaust valve, and a telephone housing, alongside a central tie-off eye on the breastplate. Its most distinctive feature, however, is the oversized fixed view ports, specifically designed to capture the divers' faces for photographs. This design element is vividly illustrated in the accompanying video clip of Al Hanson performing an extraordinary underwater feat. This footage, likely the only existing record of a deep-sea diver executing a free ascent after cutting themselves out of their suit, was broadcast nationwide on Colonel John D. Craig's "Danger Is My Business." Television show.

Watch The Video Here
 
The Hansons were true luminaries of California diving, with Al contributing his expertise to Disney's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Norma, using a similar helmet, achieved a record-breaking dive to 220 feet in 1950. This exceptional helmet is accompanied by a Kerotest bail-out bottle from the museum exhibit, stamped 10-42 and meticulously refurbished in white. Further enriching this collection is a first edition copy of the Hansons' comprehensive 700-page book, "More Than Nine Lives," numbered 356 of a limited 500 print run, and personally inscribed by Norma to a respected diving author. (Approximately 50 were destroyed prior to shipping originally, so the total surviving copies are less than 500). Finally, a copy of Historical Diver Magazine, featuring Al Hanson on the cover and a detailed pictorial of their career, completes this extraordinary offering.
 
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.
 
The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $9,250 delivered within the contiguous United States.