The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $15,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.
This helmet was discovered last week after being wrapped up in a closet for decades. It was brought home by a US Navy UDT officer as a keepsake and remarkably preserved in this amazing 1944 factory original condition!
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 September 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 lucky has survived in excellent near-mint condition!
Somehow this helmet has survived nearly 80 years in this nearly pristine factory original condition. The copper body retains its original factory-installed tinning. All the brass hardware looks like the day it was made in 1944. The helmet’s ID plate is flawless and easy to read. Miller Dunn helmets stamped the day, month, and year of manufacturer on the ID plate and a serial number, in this case, 1038. 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 edge of the breastplate neck ring is stamped 1038. The bonnet inside neck ring is stamped 1038. Serial #s match in all seven locations!
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside also retains the original tinning. Original communications wire is present and connected to a WWII Guided Radio reproducer. This reproducer features a US Navy inspection stamp. Without a doubt, this was installed in 1944.
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, window guard screws, air fitting, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch and with chain, air and communications fittings. The communications elbow has cap protecting the telephone plug. The air elbow has a non-return valve and cap 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 $15,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.