The price includes a 4% credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $9600 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
One of the famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Morse Diving Equipment Company Inc. (Morse) made this helmet. Located in Boston, MA, this company started making diving helmets and related equipment in the mid-19th Century. Morse was the first company to make the Mark V for the US Navy in 1916. Morse is still in business today, making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services in Milwaukee, WI.
 
This helmet was made in March 1944. At this time, Morse was using a lead ID plate. The plate had the date and lot number stamped onto it. Unlike the other three manufacturers of the Mark V during World War 2, Morse placed a lot number on the ID plate. Due to use and time, the lot number has worn off the lead plate. Morse would place the actual helmet's serial number on both neck rings and all four brails. This helmet's serial number is 5023 and matches in all six locations. 
 
As seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice condition. It appears the helmet was cleaned and polished decades ago, leaving a nice, consistent patina on the copper and brass. This helmet features all original components which include the four numbered brails, 12 wing nuts, four copper brail shims, spitcock valve, exhaust valve and chin button, air vents, communications & air elbow fittings, and glass. The safety lock on the bonnet is present, but the chain and cotter pin are missing. The bonnet features minor working dents, none are severe, though.  
 
From our experience and research, Morse Diving Equipment Mark V’s from World War 2 are the 2nd most difficult manufacturer out of the four to find. This is likely due to Morse making other war-critical products, leaving DESCO and Schrader to make the bulk of Mark Vs during the war. Today, Morse helmets are recognized worldwide as the original Mark V manufacturer and, in many cases, the most desirable. 
 
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 $9600 delivered within the contiguous United States.