10. Diving & Submarines
Prices in U.S. Dollars are in GREEN.
10.98 DIVING HELMET. Genuine early World War II era deep sea diving helmet of English manufacture. This 6 bolt, 3 light hard hat diving helmet is all copper with brass fittings and original tinned finish. The breastplate is boldly embossed “C.E. HEINKE & Co LTD LONDON. S.E. 1” and is stamped with the serial number “470.” The bonnet has a threaded faceplate stamped “116456.” The two oval sidelights have heavy brass grills protecting their thick glass ports. The left front (diver’s) is equipped with a functional spit cock valve. The rear of the helmet has 4 fittings. On the neck ring is a pivoting bar which securely locks the bonnet into a corresponding slot on the breastplate. Directly to the rear is the air inlet goose neck with its operational non-return valve and cap nut. The telephone goose neck next to it has a large hexagonal cap nut marked “TELEPHONE.” Forward of it on the diver’s right is the air exhaust with 9-pointed star valve. Both sides of the helmet have a substantial hook for attaching lines or suspending weights. Inside the bonnet are 3 air ducts which channel venting air over the ports. A Bakelite speaker is on the diver’s right for communicating with the surface. A chin button on his left operates his microphone. Indicative of its age the helmet contains its old original cloth-insulated wiring. Both the face plate and the neck ring retain their original leather O-rings. The breastplate has both original brales marked “HEINKE” and “FRONT” and “BACK” respectively. All 6 original lug nuts are present. There are 4 riveted posts on the breast plate: two front and back, for further attachments. The helmet measures 13 inches wide by 19 ½ inches tall and is 17 inches front to back inclusive of the goosenecks. It weighs 47 pounds. Outstanding original condition throughout. We have been handling diving helmets for over 45 years. Without a doubt, this pristine example is the best we have had the pleasure of offering. SOLD
In his landmark reference book “Helmets of the Deep,” 1988, author Leon Lyons depicts a 3 light, 6 bolt Heinke helmet number 500 on page 56. Then on page 39 he pictures a 3 light helmet made by Siebe Gorman & Co. as being “R. H. Davis Patent six bolt helmet. This model was chosen as the official helmet for the British Navy.” Independent research indicates that Heinke numbers of this configuration began in 1938 and ended with number 546 in 1959.
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10.97 DIVER’s KNIFE WITH PROVENANCE. Rare, authentic Mark V hard hat diver’s knife made by the well known Milwaukie, Wisconsin diving manufacturer Diving Equipment Supply Company, “DESCO,” as impressed on the butt of the handle. What is very significant to the desirability and value of this knife is its history. The sheath is engraved “BRIAN CLARKE FDU (P) REPAIR” with the emblem of the Royal Canadian Diving Service consisting of a Mark V diving helmet flanked by two dolphins with the British Crown above. The knife is the standard Mark V form adopted in 1929. It consists of a stainless steel blade with a Maple wood handle and brass end cap. The solid bronze sheath has a drip hole at the bottom and is attached to a leather belt by means of a slotted clip just below the opening. The knife has broad Acme threads which require only 1 ½ turns to unscrew the knife from its sheath. The blade measures 7 inches long and the knife is 13 inches long overall. With the sheath it measures 13 ½ inches in length. The leather belt is 24 ½ inches long. Absolutely PERFECT, factory mint condition. 995
This knife comes from the Canadian Commander Maritime Forces Pacific as designated by the “P.” “FDU” stands for Fleet Diving Unit. The designation “REPAIR” was for underwater salvage and repair which also encompassed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).
A modern generic “dive knife” is still currently offered by DESCO, the last remaining mark V manufacturer for $618 plus shipping.
