This is a rare opportunity to acquire a complete and original US Navy Mark V diving helmet from World War I, and it's not just any Mark V. This helmet is one of the very first manufactured by the legendary A. Schrader's Son Company.
 
A. Schrader's Son Company, a name synonymous with innovation and quality, has been an iconic manufacturer throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Schrader began producing diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. They became a primary supplier of the renowned Mark V helmet, starting in 1917, and continuing through World War II. The Mark V itself is widely regarded as the most iconic diving helmet ever made.
 
This particular US Navy Mark V helmet, serial #177, was manufactured on April 3rd, 1918, making it the 177th Mark V ever produced! Towards the end of World War I, the US Navy urgently needed equipment for the monumental task of reconstructing Europe and rebuilding its own fleet. Remarkably, this helmet has survived over 107 years in stunning condition. It features a very nice copper body with all its original brass hardware intact. The helmet proudly displays its original A. Schrader's Son Inc. brass ID plate, with the serial number and date clearly stamped.
 
A critical detail with any Mark V diving helmet is the serial-numbered parts. During World War 1, Schrader would generally only stamp the helmet's number on the brass ID plate. A separate non-corresponding number would also be stamped on the outside of both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings. We are pleased to report that the neck ring numbers are matching, 28. 
 
It is likely the helmet was in the US Navy inventory during World War 1 and afterwards. While seldom seen or retained, a separate inventory number is present on the inside breastplate. A piece of lead is stamped HC-158. We are unsure of the significance of this number and it will have to be a mystery possibly solved by the next owner.  
 
As can be seen in the photos, this beautiful helmet has been professionally polished. The work was likely done years ago, allowing the helmet to develop a slight, consistent patina to the copper body and brass hardware. The helmet's hardware is all intact, including the brails, 12 wing nuts, window guards, internal air vents, spitcock valve, chin button, and dumbbell safety latch with chain. 
 
The exhaust valve is circa World War II and was a component commonly replaced for servicing. All of the glass is the correct style replacement and in excellent condition. The helmet does feature some minor and typical working dents on the top of the bonnet and breastplate. None of the dents are notable or distracting and only add to the helmet's authenticity. A minor copper repair was made, likely during military service, on the center of the back of the bonnet (see photo). For a helmet like this to have obviously been used and to have survived two World Wars and over 100 years is quite impressive. 
 
Early World War 1 Mark V helmets seldom come on the market, and even fewer in this nice, all-numbers-matching condition!
 
The helmet will be accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity detailing its history. A matching serial-numbered hologram decal, also from Nations Attic, will be applied to the inside of the helmet to preserve its history and authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one will be provided.