The price includes credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $10,500 delivered within the contiguous United States.
Throughout the Mark V's production history, only four companies manufactured this iconic model. Of those four, DESCO of Milwaukee, WI was a primary supplier to the US Navy during World War 2. Examples from DESCO that were sent to the US Navy were first inspected and then stamped either on the ID plate or the breastplate neck ring. This very helmet, made one month prior to D-Day, features the USN inspection stamp, proving it was accepted into USN inventory in 1944!
This helmet was made on May 5th, 1944. This information is stamped on the oval brass ID plate along with its serial number. DESCO would stamp the serial number on the ID plate, on the inside of the breastplate neck ring, and on the inside of the bonnet neck ring. The helmet features the same number in all three locations, a full serial numbers matching example.
This Mark V helmet, 81 years old, retains all original components and the authentic wear of a wartime artifact. The copper body features a dark color with hints of the original tinning intact in some spots. All the brass hardware is in great condition, with a nice patina as well. The helmet’s ID plate is easy to read.
On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside also retains the original tinning. The helmet is complete with all 12 wing nuts, four copper brail shims, four brails, window guards, red lead original sealed glass, air fitting with DESCO stamped non-return valve with cap, exhaust valve, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch, and communications fitting with cap. Old communications wire is still intact inside the bonnet. The original neck ring gasket is present. There are three port guard screws missing and the dumbbell safety latch chain is missing, all of which are easy to purchase from DESCO. There are no notable dents or dings on this helmet, making it a real gem!
The US Navy Mark V is arguably the gold standard of diving helmet collecting worldwide. This extremely nice original WW2 DESCO is a fantastic addition to any collection, as well as being a solid investment piece.
All helmets sold by Nations Attic Inc. will have 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 helmet’s authenticity is unmatched in the industry and very important to us.
The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one at a discounted price is available. The helmet will be shipped in two double thick specially prepared boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping is available.
The price includes credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $10,500 delivered within the contiguous United States.