PERSPECTIVE KNIFE
MARKINGS THREAD
MAKER BRIAN CLARKE
10.96 DIVER’s LAMP. Authentic World War II deep sea diver’s hand light known as a “diver’s torch.” This scarce all brass example of hard hat diving equipment was made by the famous Siebe Gorman Co., London in 1942, as indicated by stampings on the side “S G O 942.” The heavy body has knurled grips with the working end terminating in a bulbous convex glass bulls eye lens encircled by 4 protective prongs. These were a distinctive feature, unique to the company’s production. Inside is a silvered parabolic reflector surrounding the original incandescent light bulb. The filament of the bulb appears to be intact. The battery chamber is in good condition along with a bronze spring. This lamp is still in working order, when filled with 4 D-cell batteries. (Not included). 11 inches long overall by 3 ½ inches in diameter at the widest. The long tubular body is 1 5/8 inches in diameter. Excellent condition in a high polish with some areas evidencing expected spotting from actual use in the sea. 449
The renown Siebe Gorman Company was founded by its namesake, Augustus Siebe in 1830. The German-born mechanical engineer was credited with a number of inventions, but was best known for developing and marketing his full length hard hat diving suit which went on to become the “standard diving dress” -- the first commercially viable diving apparatus. In 1870 Augustus passed the business to his son Henry and a partner, William Gorman. Thereafter the firm was known as “Siebe & Gorman.” The company continued to produce diving equipment and “submarine apparatus” throughout the 20th century. At the beginning of World War II Siebe Gorman was one of the British companies to receive a contract for the manufacture of tens of thousands of gas masks for Civil defense and general public use. At the same time it was under contract to produce diving equipment for the Royal Navy. In 1961 Siebe Gorman took over the other British diving maker, Heike. A few helmets were given the tag of "Siebe-Heinke", but eventually the name disappeared. In April of 2019, the Siebe Gorman Company was finally dissolved.
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10.92 EARLY DIVING PHOTOGRAPH. Turn-of-the-last-century or earlier photograph of a hard hat diver and his attendant captioned by the photographer “© DIVER READY TO DESCEND, LEWIS PHOTO.” This original albumen photograph exhibits the typical sepia tone. The diver, in full dress, is wearing a 3 light commercial helmet which appears to be that of 19th century Boston maker, Alfred Hale. The helmet has the distinctive “flattened bonnet” and breastplate eyelets for the air hose and tending line. The image is extremely clear and bears close scrutiny under magnification. The back is in standard Post Card format, 3 ½ by 5 ½ inches. Outstanding original condition. A very rare photograph with even rarer subject matter! SOLD
10.91 ANTIQUE DIVER’s RING. Official, World War II vintage sterling silver ring for a U.S. Navy Mark V First Class Diver. This handsome ring is precision cast in detailed relief depicting the iconic emblem of a Mark V diving helmet flanked on each side by a stylized dolphin. Size 10.5. It is stamped “925” in two places. Mint condition. Would make a great quality gift for that diving enthusiast. Very reasonably priced. SOLD
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10.90 EARLY DIVING PHOTO. Authentic silver gelatin print of a hard hat diver and his tender. This antique photograph is titled in the photographer’s hand “Diver in Full Dress Cone Lake April 16, 1912 By Baker.” It depicts the diver wearing an American diving helmet -- a four light 12 bolt commercial type made by A. Schraedr’s Son, New York. The diver can be seen wearing leather diving shoes while the flywheels of a 2-man diving pump appear in the left foreground. 3 ½ by 5 ½ inches. Excellent original condition showing telltale iridescence indicative of this early form of photography. SOLD
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10.89 AMERICAN DIVING HELMET. Genuine hard hat diving helmet made by America's first and foremost maker, "MORSE DIVING EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC, BOSTON, MASS. U.S.A." as embossed on the oval maker's tag riveted to the breastplate. This all copper and brass helmet is Morse's innovative shallow water version used extensively by the U.S. Navy and the commercial fleet for ships' hull inspections, and underwater pier and bridge work. It did not require the diver to use the bulky canvas dress needed for diving with a Mark V. This helmet is serial numbered "62-79" as stamped on the faceplate indicating at date of 1962. It is in good overall condition showing extensive signs of actual use. The revolutionary contoured faceplate is near prefect (a very important condition factor in these helmets). Complete with all 4 original lug nuts. 3475
See Leon Lyons, "Helmets of the Deep" for further information on this scarce diving helmet.
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10.88 HARD HAT DIVER's PATCH. Extremely rare, early 1900's cloth label bearing the trademark of the first and most famous deep sea diving helmet makers "SIEBE GORMAN & CO, LTD." This cotton cloth patch depicts a 6 bolt helmet flanked by the words 'DIVER BRAND.' It measures 2 by 2 ¾ inches and is in excellent condition. A super scarce, beautifully preserved relic from the early days of hard hat diving. 95
10.83 MARK V TOOL. Scarce, authentic World War II or earlier American-made tool used by a tender to assist a diver in donning his dress. This "cuff stretcher" was made by "Schrader U.S.A." as stamped in the handle. It consists of a handsome solid brass goose neck with flared spade, much like a shoe horn, designed to stretch the tight and bulky canvas/rubber sleeves of a hard hat diving suit. The wooden handle is lovely turned rosewood. 6 ½ inches long by 2 3/8 inches wide on the spade. Very heavy duty and in perfect condition! 195
10.77 HARD HAT DIVING CHEST VALVE. Genuine, heavy duty World War II vintage, solid bronze air inlet valve used by hard hat divers to regulate the amount of incoming air they received. Such apparatus was crucial to stabilize both the diver's breathing and his buoyancy. This heavy, precision-cast bronze relic consists of a 5-pointed handle leading to a gooseneck which connects to the surface airline hose. The opposite end was connected by a short length of hose to the helmet inlet air gooseneck itself. The original all brass clip for attachment to the helmet is still present. 7 3/4 inches long by 6 ¼ inches high and 2 ¾ inches thick at the widest. Perfect original condition exhibiting a wonderful statuary bronze patina surface. This component is an essential key element when exhibiting a full dress diving helmet known as a "Jake."
