Dive Deep for History: Nation's Attic Announces the Must-See "Diving Into History + More" Auction
- djc726
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Mark Your Calendars: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Nation's Attic is preparing to host one of its most exciting sales of the year: the annual Diving Into History + More auction. This event is a deep-sea treasure chest for collectors, featuring hundreds of rare, authentic artifacts from commercial diving's golden age, alongside a captivating selection of historic collectibles from other unique categories.
The entire auction is online-only, making it accessible to collectors and history enthusiasts worldwide, with global shipping available on all items.
The Anchor Lot: A Century of Diving History
As always, the centerpiece of the sale is the incredible collection of antique and vintage deep-sea diving equipment from the 19th and 20th centuries. This is more than just hardware; it’s a tangible link to the pioneers who explored and worked beneath the waves.
Highlights from the Deep Include:
Classic Copper and Brass Helmets: Iconic bell helmets from legendary makers like A. Schrader's Son, A.J. Morse, Siebe Gorman, and Craftsweld. Look for a rare 1913 A Schrader's Son 5 Bolt Antique Diving Helmet and a remarkable 1915 Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 1.
Lot #45 Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 Helmet Rare Helium Helmets: A must-see is the highly sought-after US Navy Mark V Helium “Widow Maker” Diving Helmet from the USS Pigeon, alongside an incredibly rare Lindberg Hammar Helium Recirculator Diving Helmet—a piece of history connected to Charles Lindbergh's son.
Lot #60 1918 US Navy Mark V Diving Helmet Fiberglass and Modern Era Gear: The sale also features gear from the shift toward modern commercial diving, including helmets from Kirby Morgan, DESCO, Joe Savoie, and the highly collectible Bob Ratclife “Rat Hat” helmets.
Lot #25 Joe Savoie Fiberglass Diving Helmet Memorabilia: The auction includes rare books, dive knives, plaques, and vintage catalogs to complete any collection.
The "+ More" — Treasures Beyond the Tides
While the diving gear is the main event, Nation's Attic lives up to the "+ More" in its title by offering several distinct collections guaranteed to intrigue any collector:
1. A Lifetime Collection of Antique Golf Balls
For those who prefer the links to the deep, the auction features an extensive collection of antique and vintage golf balls dating from the late 1800s to the 1960s. You'll find rare models featuring unique bramble and mesh patterns, including a Willie Park Jr. Ideal 1890s Bramble Pattern Gutty Golf Ball and many balls still in their original wrappers.
2. Rare Antiques & Collectibles
The sale is rounded out by a selection of truly unique and sometimes bizarre historical artifacts. Keep an eye out for a full-size 1930's Watling Rol-A-Tor 5c Antique Slot Machine and a conversation-starting 19th Century Vampire Hunting / Defense Kit housed in a wooden coffin travel case.
How to Participate
The Nation's Attic Diving Into History + More auction kicks off on Saturday, November 1st, 2025. Preview and pre-bidding are open now. Don't miss your chance to secure a piece of history!
Start browsing and place your bids today: https://bid.oldhelmet.com/auction/218-nations-attic-diving/
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