The price includes credit card fee. If you pay by check, money order, or bank wire, the discounted price is $4,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.
 
Recently discovered in Alaska after having been tucked away for decades, this impressive antique diving helmet represents an authentic piece of early commercial diving history. Based on its components and period of manufacture, it was almost certainly used in support of Alaska's early underwater mining industry during the first decades of the twentieth century.
 
The helmet consists of an A.J. Morse & Son Inc. breastplate paired with a Siebe Gorman bonnet. While manufactured by two different companies, this type of combination was not uncommon in remote commercial diving operations. In isolated locations such as Alaska, where replacement equipment was difficult to obtain, divers often adapted compatible components to keep valuable equipment in service. Today, these working combinations provide an interesting glimpse into the practical realities of early commercial diving.
 
The A.J. Morse & Son breastplate is stamped with serial number 1565, which appears on all four brass brails. This serial number dates the breastplate to the early 1910s, and the style of the brass identification plate is consistent with that period. The Siebe Gorman bonnet bears serial number 6218, stamped inside the neck ring, placing its manufacture to 1906.
 
The two sections thread together smoothly and fit remarkably well, giving the helmet a cohesive appearance. The breastplate remains complete with its four matching serial-numbered brass brails, all twelve wing nuts, and both original front posts.
 
The Siebe Gorman bonnet is in very nice original condition. Both vertical side lights retain their glass, and the threaded faceplate remains in place. Also present are the spitcock valve, exhaust valve, air elbow, and communications elbow. A period repair is visible on the rear of the bonnet, reflecting its long working life. The crown retains Siebe Gorman's distinctive castellated construction, formed from multiple brazed copper sections, while the original internal air passages remain intact.
 
The helmet displays an attractive, well-developed patina that highlights its age and originality. Its combination of two highly respected diving helmet manufacturers, together with its Alaskan provenance and likely association with the state's early mining industry, make it an especially interesting example. With its excellent overall presentation, original components, and documented period construction, this helmet would make a fine addition to any advanced collection of antique commercial diving equipment.
 
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 $4,995 delivered within the contiguous United States.