5.81/10.74 IMPORTANT WWII SUBMARINE PLAQUE. Original commemorative plaque from the famous U.S. Navy diesel submarine USS BLACKFIN (SS-322). This handsome historic plaque is cast in high relief from solid brass which has acquired a rich statuary bronze age patina. Charmingly, it depicts a 19th century "copper" (policeman) in uniform twirling a torpedo as if it was a nightstick. The top of the plaque displays the submarine service emblem of dolphins flanking a submarine with "USS BLACKFIN" in high relief. The plaque is mounted to a lovely, very rich, solid African mahogany backing in traditional shield form. It measures 11 by 13 ½ inches. The plaque itself is 7 ¼ high by 5 5/8 inhe4s wide. Outstanding original condition. This is a museum piece. 295
USS BLACKFIN (SS-322), a BALAO-class submarine, was the first ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for a fish from the Great Lakes. She was launched on March 12, 1944 by the Electric Boat Company of Groton, Connecticut and was commissioned on July 4th, 1944, Lieutenant Commander George Hays Laird, Jr., in command.
BLACKFIN arrived at Pearl Harbor on September 11, 1944. During her war operations from September 30th to September 5t th1945 she completed five war patrols. Her operating areas included the South China and Yellow Seas. BLACKFIN sank the Japanese destroyer SHIGURE on January 24, 1945 and a Japanese cargo ship of 4,325 tons.
During her fifth war patrol World War II came to an end, but not before she occupied a Japanese lifeguard station and destroyed 61 floating mines. Thereafter she sailed to Apra Harbor, Guam, on September 5, 1945. After receiving voyage repairs and fuel she proceeded to San Diego where she joined Submarine Squadron 1. She operated with Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet, based out of San Diego until March 8, 1954 and thereafter from Pearl Harbor. During this time she completed two tours in the Far East from December 1951 – June 1952 and January – June 1955.During her career, BLACKFIN was used in two famous movies: 1963 "Move Over Darling" with Doris Day, and James Garner; then in 1968 "Ice Station Zebra" with Rock Hudson and Ernest Borgnine.
The long-lived BLACKFIN was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Record on September 15, 1972. But even then her usefulness continued as a target to be sunk by a torpedo in the "SubSinkEx Project Thurber" project off San Diego, California on May 13, 1973. Her partial sinking was deliberately used to acquire acoustic data on submarine implosions.
BLACKFIN received three battle stars for her World War II service.
10.63 U.S NAVY MARK V. This is it! The ultimate! Offered here is the very sought after, and by far most collected hard hat diving helmet ever -- an authentic World War II era U.S. Navy Mark V. The maker’s breastplate tag is of brass cast in high relief reading:
UNITED STATES NAVY
DIVING HELMET
MARK V MOD.-1
SERIAL NO. 2XXX* DATE OF MFG. 6-43
A.SCHRADER’S SON DIVISION
SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
INCORPORATED
BROOKLYN, N.Y. U.S.A.This helmet is made of heavy spun copper with cast brass fittings and thick glass ports. Speaking to its actual wartime use in the United States Navy, the phone box bears the U.S. inspector’s marked of an anchor flanked by the letters “U S.” The interior is tinned and the bonnet has air channels leading from the air intake goose neck over the three ports. The phone communicator gooseneck contains its original components with cap and the original speaker marked “REPRODUCER” is in place. The chin button is present and functions properly. On the exterior, all fittings are original and in tact. Each of the four brales is marked “FRONT” and “BACK” respectively. The rear dumbbell lock with cotter pin and chain is present and functional. Also present is the non-return valve on the air inlet gooseneck. Not only is it marked “SCHRADER” it also bears the Navy inspector’s mark! The entire unit, weighing 55 pounds, is in excellent condition. There are of course the expected minor dents and dings in the top of the bonnet from actual diving! Complete with a fabulous custom-made wooden stand which has heavy brass Mark V plaques cast from the originals of the diving locker on board a submarine rescue ship (ASR) when deployed in Italy. SOLD
This helmet comes from the collection of a U.S. Navy Master Chief diver.
