The price includes credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $10,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
Arguably the most iconic, desirable, and widely collected diving helmet ever produced, the United States Navy Mark V stands as the unmistakable symbol of classic hard-hat diving. Offered here is an outstanding early World War II example manufactured in August 1942 by the A. Schrader's Son Company, Division of Scovill Manufacturing Co. Schrader was one of the original two firms selected by the U.S. Navy to produce the Mark V beginning in 1916 and would go on to fulfill numerous wartime contracts as America expanded its naval forces during World War II.
 
Examples dated 1942 are noticeably more difficult to acquire than those produced from 1943 through 1945. During 1942, American industry was still transitioning into full wartime production, and the tremendous manufacturing output that would later define the war effort had not yet reached its peak. As a result, surviving helmets from this important early period are encountered far less frequently.
 
The helmet retains its crisp, highly legible original brass identification plate bearing serial number 473A. The communications cup is clearly stamped with a U.S. Navy inspection mark, confirming that the helmet successfully passed Navy inspection and entered active military service.
 
Completeness is another highlight of this example. The helmet retains all four brails which have the matching serial #473a on their underside, twelve wing nuts, window guards, glass, air and communications fittings, spitcock valve, BTE exhaust valve, and the original dumbbell safety latch with chain. Inside the bonnet, all internal air distribution vents remain in place along with the exhaust button. While the neck ring gasket has long since disappeared, the Schrader-stamped non-return valve remains attached to the air elbow. The bonnet displays numerous service dents accumulated through honest working use, creating the kind of authentic character and untouched patina that collectors appreciate and that simply cannot be reproduced.
 
One particularly intriguing feature is the survival of the original telephone connection, a component frequently missing from Mark V helmets after decades of service. Manufactured by the Batteryless Telephone Equipment Co., the fitting is clearly stamped with the company's name along with the marking "ARS 34." The stamping undoubtedly relates to the World War II U.S. Navy rescue and salvage ship USS Gear (ARS-34). Likely the part was simply stamped for inventory or maintenance purposes while on the ship. Nevertheless, the possibility creates a fascinating historical connection into the helmet's possible wartime service.
 
Adding another layer of interest, this helmet is accompanied by a book recounting the experiences of a sailor who served aboard the USS Gear during World War II. Although no direct provenance links the helmet to the vessel, the pairing creates a compelling historical association that enhances the story surrounding this remarkable piece.
 
Visually, the helmet is every bit as impressive as its history. The spun copper body has developed a rich, even dark chocolate patina that only decades of age can produce, beautifully complemented by the original mellowed brass hardware. Together, they give the helmet the unmistakable appearance of an authentic World War II veteran, preserved with the character, dignity, and presence that serious collectors seek.
 
All helmets sold by Nation’s Attic Inc. will come with 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 helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.
 
The display stand shown in the photographs is not included but may be purchased separately at a discounted price. The helmet will be professionally packed in a specially prepared shipping container and shipped via FedEx. Worldwide shipping is available; contact us for a shipping quote outside the US.
 
The price includes credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $10,750 delivered within the contiguous United States.