* For the privacy and security of the ultimate purchaser, the serial number of this helmet is being withheld.
10.61 RARE MILLER-DUNN STYLE 2. Authentic original example of an early 1930’s vintage shallow water diving helmet used by the U.S. Navy for harbor work and underwater hull inspections. This helmet was the forerunner to the company’s later Style 3 which was used in World War II. The classic design is reminiscent of a Medieval knight’s helmet and is why it’s so sought after by collectors for its very unusual presentation! This sturdy old hard hat helmet is made of thick rolled sheet copper with cast brass fittings. The face plate is heavy cast bronze holding two panes of adjacent safety glass at obtuse angles. This was to give the diver a wider field of view than its predecessor, the Style 1 which had a single small port. To protect these bigger glass panels, two heavy brass guards run over each pane. The front and back breastplates contain raised copper slots designed to hold lead weights. Without the weights the helmet is 27 pounds and with them it would weigh about 60 pounds. On the diver’s right side is the downward facing threaded brass gooseneck which was the source of air. It is faced on the inside by a copper diffuser which blew air over the glass panels for defogging. For ease of transport, a cast brass handle is riveted to the top. The brass maker’s tag affixed to the helmet (diver’s right) reads, “DIVINHOOD Style 2 – Navy Standard – U.S. and Foreign Patents MILLER-DUNN CO. Miami, Fla.” This strange looking helmet is in fantastic cosmetic condition, with a high polish and a few small dents from actual service. SOLD
The now legendary Miller-Dunn Company of Miami is shrouded in a good deal of mystery, even though it is well documented that the company produced hard hat diving helmets for more than 30 years. Begun in 1915 as a partnership between a plumber and machinist the company was best known for its shallow water "Divinhood" designs which were patented in the United States and abroad. In his monumental reference book "Helmets of the Deep" by Leon Lyons, 1988, Leon Lyons, Hollywood, Florida, Mr. Lyons writes on page 133, "The number two and 3 styles are most popular among collectors of nautical antiques. They have such a strange look about them.”
In 1916 Miller-Dunn produced their first diving helmet, the Style 1, which looked much like a hot water heater with a porthole in front. Around 1927 the Style 2 was introduced. Its construction was similar to its earlier cousin, the major difference being the faceplate which was expanded to 2 adjacent glass panels set in a heavy cast bronze frame protected by stout horizontal brass guards.
10.05 IMPORTANT DIVING REFERENCE BOOK. Sir Robert H. Davis, “Deep Diving and Submarine Operations, Part I & II,” Sixth Edition 1955, Siebe Gorman & Co., Great Britain. Hard cover, 695 pages exclusive of index and fold-out map. Certainly the “bible” of early diving technology and innovation. In the first half of the 1900’s Mr. Davis was the chairman of the famous pioneer diving equipment manufacturing company established by its founder Augustus Siebe in 1819. This 6th edition is the embodiment of knowledge garnered from the earliest deep sea operations well into the experiences of World War II. Contained in 20 chapters and 7 Appendices, it is a thorough treatment of the subject. Some of the topics covered are: Physics and physiology, Dressing the diver, Helium and oxygen in deep diving, Diving bells, Armoured diving apparatus, Underwater tools, Escape form sunken submarines, Underwater warfare, Diving for treasure, Salvage of sunken ships, Divers’ yarns and adventures, and a most fascinating Illustrated history of Diving. The Appendices include topics on Maximum depths, Submarine escape, Underwater television, and the Greatest ocean descent, among others. The cloth cover is lifted on the front, no doubt from exposure to the marine environment in which it was actually used. However the hard cover itself is sound and intact. Importantly the entire content is in very fine, very presentable condition. 195
10.56 EARLY DIVING/SALVAGE PHOTOGRAPH. Very scarce albumen photograph of the refloating of the steam/sail ship CITY of ATLANTA in 1893. It is identified in the artist’s hand lower right “City of Atlanta pumped out by prop Williams & Chapman” Jany 18-93.” The image shows the 2 masted schooner at dock in the midst of winter with a salvage lighter alongside. Below it is the prominent label reading “Wrecking Heavy Hoisting DIVERS and STEAM PUMPS CHAPMAN DERRICK & WRECKING CO. 70 South Street New York.” It is housed in its original gilt wooden frame under old wavy glass with wooden backing. On the back is an old type-written label indicating information on the vessels involved. The image measures 7 ½ by 9 ½ inches sight. The frame measures 14 by 16 inches. Condition is very good (no damage), but showing its 125 year old age. A quite rare and sought after subject matter spanning several collector categories. 239
10.49 HARD HAT DIVING PUMP. Genuine World War II era or earlier shallow water diving pump made by the “Miller-Dunn Co. Miami Fla.” as cast in relief on the tops of the twin cylinders. This heavy duty pump is MD’s “No. 1A” model as so identified on the tops. It consists of a cast iron rocking beam attached to brass rods activating dual pistons with leather washers contained within the brass cylinders. Valves on each cylinder direct air to an outlet via a hard rubber hose which connected to the diver’s air line. The cylinders pivot on their bases as the rocking beam works in a reciprocal motion to and fro. The heavy cast iron base is attached to a thick solid mahogany slab mount. A simple metal handle would have been used to operate the rocking beam, which has a slot and set nut to accommodate same. This very handsome presentation measures 15 inches long by 7 inches wide on the base, 16 ½ inches high and weighs 30 pounds. Beautifully restored cosmetic condition, and it still pumps! The nicest of several we have ever offered in 4 decades. 895
The now legendary Miller-Dunn Company of Miami is shrouded in a good deal of mystery, even though it is documented that the company produced hard hat diving helmets over the course of more than 30 years. Begun in 1915 as a partnership between a plumber and machinist the company was best known for its shallow water "Divinhood" designs which were patented in the United States and abroad. In his monumental reference book "Helmets of the Deep" by Leon Lyons, 1988, Leon Lyons, Hollywood, Florida, Mr. Lyons writes on page 133, "The number two and 3 styles are most popular among collectors of nautical antiques. They have such a strange look about them.” The Miller-Dunn 1A pump was designed for use with both of those rare helmets.
10.47 AMERICAN HARD HAT DIVING HELMET. This is the classic World War II era and earlier vintage U.S. Navy shallow water diving helmet produced by the rather unconventional manufactory of Miller-Dunn Company. The embossed rectangular brass maker’s tag on the right side of the helmet reads, “DIVINHOOD STYLE 3 – NAVY STANDARD – U.S. and Foreign Patents, MILLER-DUNN CO., MIAMI, FLA.” This shallow water helmet is Miller-Dunn’s final model, representing the culmination of their shallow water helmet output since the very early 1900’s. It consists of a hand-formed bonnet of pure copper with brass fittings. This impressive pre-SCUBA diving relic is in superb authentic condition. The glass ports are original and retain their original litharge and red lead seals. Both the original front and rear lead weights are present, complete with their original brass wing nuts and fasteners. As configured this presentation weighs a massive 56 pounds! 25 inches tall by 12 ¾ inches wide at the shoulder and 13 ¼ inches front to back. Unpolished, unaltered, as last dived. Without a doubt one of the finest American hard hat diving helmets available anywhere.
The now legendary Miller-Dunn Company of Miami is shrouded in a good deal of mystery, even though it is documented that the company produced hard hat diving helmets over the course of more than 30 years. Begun in 1915 as a partnership between a plumber and machinist the company was best known for its shallow water "Divinhood" designs which were patented in the United States and abroad. In his monumental reference book "Helmets of the Deep" by Leon Lyons, 1988, Leon Lyons, Hollywood, Florida, Mr. Lyons writes on page 133, "The number two and 3 styles are most popular among collectors of nautical antiques. They have such a strange look about them.”
10.45 U.S. NAVY MARK V. A collector’s dream… the ultimate! By far the most collected hard hat diving helmet of all time. Offered here is an original authentic World War II U.S. Navy Mark V dating from the latter days of the War! It is a particularly handsome example in exceptional condition. The oval brass maker's tag riveted to the front of the breastplate reads:
U.S. NAVY DIVING HELMET
MARK V – MOD. 1
DIVING EQUIPMENT AND SALVAGE CO. INC
MILWAUKEE, WIS.
29XX U Ψ S
DATE 6 6 45
It is made of heavy spun copper with cast brass fittings and thick glass ports. Complete with its 4-prong external exhaust valve mounted in the banana diffuser, faced on the inside by the spring-loaded chin button. On the diver’s left, above the functional spitcock is the mounting plate for a sacrificial zinc. The interior retains its original tinning in good condition. The air inlet gooseneck is complete with its functional non-return valve marked “DESCO MILWAUKEE WIS” which is stamped with the U.S. Navy’s inspector mark. Air channels from the air intake goose neck lead to all three ports. The phone gooseneck is complete with a portion of its original wiring and the original brass packing gland. It has all 4 original brales marked "FRONT" and "BACK" respectively, retaining their seldom-found “pinch plates” at the junction of each brale. All lug nuts are original and the breastplate retains the longer “bastard stud” on the diver’s front left for attachment to an air control chest valve and whip. The entire unit weighs over 55 pounds and is in excellent, really handsome condition. There are a few minor dents and dings in the top of the bonnet. This is a working helmet 75 years old, and these are desirable evidence of age and actual use! The fact that this helmet bears the U.S Navy’s inspector’s mark in 2 places indicates it was actually used in military service during the Second World War! If only it could talk! As an added bonus, it comes complete with a very high quality custom-made hardwood display stand. This is the best!
10.43 RARE HELI-OX DEEP WATER MARK V HELMET. Truly the ultimate in hard hat diving, this extremely rare and very valuable relic of deep water diving is embodied in the pioneering 1930’s American effort to send divers who were previously limited to the depths of 120 feet to the unimaginable depths of nearly 1000 feet! This Mark V has the typical hinged face plate and 3 light construction, with phone communicator box and exhaust valve in the standard positions. The zinc anode mounting plate is in the usual position. The breastplate is the Mark V type 12 bolt pattern with front eyelets. The oblong maker’s tag cast in lead reads:
But there the similarities end. This helmet has no spitcock. The dumb bell lock between the bonnet and breastplate is forward on the diver’s left. The neck ring numbers, tag number, and all brale numbers match. There are a total of 4 goosenecks leading into the bonnet. Two huge connections attach the massive brass mixing canister at the rear of the helmet. Mounted to the goose neck on the diver’s right is the helium inlet which connects to the airline whip. The whip leads to the chest valve mounted to the front of the breastplate. This combination Helium/Oxygen line, known as the “Heli-OX” is very rare in its own right. Two more goose necks house the telephone communication system leading to the transducer which would have been mounted within the phone box receptacle. A fifth fitting is the bubble diffuser extending up the right side (diver’s) of the helmet from the exhaust valve. The crowning touch, quite literally is the heavy brass eyelet on the top of the bonnet. This was used in conjunction with a crane to lower and retrieve the heavily burdened diver in the water! The entire assembly measures 28 inches tall by 19 inches wide by 22 inches deep and weighs close to 100 pounds! Overall condition is excellent with signs of obvious use but no abuse. Traces of the original tinning exist on all surfaces. The remainder bear a nice patinated copper appearance. The interior air vents are all in place and the entire interior is tinned. The chin button, exhaust valve and chest valve all function properly. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire such an impressive representative of cutting edge American diving history!
UNITED STATES NAVY
DIVING HELMET
MARK V MOD-1
SERIAL NO. XXXX* DATE OF MFG 8/61
MORSE DIVING EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
BOSTON, MASS. U.S.A.* For the privacy and security of the ultimate buyer this number is being withheld.
10.36 MARK V DIVING HELMET. This is it! The most sought after hard hat diving helmet ever made -- the U.S. Navy Mark V. Here is an especially nice original example with a thick cast brass maker’s tag affixed to the front of the breastplate. It reads:
UNITED STATES NAVY
The classic construction is of spun copper with cast brass fittings. The round phone box is stamped with the U.S. Navy inspector’s mark, as is the non-return valve attached to the air inlet gooseneck. The valve is also marked "SCHRADER.” The phone box is stamped with the number XXXX* which matches the neck ring and brale numbers. On the inside the phone box holds the original transducer which is signed ““REPRODUCER” Audio Equipment Co, Inc. Great Neck, N.Y.” The phone gooseneck has its original cover with retaining chain. The helmet interior contains the original channels which directed incoming air over the ports for anti-fogging. The entire insides retain their original tinning. The chin button and spit cock are functional. Each brale is serial numbered on its underside and on their surface, the rear brales are marked “BACK” and the front brales “FRONT.” The rear of the helmet has its original dumbbell lock with clip and cotter pin on a chain. All lug nuts are original. An exceptionally handsome original Mark V, which due to its early date in World War II, certainly saw wartime service.
DIVING HELMET
MARK V No. XXX*
MANUFACTURED BY
SCHRADER’S SON DIV.
MOD No 1 MARCH 1942
BROOKLYN NY.
* For the privacy and security of the ultimate purchaser this number is being withheld.
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10.35 MARK V DIVING HELMET. Here is an original, highly sought after, and by far most collected hard hat diving helmet ever -- an authentic World War II era U.S. Navy Mark V. This is an early example manufactured by A. Schrader’s Son of New York, the firm which went out of business at war’s end. The front breastplate of this unique looking helmet bears the bears the embossed cast brass oval breastplate maker's tag reading: UNITED STATES NAVY This helmet is made of heavy spun copper with cast brass fittings and thick glass ports. The interior is tinned and the bonnet has air channels leading from the air intake goose neck over the three ports. The phone communicator gooseneck contains its original components with cap and the transducer is present. The chin button and spit cock are in place and function properly. The exhaust valve is impressed with the “BTE” logo indicating its desirable manufacture by the "Batteryless Manufacturing Company” which produced such components in the 30’s and early 40’s. On the exterior, all fittings are original and in tact. The neck ring serial numbers of the bonnet and breastplate match, coinciding with the numbers stamped on the underside of each brale. The front two brales bear markings "FRONT" and the rear two brales are marked "BACK" and on the underside each bears the same bonnet and breastplate number. The entire unit, weighing 55 pounds, is in totally original condition! This old veteran of the sea was obviously well used. It has several small dents in the bonnet. The entire surface bears small pock marks from exposure to salt water, and portions of the helmet are covered with a heavy bluish green verdigris. All of this combines to make this hard hat provide a very unusual and extremely appealing old look. * For the personal privacy of the ultimate buyer, the serial number of this helmet is being withheld. |
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10.30 EARLY DIVING LITHOGRAPH. Charming mid-1800’s stone lithograph depicting two hard hat divers with their attendants in a lapstrake dory preparing to dive. This colorful depiction shows a total of eight French sailors in their small boat moored to a barrel with a large man-o-war in the background. The colors and contrast of this original chromolithograph are as clear and bright as the day it was printed well over 1oo years ago! Mounted on foam core measuring 4 ½ by 7 inches. |
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10.85 HARD HAT DIVING PUMP. Authentic first half of the 1900's American diving pump made by "MORSE DIVING EQUIPMENT CO., INC. BOSTON, MASS. U.S.A." as cast in relief on the body of the pump. On the reverse side is cast the model number "No. 15." This twin cylinder shallow water pump is made of solid bronze mounted to an oak platform. The one-man reciprocating pump is operated by a steel handle with a perpendicular oak grip. As configured it measures 31 1/2 inches long on the oak base and stands approximately 46 1/4 inches high. The pump itself measures 20 1/2 inches long by 8 inches wide on the base. The entire unit weighs 54 pounds! Matching serial numbers on the pump and rocker arm. The genuine quality handle is a faithful replacement. 995
In the catalog of Andrew J. Morse & Son, Inc. Edition 5M, copyrighted in 1937, page 15 through 17 are devoted to this pump and the shallow water diving helmet associated with it. It is described as, "The No. 15 Pump has two cylinders which are single action, and as shown by the illustration, are made in one bronze casting. The discharge valves and the hose outlet are connected by brass pipe, so arranged that the cylinder heads may be easily removed. The results of tests made show that our Shallow Water Outfit is entirely satisfactory provided the depth of the water does not exceed 36 feet." The price of the pump in 1937 exclusive of additional equipment or fittings was listed at $100.
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10.19 MARK V DIVING HELMET. This is it! The ultimate! Offered here is an original, very sought after, and by far most collected hard hat diving helmet ever -- an authentic World War II era U.S. Navy Mark V. Even more special, this is an early example manufactured by the venerable Morse Diving Equipment Company of Boston, bearing much of its original tin finish! The front of this handsome helmet bears the embossed cast brass oval breastplate maker's tag reading: UNITED STATES NAVY DIVING HELMET This helmet is made of heavy spun copper with cast brass fittings and thick glass ports. The interior is tinned and the bonnet has air channels leading from the air intake goose neck over the three ports. The phone communicator gooseneck contains its original components with cap and the fittings for holding the transducer are present. The chin button and spit cock are in place and function properly. On the exterior, all fittings are original and in tact. The neck ring serial numbers of the bonnet and breastplate match, coinciding with the number stamped on the left rear brale. The front two brales bear markings "FRONT" and the rear two brales are marked "MORSE BOSTON / MADE IN U.S.A." respectively. The entire unit, weighing 55 pounds, is in excellent totally original condition! There are of course the expected minor dents, dings and mild surface corrosion expected of a working helmet! In 1837 the partnership of Fletcher and Morse was formed to manufacturer brass goods at the corner of Water and Congress Street in Boston. When Mr. Fletcher retired in 1864, the firm name changed to Andrew J. Morse & Son as makers of "submarine diving apparatus." In 1881 Andrew Morse died and his son, William F. Morse, continued the business under the same name. In 1905 when William retired, ownership of the business was transferred to William's daughter, Elizabeth, and the firm name was changed to Andrew J. Morse & Son, Inc. In 1940 the company name changed yet again to Morse Diving Equipment Co., Inc. of Boston. In 1970, rights to the company were purchased privately and the new firm was moved to Rockland, Massachusetts. In 1998 the company was sold once more with the resultant name of Morse Diving, Inc. at 199 Weymouth Street in Rockland. Morse was best known for its development of the Mark 5 helmet system for the United States Navy in 1914. Ultimately, 3 other companies: A. Shrader's Son, Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (later "DESCO") and finally Miller-Dunn, also produced Mark V helmets for the Navy throughout World War II. But Morse was the originator. * For the privacy and security of the ultimate purchaser, the serial number of this helmet is being withheld. |
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10.94 MARK V DIVING HELMET. This is it! The ultimate! Offered here is the very sought after, and by far most collected hard hat diving helmet ever -- an authentic World War II era U.S. Navy Mark V. But even more special, this is a scarce example by the Miller Dunn Company of Miami, was not polished and is in its as "last used" finish! The front of this handsome helmet bears the embossed lead breastplate maker's tag reading:
This helmet is made of heavy spun copper with cast brass fittings and thick glass ports. The interior is tinned and the bonnet has air channels leading from the air intake goose neck over the three ports. The phone communicator gooseneck contains its original components with cap and the fittings for holding the transducer are present. The chin button is in place and functions properly. On the exterior, all fittings are original and in tact. Each of the four brales bear serial numbers matching that of the breastplate tag. The entire unit, weighing 50 pounds, is in excellent totally original condition! There are of course the expected minor dents and dings in the top of the bonnet from actual diving! * For the privacy and security of the ultimate purchaser, the serial number of this helmet is being withheld.
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10.95 EARLY HARD HAT DIVER’s BOOTS. Very scarce, early 1900’s diver’s boot with leather uppers and brass fittings. This original old matched pair has bronze toes with wooden insoles and lead bottoms. The leather ia in a remarkable state of original preservation. Of great significance is the fact that the right boot is marked on the bronze toe “ARS 33.” It is also stamped “R” designating the right boot. In total this set weighs more that 40 pounds! In Leon Lyons’ground breaking work, “Helmets of the Deep,” 1988, Leon Lyons, Hollywood, Florida, an identical pair of boots are depicted on page 330 described as “2. American – A. Schraders Son.” USS CLAMP (ARS-33) was a Diver class rescue and salvage ship acquired by the U.S. Navy soon after America entered World War II. CLAMP was launched October 24, 1942 by the Basalt Rock Co., Napa, California, under a U.S. Maritime Commission contract and was commissioned as a U.S. Navy vessel on August 23, 1943.
Charged with the task of aiding stricken vessels, CLAMP sailed from San Pedro on September 30, 1943. After a brief period at Pearl Harbor, CLAMP arrived in the Ellice Islands on November 8th. From this base she conducted combat salvage operations supporting the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. |
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10.21 Authentic U.S Navy hard hat Mark V diving helmets for sale in quantity from salvage.
ANSWERS TO AUTHENTICATION QUIZ
IN "FEATURES" ARTICLE
"The U. S. Navy MARK V,
Diving Deep Into Authentication"
The genuine Mark V helmet is on the right.
1. Center and left helmets have been chemically darkened, including all exterior fittings. The copper "bonnets" (shells) of original Mark V's were coated with tin, but ususally the fittings were not tinned.
2. The faceplate wing nut does not seat "within" the grooved faceplate prong of the center and left helmets, as it does on the genuine Mark V.
3. Brale lug nuts are the same on the center and left helmets. On the genuine Mark V, the lug nuts at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions have an enlarged flange to prevent the suit from pinching at the joints.
4. No mounting plate for sacrificial zinc in between the faceplate and left (diver's) port on the center and left helmets.
5. The genuine Mark V has breastplate eyelets, whereas the center and left helmets have breastplate lugs or nipples.
6. The shape of the genuine Mark V breastplate describes a deep arch. The breastplates of the center and left helmets are squared off and not as deep.
7. The breastplate studs on the reproduction Mark V's are riveted to the breastplate. The eyelets on a real Mark V protrude through the breastplate and are soldered on inside, NOT with rivets.